High School: A Beginner's Guide - Part 2

Welcome back to yet another episode of High School 101-just kidding! It's back-to-school season! And most likely, you have survived your first day. If you haven't started yet, good luck! It's time to talk about studying. Ah yes, the dreaded topic of time management and educational efficiency. Just a few simple tips, however, can transform how you approach your classes and improve grades.

By Ananya Pasunuri — August 31, 2022

Tags: freshman, guide, high school, sophomore, student

High School: A Beginner's Guide - Part 2

Welcome back to yet another episode of High School 101—just kidding! It's back-to-school season! And most likely, you have survived your first day. If you haven't started yet, good luck! It's time to talk about studying. Ah yes, the dreaded topic of time management and educational efficiency. Just a few simple tips, however, can transform how you approach your classes and improve grades.

Y.O.S.M

The subheading might be quirky and weird when you first read it but hear me out. During the first few weeks of school, experiment with the classes you are taking because the study methods you utilize for certain subjects build the foundation for the next four years. Let me use my examples to define Y.O.S.M or Your Own Study Method.

When I began Algebra 2 freshman year, I felt lost and traumatized by geometry. I barely got an A the year before because of the application of complex math concepts — especially those of geometry. I thought pouring hours into reading a textbook would help for freshman year (since math is faster-paced, and I was worried). It did not help, and I got a flat 90 on the first quiz, while my friends spent minimal time and got a better score.

This experience created confusion, so I tried another approach: listening and taking notes while my teacher talked. I paid particular attention to the problems she showed in class and the steps she took to approach these problems. The night before the quiz, I made note sheets for each concept that included definitions and steps to approach the problems. This strategy worked; I've used this method of making note sheets in almost all my classes. Though it works for me, it does not work for everyone. Some of my friends just listen in class and do well on the quiz. Studying is something catered to an individual. With some experimentation, you can set yourself up for the best path.

Time Management (YIKES)

By now, you may have the impression that I am either A.) a high school genius or B.) an absolute nerd. Let me help you out. It's a bit of both, but no matter the advice I give or the problems I overcome, my one and only enemy, the villain of my life, still stands: Time Management. YUCK!

Time management is a persistent struggle. For someone like me who gets easily bored and distracted, it's a real problem. I will likely get backlash for this, but your parents are right: your phone and social media are a real distraction. Let me explain before you think I am an adult in disguise. After my mom told me to start removing my phone from my workspace, I was furious. I thought, "I am not even on my phone. I just have A LOT of stuff to do." Since school began this year, I have come home and limited my phone time to thirty minutes. I put it in my backpack and zip up the pocket.

If I need to text my friends for school-related stuff, it's there. Not seeing it means I can resist the urge to scroll on TikTok while waiting for the perfect time to start. We all do this. We see the clock hit 4:01 and want to wait till 4:10. Before we know it, 5:00 rolls around. Now, I tackle all my school homework without my phone. Then I take my phone out, grab a snack downstairs, and take a break. As soon as I go upstairs, I put it away again. The results? I now have a proper sleep schedule.

Tricks like putting a device away or finding out how to retain information are minor differences creating significant results. High school is all about balance. Improving efficiency in areas that aren't "fun" allows you to excel while also saving time to do the fun things you genuinely enjoy. Let the games begin, my friend.