Finish High School On A High Note

Read our top 10 tips for success in your final months of high school.

1. 1. Location, Location, Location
   Find a good location to study. Use the libraries, study rooms or empty classrooms.

2. 2. Make studying a habit
   Do coursework every day. Cramming is not conducive to understanding and retaining large amounts of information. Investing time in your courses each day is the best way to learn. Use the time between classes to stay on top of readings.
3. 3. Seek out assistance when you need it
   Whether you're an 'A' student or a 'D' student, you can strengthen your skills. Ask your teachers for help and/or use study guides and help centres.
4. 4. Write down the important things
   Use a day planner or wall calendar. Plan time for coursework. Plan ahead for assignments and exam periods.
5. 5. Get energized
   Fatigue and stress weaken memory and comprehension. Eat properly, exercise regularly and get adequate sleep.
6. 6. Take thorough notes
   While taking notes in class, listen for emphases and examples. Have questions after the lesson? Ask your teacher questions. Learn as you go and you won't find yourself unprepared the night before an exam.
7. 7. Look at the big picture
   Understanding the big picture requires careful consideration regarding how all pieces of information fit together to form a 'big picture'. Use course outlines, tables of content, and headings and subheadings to organize your information.
8. 8. Take a unique approach to remember key information
   Generate examples, create mnemonics, make summary notes, identify key words, highlight textbooks or add margin notes. Improve your memory by being creative and interested.
9. 9. Prove you know your stuff
   Before a test, recall information without looking at notes or textbooks and by doing practice questions.
10. 10. Be test smart
    Don't lose marks because of test-writing errors. Use strategies to tackle different types of tests (i.e., multiple choice). Read instructions, budget time to marks and do less difficult questions first to build confidence.