S . O . S

1. Get Organized. Between homework, tests, and extracurricular activities, it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks. You should write down assignments, activities and to-do lists, then review items in your planner at both the beginning and end of the day to stay on track.

2. Know Our Expectations. You shouldn’t have any surprises when it comes to how and what you will be graded on. Take time to know what each teacher's grading policies are and what they will expect from you. If expectations aren’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask!

3. Designate a Study Area. Yes, studying at Starbucks or in front of the TV sounds appealing, but it won’t be the best use of your time. Pick a quiet, well-lit, low-traffic space for study time. Better yet...Take it one step further and institute a “communications blackout” policy with no cell phones or social media allowed until your work is done.

4. Develop a Study Plan. Tests and projects are a big deal and something you cannot cram for at the last minute. You should create a study plan that will allow plenty of time for you to prepare – there’s nothing worse than cramming the night before an exam. You can help yourself by selecting tasks for each day that will lead up to a due date or exam. Setting small goals for each session is key to success.

5. Think Positively. Being in the right mindset can make all the difference. Try to think positively when studying or heading into an exam and by all means, avoid catastrophic thinking. Don't think, “I’ll never have enough time to get a good grade on this exam,”think, “I began preparing later than I probably should have but I put together a new study plan and will be able to feel prepared.”

6. Create a Study Group. Working in groups can help when you’re struggling to understand a concept and can help you to complete assignments more quickly than when you're working alone. Keep groups small and structured to ensure the maximum benefit and reduce distractions.

7. Practice Active Listening. It’s important for you to focus when an teacher is presenting. Some tips to share help you do this include: consider the main points being made, think about what the speaker is saying and pay attention to how things are said (gestures, tone of voice, etc.). If something is said multiple times....ITS IMPORTANT!

8. Review Test-Taking Strategies. It is normal for you to feel stressed when taking an exam. However, there are certain strategies that will help to manage your stress and do your best on the exam. First, make sure that you try to stay relaxed. Next, read all of the directions on the exam and pace yourself so that you don't feel rushed. Finally, it’s OK to skip around on a test, if you are allowed, as you may naturally be more comfortable with certain topics than others.

9. Read Actively. It’s far too easy for you to skim over an assigned reading selection and not know the main points of what they just read. Practice active reading by asking noting the main idea of each passage and be sure to look up unfamiliar words or concepts as you encounter them. Make an outline of the chapter or create flow charts and diagrams that help map out what you are learning. After each section, write a summary in your own words and come up with possible exam questions to review.

10. Look to the Future. For some, looking at long term goals can provide motivation and drive to succeed. Think about what you would like out of life and for your future. It also might help to consider what struggles you might encounter and how to avoid them as you go through school and your life.