Pretend that it’s your first day of freshman year: you walk into your first period excited to start your high school journey, but you leave the classroom feeling anxious when the teacher warns everyone that the class will be tough. The nerves only grow as the day goes on. Fast forward to finals week: you’re sitting there with an exam paper in front of you, but nothing seems familiar. You wished you had studied better, but the problem is that you didn’t know how to study effectively. 

If this has ever happened to you, don’t worry. This is the experience of many high school students. To help with that, the upperclassmen have some helpful advice that helped them through their first year. 

Start Early

Many students believe that when it comes to school, it’s always better to be cautious than careless. That means to study and do your work a few days before the deadlines or test dates. Karren Zhuang, a junior at MECA (Mt. SAC Early College Academy), stated that “I like to get all my work done early so I can relax afterward.” She recommends using flashcards and not cramming the night before: “I don’t like to cram study because it doesn’t help.”

Practice

Math, science, and other subjects that require problem-solving can be difficult to study for. But the secret to knowing them is practice, according to sophomore Makenna Chung.“In math, it’s not about memorizing formulas; it’s about understanding the process. I do a bunch of problems until it clicks.” Chung advises that it’s better not just to read through the examples in your textbook, but also to actively do the problems on your own. 

A lot of people on campus use flashcards to help them study. Claire Contreras, MECA’s high school counselor, states that she is “a big fan of flashcards for studying and some quiet time with music.” Zhuang suggested, “Don’t just memorize, you know, when you do flashcards, and it’s like in the same order every single time. That doesn’t work; you have to shuffle your flashcards and then go through them again.”

Writing Notes

It’s always helpful to write notes in class, Chung said that “I do like paper notes for history, I think just doing the action of writing them helps you to memorize them.” Good notes not only help with remembering material but also make preparing for an exam easier.

Especially for college courses, taking notes is very important. Zhuang suggested, “For college classes, take good notes. Don’t just dilly-dally with your notes. Take really good notes, and then usually sometimes you get cheat sheets, so fill out your cheat sheets really well.”

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Apps and online tools can be used to support studying. Chung uses Quizlet and Gizmo for her vocab, and she said it’s super helpful for organizing flashcards and reviewing. “I use it all the time, especially before tests.” 

You can use AI to help you with your work, but you have to use it ethically, like asking it for study guides or practice quizzes. Chung stated, “It’s okay to use ChatGPT a little bit. Just ask them for a practice quiz. That’s how you use it ethically as a tool.”

But don’t just rely on apps for studying; make sure to follow through with physical stuff like flashcards, textbooks, or handwritten notes. Technology can help, but physically reading the material is always helpful.

Time Management

Contreras states the importance of managing your time, especially when you start taking college courses. “Time management is crucial. Break tasks into smaller chunks, and always set realistic goals.” She also suggests having a planner or using an agenda to stay on track. 

There are a lot of apps to help with planning deadlines and events. Zhuang uses apps like Notion and Google Calendar to keep track of assignments and deadlines. “Notion helps me plan my day and keep track of everything I have to do,” she explained.

Don’t Procrastinate!

“It’s so tempting to procrastinate, but it only makes things harder in the long run,” said Zhuang. Leaving assignments or studying until the last minute. Not only cause unnecessary stress, but it also makes it harder for you to remember stuff.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. “It’s okay to ask your teacher for clarification,” Chung reminds us. Contreras also recommends speaking to your counselors if you’re struggling with a college class or need extra support.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in homework and exams, but don’t forget about your mental and physical health. The stress of school can pile up quickly, so make sure to take breaks, exercise, and get enough sleep. A healthy mind and body are important for being in school.

“I always try to make sure I get enough sleep, because if I’m tired, nothing sinks in,” said Zhuang. Contreras adds that finding time for a mental break is equally important. “Take care of yourself first, then take care of school.”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Contreras’s advice is that “You can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Know when it’s time to take a mental break or ask for help.”

Utilize Your Resources

School isn’t just about memorizing facts and acing tests; it’s about learning how to manage your time, stay organized, and use the right tools. Remember, everyone has their own way of studying, but the key is finding what works for you. Start early, stay organized, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. High school can be tough, but with the right strategies, you can definitely pass.

​And if you ever find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers, counselors, or  upperclassmen. Also, MECA offers tutoring on our high school campus, and Mt. SAC College also has resources available. MECA tutoring schedule is Tuesday, 2:45-4:45 pm, at the multi purpose room office (next to the kitchen).