How to Study Smarter

The workload at BHSEC requires strong study strategy. If you feel like your student is working hard but not seeing results, make changes.

1. Set a target before studying

Define the score or grade needed to reach a specific goal.

2. Study in focused blocks

Plan of attack: 50 minutes of work + 10 minute break.

3. Do the hardest task first

Procrastination shrinks when you start with the toughest thing.

4. Don’t just reread notes

Instead, identify the weakness:

• test yourself

• make a study guide

• explain the idea out loud

• write your own questions

5. Break studying into smaller pieces

Brains learn new info better in manageable chunks. Working memory is short and limited: generate (notes) and create (guides) to remember.

6. Remove distractions

Put your phone away. Social media destroys focus, and music with lyrics probably competes for your attention.

7. Ask questions early

First, refer to the syllabus. Then, remember that office hours and email exist for a reason. Finally: go to CLAW or find a study group.

8. Focus on weak spots

Don’t use up time reviewing what you already know.

9. Use a calendar

Plan assignment deadlines and incremental review sessions to more effectively study for exams before they pile up.

10. Be patient with yourself

The first step is to be honest and acknowledge the issue. Learning how to study well is a process. Build checkpoints and see what works for you to adjust and improve over time.

Signs a Student May Need Executive Function Support

• Frequent last-minute work or late assignments

• Studying for many hours but grades don’t improve

• Difficulty estimating how long work will take

• Avoiding the hardest assignments until the last minute

• Disorganized backpack

• Trouble breaking large projects into steps

• Phones dominating study time

What Helps Most

Success follows once students begin to:

• use a calendar or planner daily

• break studying into short, focused sessions

• practice active study techniques (self-testing)

• attend office hours, CLAW, and/or study groups

• create a consistent and distraction-free study environment