It is that time of the year. Time to start thinking about school again! The co-founder and CEO of Student-Tutor, Todd VanDuzer, created a list of “Top 10 Back to School Tips”. The staff here at Winning Futures hopes you take a look and start this school year off with a positive attitude!
TIP #1: GET ORGANIZED
Everyone has their own way of staying organized so pick a way that works best for you. Some examples include:
- Using a planning to keep track of homework and tests
- Use color-coding for notebooks and folders for each class
- Set reminders on your phone or tablet
- Ask a friend to help keep you on track – remind each other about big assignments and tests
TIP #2: START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Starting the first week, build strong study habits and take your classes and assignments seriously.
TIP #3: ADJUST YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE
Coffee and energy drinks will not justify staying up late to binge watch Netflix or play videogames. It has been scientifically proven that sleep slows down the thought process, impairs memory, and slows down reaction time. It is smart to start getting back into your school sleep schedule two weeks before the first day of school.
TIP#4: SET SMART GOALS
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Actionable
R – Realistic
T – Time-based
Todd VanDuzer suggest writing your goals down in your planner to help you stay focused and track your progress.
TIP#5: MAKE A DAILY SCHEDULE
This tip is especially important if you fill your afternoons and evenings with extracurricular activities or a job. If is important to map out when you plan to study and do your homework. Writing it down helps hold you accountable and not get distracted.
TIP#6: REVIEW MATH AND OTHER SUBJECTS
The internet is a great place to find worksheets and other resources to review material before heading back.
TIP#7: KNOW WHAT TESTS YOU’LL BE TAKING
Look ahead and see what tests you should prepare for. There are tons of resources available as well as classes and tutoring opportunities. Taking practice tests and gaining confidence will help you do better.
TIP#8: START PLANNING FOR COLLEGE
It never too early to start researching what you want to be when you grow up and the pathway to get there. Look and see what GPA, test scores, and other criteria you want to set as a goal to get into your school of choice.
TIP#9: START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Before the school year gets too busy look up scholarships you qualify for. Make note of their due dates and plan ahead. There are tons of scholarship competitions but you need to make sure you have scheduled enough time to complete all the components.
TIP#10: PLAN YOUR EXTRACURRICULARS
First of all they are fun! Second of all colleges and universities love to see that you are involved and passionate about a hobby. Whether you are a great athlete, musician, or leader get involved in something.
Best of luck to all students returning back to school. We hope some of these tips help you have a successful year!
These tips came from the StudentTutor blog. To learn more and read other great blogs check out their website here.