10 Study Habits That Are Ruining Your Grades (And How to Fix Them)

Are you struggling to get good grades in school? If so, you’re not alone. Many online high school students find it difficult to stay focused and motivated when it comes to studying. However, there are some things you can do to make the process a bit easier.

In this blog post, we will discuss six study habits that are ruining your grades, and we will provide advice on how to fix them. So, whether you’re a high school student or a college student, read on for tips that will help you improve your academic performance.

1. You Don’t Have a Study Schedule

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to studying is not having a schedule. When you don’t have a set time for studying, it’s easy to put it off until later. And when later comes, you may find yourself too tired or too busy to get anything done. This can be a vicious cycle that leads to poor grades and frustration.

To avoid this, sit down at the beginning of each week and create a study schedule. Dedicate certain days and times to specific classes, and stick to it as best you can. Of course, life happens, and there will be times when you have to deviate from your schedule. But if you make an effort to stick to it most of the time, you’ll find that it makes a big difference in your grades.

2. You Try to Cram for Exams

Another common mistake students make is trying to cram for exams. Cramming is when you try to fit all of your studying into a short period of time right before an exam. This is not an effective study method, and it often leads to lower grades.

When you cram, you may be able to get all of the information into your head, but you’re not giving yourself enough time to learn and understand the material. As a result, you’re more likely to forget what you’ve studied when you take the exam. And even if you do remember some of the information, you’re likely to do poorly on the exam because you don’t understand the material well.

To avoid this, start studying for your exams well in advance. Give yourself enough time to learn the material so that you can do well on the exam. In addition, try to break up your studying into smaller sections so that you’re not trying to learn everything at once.

3. You Don’t Take Notes

Another study habit that can hurt your grades is not taking notes. When you don’t take notes, it’s easy to forget what you’ve learned in class. And when you forget what you’ve learned, it’s challenging to do well on exams and other assignments.

To avoid this, make sure to take notes in every class. Write down key concepts and ideas so that you can review them later. If possible, try to type your notes so that you can refer to them easily. And if you have trouble taking notes, there are many apps and programs that can help you with this task.

4. You’re Not Taking Practice Tests

One of the best ways to prepare for exams is to take practice tests. This allows you to see what material will be on the test and gives you an opportunity to practice your exam-taking skills. Many students make the mistake of not taking practice tests, which can lead to poor performance on exams.

To avoid this, try to find some practice tests online or in your textbook. And if you can’t find any, talk to your teacher. They may be able to offer some advice or help you find resources that can make the process easier.

5. You Don’t Do Your Homework

Homework is an essential part of the learning process, yet many students fail to do it. If you’re not doing your homework, you’re not giving yourself a chance to practice and learn the material. As a result, you’re likely to do poorly on exams and other assignments.

To avoid this, make sure to do your homework every night. Dedicate a specific time to it and stick to it as best you can. And if you find yourself struggling to do your homework, talk to your teacher. They may be able to offer some advice or help you find resources that can make the process easier.

6. You Don’t Ask for Help

If you’re struggling in school, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not asking for help. Many students are afraid to ask for help because they think it makes them look stupid. But the truth is, everyone struggles with school at times. And there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it.

If you’re struggling with a particular course, talk to your teacher. They may be able to offer some advice or help you find resources that can make the process easier. You can also talk to a tutor or another student doing well in the class. They may be able to explain things in a way that makes more sense to you.

7. You’re Not Studying Effectively

Many students study for hours but still don’t do well on exams. This is because they’re not studying effectively. If you want to do well in school, you need to make sure that you’re studying in a way that works for you.

To do this, try different techniques and find the ones that work best for you. Some students prefer to study with friends, while others like to study alone. And there are many different resources available that can help you learn the material. Find the ones that work best for you and stick to them.

8. You’re Procrastinating

Procrastination is another common mistake that students make. When you procrastinate, you put off doing things that you should be doing. This can include homework, studying, and other important tasks. As a result, you’re likely to do poorly in school.

To avoid this, try to break the habit of procrastination. Set aside a specific time to do your homework and stick to it as best you can. And if you find yourself struggling to focus, there are many apps and programs that can help you with this task.

9. You’re Not Organized

Being organized is an integral part of doing well in school. If you’re not organized, it’s easy to forget about assignments, due dates, and other vital details. As a result, you’re likely to do poorly in school.

To avoid this, try to develop some organizational skills. Start by keeping a planner where you can write down your assignments and due dates. You can also use apps and programs to help you stay on top of things. And if you have trouble staying organized, talk to your teacher. They may be able to offer some advice or help you find resources that can make the process easier.

10. You’re Not Studying Enough

Many students think they can wing it and do well on exams. But the truth is, you need to study if you want to do well in school. When you study, you’re practicing and preparing yourself for exams. As a result, you’re more likely to remember the material and do well on the test.

To avoid this, try to set aside time each day to study. Dedicate at least an hour to it and try to focus as much as possible. And if you find yourself struggling to study, there are many apps and programs that can help you with this task.

By avoiding these ten common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to doing better in school. Just remember to take things one step at a time and to ask for help when you need it. With some hard work and dedication, you can reach your academic goals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to maintain good grades or want to get ahead of the curve, it might be time to reevaluate your study habits. The ten bad habits we’ve outlined here can significantly impact your academic performance, but luckily, they are all easy to fix.

Start by implementing some of the strategies we suggest in this post, and then continue to tweak and improve upon them as needed. Remember, getting good grades takes hard work, but it is achievable if you put in the effort.

At High School of America, we want to see our students succeed inside and outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible course schedules and personalized instruction tailored to each student’s individual needs.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your grades and get on track for college!