How to Do Better in School

Stay organized & be the best student you can be with our expert tips

Co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: September 15, 2024 Fact Checked

The start of a new school year is a great opportunity to improve your grades and experience at school, but you can choose to do better at any point during the year! The key to doing better in school is promoting healthy study habits, keeping your time and supplies organized, and taking care of your brain and body. We talked to the founder of Great Expectations College Prep, Jennifer Kaifesh, to bring you the best ways to up your grades and excel in class. Read our list of tips to have the best school year ever!

Best Ways to Get Better Grades

Take clear notes and review them regularly.
Ask questions whenever you don’t understand something.
Attend and actively participate in class.
Set aside enough time for studying and schoolwork.
Sign up for an extracurricular to balance your academic responsibilities.
Study in frequent, short sessions during the week instead of cramming all at once.
Eat nutritious meals, sleep well, and stay hydrated.

1

Take notes on class material.

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Take notes to help you remember and understand what you learn. Taking notes helps you remember what you hear or read, but it also helps your brain stay active and absorb information adequately. Write down key points mentioned by your teacher or the textbook, and make note of questions you have about the material while you read.^{[1]
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- Although typing your notes can be quicker and easier, writing your notes by hand may help you absorb and remember the material better.^{[3]
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- Kaifesh recommends taking notes on recorded lectures, if possible. That way, you can take your time looking up related concepts as you go.
Did you know? Doodling while you take notes can actually improve your focus and help you remember more of what you hear!^{[2]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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2

Ask lots of questions.

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When you don’t understand something, raise your hand. It’s your teacher’s job to help you learn and understand, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions! Asking questions will not only help you learn the material better, but will also show your teachers that you’re engaged and interested.^{[4]
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- If you’re too shy to raise your hand and ask questions during class, try approaching your teacher after class or sending them an email.
- There’s a good chance another student has the same question, so don’t worry about sounding ignorant or foolish. Teachers love it when you help them teach you!
- If you’re in college or university, your instructor may have office hours when you can ask them questions and discuss the material with them one-on-one.

3

Make time for your schoolwork.

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Plan time to keep up with your homework assignments. Kaifesh says to “Set aside time—by class, by assignment, by day—to ensure that you are allotting enough time to do each well before the due dates.” It can be easy to get swamped and lose track of all the work you’re supposed to be doing, so write down each assignment and plan when you’ll get it done as soon as it’s assigned.
- Keep in mind that homework is intended to help you learn and practice the material; it’s not just busywork!
- Ask a friend if they want to do homework together, which can help you better understand it and motivate you to get it done.
EXPERT TIP

Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

Expert Warning: Don't lose easy points because you failed to turn in an assignment or turned it in late.

4

Participate in class.

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Maintain good attendance and stay actively engaged in class. Attend class every day if you can, and when you’re there, make sure you’re paying attention and participating by asking or answering questions. Even if attendance isn’t mandatory in your classes, showing up will ensure you learn more and don’t miss anything important.^{[5]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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- If you do have to miss class, reach out to your teacher or a classmate to find out what you missed so that you can review it. Someone might be willing to share their notes with you.
- It can be tempting to skip class, but keep in mind that attendance often counts toward your grade, and missing a class is the quickest way to fall behind.

5

Find an extracurricular activity.

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Participate in extracurricular activities to make school more fun. Consider choosing an extracurricular like school clubs, sports teams, or student committees. These activities can be fun and enriching, and studies show that students who do them also do better in school overall.^{[6]
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Research source} Plus, they’re also a good way for you to get to know your teachers and fellow students.
- Extracurriculars also look great on college applications, or even job applications.

6

Study in frequent, small bursts.

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Quiz yourself on the material regularly to help you absorb it. Don’t wait to study for a quiz or test the night before. You’ll remember the material better if you regularly review what you learn throughout the week in shorter study sessions.^{[7]
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Research source} This also helps you identify your weak points so that you’ll know where to focus during review. Try different methods of testing your knowledge, such as:
- Making flashcards to quiz yourself on key concepts
- Having a friend ask you questions and trying to answer them
- Taking advantage of quizzes and knowledge checks in your textbooks
- Taking practice tests or quizzes, if your teacher provides them

7

Get comfortable when you work.

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Study for tests in a quiet place without distractions like your phone. Kaifesh says to have a snack, get your social media scrolling or other distractions done, then put those things away and start studying. To help you stay focused, look for a place to study where you won’t be bothered by noise or interruptions. Your study space should also be tidy, well-lit, and not too hot or too cold.
- Kaifesh also recommends listening to music, but only if it helps you concentrate. Try classical music, or music without lyrics.
- If you’re too tempted to play with your phone, try installing a productivity app that will limit your access during study time, like Forest or Brick.
- If you’re studying at home, let other people in your home know that you need quiet time without distractions while you’re studying or doing homework.

8

Take plenty of breaks.

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Take frequent breaks while you do homework or study. When you’re working or studying, take a 15 to 20-minute break every hour or so. This helps to re-energize you and get you back on track if your mind starts to wander.^{[8]
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- During your break, you can get up and walk around, have a healthy snack, watch a short video, or even put your head down for a quick power nap.
- Going for even a short walk can give your brain a boost and improve your problem-solving and creative thinking skills!^{[9]
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9

Keep a calendar.

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Use a planner to keep track of your class and study schedule. If you’re taking a lot of classes, keeping a daily or weekly planner helps you keep track of them all. Sit down at the beginning of the term and write out your class schedule or any other regularly occurring event, like extracurriculars. Then, as the semester goes on, schedule things like homework, studying, and relaxation.^{[10]
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- Also include important dates and deadlines that might be included on your class syllabi, like upcoming tests or projects.
- A physical planner is handy, but you might also use your phone’s calendar app and schedule notifications to help remind you.
EXPERT TIP

Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor
Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.

Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor

Set up systems for organizing schoolwork. Use colored pens to code school subjects in planners and matching folders. Set phone alerts for tests, projects, and assignments, so you stay on top of work. Handwrite to-do lists by due date and class to help retain the information.

10

Prioritize your assignments and other responsibilities.

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Complete time-sensitive or difficult assignments first. When you have a lot of things on your plate, it can be hard to know where to begin. To avoid feeling overwhelmed or stuck, create a to-do list and put your most difficult or urgent assignments at the top. Once you’ve dealt with those, move on to smaller and less urgent items on the list.^{[11]
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- For example, if you have a big math test coming up tomorrow, you might put reviewing for the math test at the top of your list. Reviewing this week’s French vocabulary words can go lower on the list.
Tip: When you’re tackling a big project, try breaking it up into more manageable steps. For example, if you need to write an essay by the end of the week, break it down into steps like doing research, writing an outline, and drafting your essay.^{[12]
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11

Keep your school supplies organized.

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Make a system for your textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies. In addition to organizing your time, it’s also important to organize your things. Keep your textbooks, notes, handouts, school supplies, planners, and anything else you need together in one place so that you can find them easily when you need them.^{[13]
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- To keep track of your notes, handouts, and assignments, try using a binder with different sections for each class.
- Set up a tidy, designated spot for doing school work so that your books and papers don’t end up scattered in different places.

12

Make sleep a priority.

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Stay rested to do better in class. You won’t do well in school if you’re too exhausted to focus. Studies show that students who get enough sleep also get better grades.^{[14]
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Research source} Plan to go to bed early enough each night so that you can get 9-12 hours of sleep if you’re a kid, 8-10 if you’re a teen, and 7-9 if you’re an adult.^{[15]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- To help you sleep better, establish a relaxing bedtime routine, like doing light yoga, meditating, or taking a warm bath before bed. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Practice good sleep hygiene by turning off bright screens at least half an hour before bed, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants late in the day, and keeping your room quiet, dark, and comfortable at night.
Did you know? While you sleep, your brain processes the information you learned during the day. Sleeping is an important part of absorbing and remembering the things you learn in school!^{[16]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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13

Remember to eat healthy and stay hydrated.

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Eat 3 nutritious meals per day, and carry a water bottle. If you’re not getting enough to eat or drink, you’ll feel tired, unfocused, and irritable. Make sure to eat at least 3 balanced meals and drink about 8 glasses of water during the day—don’t go overboard on sugary drinks. It’s especially important to have a nutritious breakfast so that you start your day energized and ready to learn.^{[17]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} In every meal, try to include:
- Fresh fruits or vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins, like chicken breast or fish
- Healthy fats, like those found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils

14

Practice self-care.

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Do stress-relieving activities to boost your mentality. School is stressful, so take time to unwind and do things you enjoy. You’ll do much better in school if you aren’t tense and anxious all the time.^{[18]
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Research source} Some good stress-relieving activities include:
- Doing yoga or meditating
- Going for walks and spending time outdoors
- Spending time with friends, family, and pets
- Working on hobbies and creative projects
- Listening to music
- Watching movies or reading books

15

Reward yourself for your work.

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Keep yourself motivated by celebrating your wins. When you get something done, take the time to celebrate! This will help motivate you to keep studying and working hard. Remember to reward yourself for your small achievements as well as your big ones.^{[19]
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- For example, after an hour of studying, you might reward yourself with a favorite snack or a few minutes of funny videos on YouTube.
- If you do well on a big test, you could celebrate by going out for pizza with your friends.

16

Stay optimistic.

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Practice positive thinking, and avoid dwelling on your mistakes. Having a positive attitude about school will not only make your experience less stressful but will also help you do better in your classes.^{[20]
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Research source} If you find yourself thinking negatively about school or the subjects you’re studying, try to replace the negative thoughts with more positive ones.
- For example, instead of thinking, “I hate math! I’ll never be good at it,” try replacing that thought with “This is really challenging, but if I work hard, I’ll keep getting better at it!”
- Scientists have found that keeping a positive attitude may actually help your brain’s memory center work better!

17

Ask for help.

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Reach out for support if you need it. If the stress of school is getting to you, you don’t have to struggle with it alone. Discuss study strategies with your teacher, or talk to your friends or family about how you’re feeling, and let them know if there are ways they can help. If you need extra help or don’t have a strong support network, find out if your school has a counselor you can talk to.^{[21]
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American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists

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- Sometimes just talking to a friend about how you’re feeling can help you feel better.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for practical support, either. For example, you could say, “Mom, I’m really stressing about this test. Can you take a few minutes and quiz me with some questions from the review sheet?”

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.

1

Study For Exams

2

Study So You Can Remember Everything

3

Make a Study Space

4

Create Good Study Habits for Exams

5

Learn Without Forgetting

6

Retain Information when You Study for a Test

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In class I'm always sleepy and have no energy. Even when I do get good sleep, I still feel like this. I eat a healthy breakfast every morning. What can I do to have more energy?

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If you still feel exhausted even with good sleep and proper nutrition, talk to your doctor. There may be a physical reason you feel this way, like a sleep disorder or a vitamin deficiency. Your doctor can also give you suggestions for boosting your energy and staying focused.

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I get really upset when I get something wrong, how can I stop this?

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If you find yourself getting upset, stop and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Remind yourself that mistakes are an important part of the learning process. Stop and think about why you got it wrong, then plan to use that knowledge to help you avoid making the same mistake again.

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How can I raise my grades in school?

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In addition to studying hard and taking good notes, it’s also a good idea to ask your teachers for feedback and advice. When they correct your homework, tests, or papers, look at their feedback carefully so you can understand any mistakes you made and figure out how to correct them going forward. Take advantage of any help your teacher can offer, such as practice tests or quizzes, extra credit work, or going over the material one-on-one. Some students also benefit from working with a tutor.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Don't let other students distract you. I once got a bad grade because my friend kept trying to talk to me in class. Tell them you're trying to concentrate, and will talk after class.
Use sticky notes to write notes or make tabs in your textbook to find information more easily. You can even color-code them by subject!
Don't be afraid to ask a teacher to repeat or rephrase a question if you don't understand it or were drifting off.
Read books for fun in your downtime to keep your brain happy and stimulated, even when you're not working.

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