Most study advice is unhelpful. 

Teachers say, “Just pay attention in class.” The internet throws around fancy techniques that don’t actually help when you’re drowning in assignments. 

Meanwhile, you're stuck trying to figure out why you spend hours studying but still bomb tests.  

If studying feels impossible, it’s not because you’re not smart. It’s because no one actually taught you how to learn. Let’s fix that.  

Study Tips for High School: 15 Things No One Tells You About Studying

1. If You Don’t Get It in Class, You’re Making Things Harder for Yourself

The easiest time to learn something is when it's first being explained. 

If you zone out or tell yourself you’ll "figure it out later," you’re making life harder. Re-reading the textbook won’t magically fix it.  

If something doesn’t make sense, handle it now- ask a question, write down what’s confusing you, or at least make a note to look it up later. 

Don’t wait until the night before a test to realize you don’t understand half the material.  

2. Homework Isn’t About Grades—It’s a Cheat Sheet for the Test

A lot of students rush through homework like it’s a chore. Big mistake.  

Homework is basically your preview of the test. If a question is hard, that’s your brain telling you this is something you don’t fully get yet. Use that information. Figure it out now, or struggle later when it actually counts.  

3. Reading Over Your Notes Is Not Studying

Looking at your notes and thinking, "Yeah, I remember this," is not studying. That’s just recognizing words.  

If you actually want to learn something, close your notes and try to explain it from memory. Can’t do it? Then you don’t know it well enough yet. That’s when you go back and study properly.  

4. Studying With Friends Is Useless Unless You’re Actually Studying  

Be honest—most "study groups" are just an excuse to sit around, talk, and pretend you’re being productive. If you’re spending more time on your phone than on your work, you’re wasting time.  

That said, studying with friends can help—if you do it right:  

- Teach each other—If you can explain something to a friend, you actually know it.  

- Find your weak spots—If someone asks a question you can’t answer, that’s a gap you need to fix.  

- Keep it short—Too much talking = no studying.  

If it’s not working, then you’d be better off ditching the group and studying alone.  

5. Cramming Works—Until It Doesn’t

If your goal is to pass tomorrow’s test, cramming might get you through. But if your goal is to actually learn (so you don’t struggle with future topics), cramming is useless  

Your brain forgets information fast if you don’t review it over time. So instead of stuffing everything in last-minute, space it out. Even quick, 10-minute reviews every few days will help you actually retain information.  

6. Your Notes Shouldn’t Be a Mess

Some people write down every single thing the teacher says. Others barely take notes at all. Both approaches suck.  

Good notes should:  

- Be in your own words—If you’re just copying, you’re not thinking.  

- Highlight what actually matters—Not every sentence is important.  

- Include examples—Especially for math and science.  

If your notes don’t make sense when you go back to them, fix how you’re taking them.  

7. Some Teachers Don’t Explain Things Well—That Doesn’t Mean You Get to Give Up

Not every teacher is good at explaining things. Some go too fast, some make things more confusing, and some just don’t care. But waiting for a better teacher won’t help you.  

If your teacher isn’t explaining things well, take charge:  

- Find explanations online—A five-minute video might fix what a month of bad teaching didn’t.  

- Use practice problems—Learning by doing works.  

- Ask someone who gets it—A friend, tutor, or even another teacher.  

Yeah, it’s annoying. But the sooner you accept that some subjects require you to teach yourself, the better off you’ll be.  

8. Marathon Study Sessions Aren’t Always Worth it

If you’re staring at your books for hours, re-reading the same sentence over and over, you’re not studying—you’re just sitting there.  

Your brain learns best in short, focused bursts. Instead of dragging it out, try:  

- Studying in 30–45 minute chunks, then taking a short break.  

- Switching subjects so your brain doesn’t zone out.  

- Moving around—Sometimes a change of scenery helps.  

If you’re studying for three hours straight and nothing is sticking, take the hint. You’re doing it wrong.  

9. If You’re Exhausted, Studying Is Pointless  

You might think you can survive on five hours of sleep. You can’t. Your brain literally needs sleep to process and store information. 

If you’re exhausted, you’re just wasting time staring at your notes without actually absorbing anything.  

If it’s late and you have to choose between sleeping and cramming, go to bed. A well-rested brain will perform better than a tired one, every time.  

10. If a Subject Feels Impossible, You Probably Missed Something Earlier

Math, science, and foreign languages are layered. If you don’t get the basics, the next level won’t make sense.  

If a subject feels impossible, ask yourself:  

- Did I ever fully understand the earlier stuff?

- Am I actually learning or just memorizing steps?

If the answer is no, go back and fix it. Otherwise, you’re just stacking confusion on top of confusion.  

11. Pre-Made Study Guides Won’t Save You

Study guides can be helpful. And you might think downloading a study guide is enough. But if you didn’t make it yourself, your brain isn’t really engaging with it.

The process of making a study guide—summarizing, organizing, and rewriting in your own words—is what actually helps you remember things. 

12. Don’t Wait Until You “Feel Motivated”

Motivation is a lie. There’s no secret trick to "feeling motivated." Most of the time, motivation comes after you start—not before. 

So, instead of waiting for the perfect mood to study, set a timer for 10 minutes and just begin. Chances are, you’ll end up going longer than that

13. Your Teacher Is Dropping Hints About the Test—Pay Attention

Teachers aren’t subtle. Teachers reuse questions, repeat things in class, emphasize certain topics, and sometimes literally tell you what’s going to be on the test. 

If your teacher keeps bringing up the same concept, that’s your clue to study it.

14. Hard Work Beats Being "Naturally Smart"

Some people pick things up quickly. Others take more time. But the students who actually do well? They put in the work.

If you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’re bad at school—it just means you haven’t figured out your way of learning yet. Keep adjusting until you do.  

15. No One Teaches You How to Learn—You Have to Figure It Out

Unfortunately, the school doesn’t show you how to study. 

You have to experiment, notice what works for you, and adjust. 

The sooner you figure it out, the easier everything else gets.