As the stress and anxiety of first semester finals declines and the second semester begins, new study strategies are a great way to start off the second semester. Some of Seattle Prep’s most successful students gave a sneak peek of how they manage to perform so well in school. These Prep students know what it’s like to attend such an academically challenging school and offer a couple of their most effective study habits that helped them through the first semester.

#1- “I like to use Quizlet before a big test or quiz. It’s a great way to focus on the things you need to study instead of wasting time on the things you already know.” -Elsa Kammereck ‘22

#2- “Some study habits that work really well for me and taking detailed notes in class, reviewing notes from every subject each night, getting lots of sleep the night before tests.” -Margaret Sauvage ‘22

#3- “I make lists to remind me of what needs to get done and checking things off my list is a big stress reliever. I intersperse fifteen-minute breaks into my studying as a reward. Sometimes I walk around when I am studying to activate a different part of my brain. I find mnemonics and songs/raps with the information I need to know because that activates the left side of the brain, which is more creative than the right.” -Emily Amesquita ‘21

#4- “I write all my notes in class by hand because it forces me to think about what I’m writing, and I don’t just copy whatever’s on the board. I always value sleeping and try to get 8 hours of sleep every night.” -Paden Nichols ‘21

#5- “I like to re-do problems for math that I missed on quizzes or that I didn’t understand fully, and I always go through my notes and make a study guide for upcoming tests.” -Jocelyn Stephens ‘20

#6- “I mostly take practice tests online for math and chemistry.” Connor Riley ‘20

#7- “Take advantage of any free time during classes to get started on your homework. Or give your phone to your parents when you start your homework and don’t let them give it back to you until you’re done.” -Bea Franklin ‘19

#8- “Make sure you balance school and activities with time for yourself.” -Aedan Brown ‘19

The life of a Prep student is very difficult, so sticking to a couple of these study strategies can save a lot of precious time cramming in the future. The most important study tip is to figure out what works best for you specifically. Discover your most effective study habits and work hard to stick to them throughout the second semester. Happy studying!