Students have to face the task of studying for tests throughout their high school career. Many students dread the process of sitting down and cracking open a text book or they procrastinate because they don’t know how to get started.  The following are some helpful tips on how and when to study so that the results are most effective.

Concentrate on what is difficult
Studying is necessary for all subjects in order to earn good test scores, but more time should be devoted to subjects that students find the most challenging. For example, if calculus is your hardest subject but you’re really great at history, spend an hour a night studying for calculus, but only thirty minutes for history.

Choose a place
The perfect studying environment is a comfortable one.  The temperature, lighting and location of the room should all be taken into consideration.  Quiet, peaceful environments are ideal. Also, make sure you have necessary supplies like pencils, paper, a calculator, snacks and water.

Choose a time

Studying should take place no less than half an hour to an hour and a half after a meal in order to let your body absorb the nutrition you need and give you the right amount of energy that you need to focus and concentrate.  Studying right before bed isn’t effective; you should shut your books about thirty minutes before going to sleep. Studying should take place in short bursts so that concentration isn’t interrupted, and you don’t get bored of the subject. 

Don’t cram

Cramming will just overwork your brain. By trying to study four chapters of your textbook in ten minutes before the test, you won’t really absorb the information that you need.

Turn off your phone

Ignore your texts, sign off of Facebook and stop updating your Twitter. Now, you’re ready to study.  With distractions from your friends, you’re not allowing yourself to completely focus on the subject you’re trying to learn. However, if you absolutely have to be in contact with your friends at all times, study groups are extremely effective, as long as they are used as a forum for ideas and not a cheating circle.

Many students may find that these tips help them excel while studying for tests. However, other students may discover alternative methods that they find work more effectively than the techniques listed above. Whatever the case may be, students’ tests scores rarely drop due to studying, therefore it doesn’t hurt to crack those books.