Top Five Study Mistakes Students Make
By Carrie Robertson
• Not knowing what it takes to get an “A”- Be VERY familiar with what the teacher requires
to do well in the class, whether it is assignments, behavior, or projects. Understand which
assignments will carry the most “weight” and affect your grade the most.
• Not asking the teacher for help- Most teachers are VERY happy to help! The teacher will
be able to give you “insider tips” that will make it easier to do better, or at least get the help
you need.
• Not having a regular, daily study routine- It doesn’t matter where (home, school, on your
bed, at a desk), and it doesn’t matter when (after school, in the morning, at lunch), as long as
it works for you, and you do it every day. Students who try to study and do projects at the last
minute will always have a harder time.
• Not being honest with yourself- Do you really understand the material? Can you really
answer the questions well? Is it really the best you can do? Only you can answer these
questions. Be honest about how you are doing with the class, and whether you need to do
more, or get help.
• Not “managing” your study time- You really do need these: a daily planner, computer &
internet access, and a library. Being organized (daily planner), and having quick access to
information (internet, library) is the key to being an effective student. The only way to really
keep track of assignments is to write them down!
Carrie Robertson is a former middle school and high school classroom teacher who now runs
her own tutoring business in the San Fernando Valley for students in grades 4-12.