Study Champion Checklist

Pro tips to train for success at school like you train for sport

Part 4 of 4

So, you might think, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard all that before” – but have you actually committed yourself to it like you commit to sport? You have already developed a lot of the skills you need to quite easily ‘up your school game’. So try applying your hard-earned attitude, motivation and self-discipline to your study. You’ll be surprised the difference it makes in reaching your future goals.

• Print our checklist to keep yourself on target.
• Which tips are you already doing?
• What are the top five tips that you could implement today?

Run quickly through this checklist once a week to keep yourself focused. (Print version)
Tick the things you are doing right. Highlight the most important things to improve next.

1. Plan to come out on top

• Plan what new work and study you intend to do each week.
• List what previous content you need to revise each week.
• List all your homework tasks.
• Tick off each task as you complete it.
• Stick to your workplan.
• Work ahead of schedule.

2. Practice and self-reflection

• Make notes on what you just learned.
• Keep notes neat and concise.
• Revise your notes between classes.
• Revise with and help your friends.
• Encourage friends into good study habits.
• Surround yourself with motivated people.
• Spend less time with friends who don’t share your academic goals.
• Write down your long-term goals and the weekly steps that will get you there.
• Tell your parents and friends your plans.
• Check that you are meeting your weekly goals.
• Revise your goals and refocus on areas that need improvement.
• Ask for teacher/tutor feedback.

3. Train Efficiently

• Use study time for HW, making notes, and practicing essays/exams.
• Stick to your study timetable.
• Extend your existing study blocks, and add others.
• Eliminate all distractions.
• Put your phone in another room.
• Use a 10-minute refocus alarm.
• Take 5-minute active breaks every half hour.
• Work on several different things during a study session.
• Set little goals for yourself within each study period and tick them off.

4. Train Regularly

• Keep your plan on the wall, and stick to it closely.
• Use study time to review your notes.
• Practice previously learned techniques.
• Study from multiple sources: textbook, internet, friends…
• Take steps to avoid “cramming”, late nights and stress before due dates.
• Write fake due dates in your diary a week before the real ones and hold yourself to them.

5. Manage Performance Pressure

• Work ahead of your class in your textbooks.
• Set aside specific time to do things that are not study related.
• Learn to control your body’s automatic reactions to anxiety.
• Before tests, breathe deeply. Picture yourself performing calmly

Printable version of this checklist

Back> Read Tips 4 and 5…

Back> Read Tips 2 and 3…

Back> to Intro and Tip 1…

Talk to us about building study habits…