Some Tips for High School Students

– Leslie E. Packer, PhD

Feel like everyone’s always yelling at you for not doing what you’re supposed to be doing? Look, this is

your life, and you need to get in charge of it if you don’t want everyone making decisions for you. I teach

parents how to advocate for their kids, but I also teach kids how to advocate for themselves, and part of

advocating for yourself is taking as much responsibility for yourself as you can. That means not making

excuses or trying to use something as a cop-out. It means speaking up and telling people when you really

do need help or advice. It also means recognizing that even if something is from your “disability,” you still

have to live in this world and you need to take steps so that your problem doesn’t become everyone else’s

problem.

Here are some things you might want to try if you’re having these problems:

TOP TEN TRIED & TRUE STUDY TIPS
1. Read Your Syllabus!
2. Be honest with yourself when setting aside study time, i.e., don’t fool yourself into
believing that you can study for four straight hours without a break..
3. Take breaks!
4. Remember that getting started is the hardest part. It’s far less painful once you get
started.
5. Know what sort of exam you are studying for ahead of time. Your strategy will be
different for essay exams, multiple choice, etc…
6. Know what type of learner you are…if forming a study group will be conducive to your
learning: form one…if you are a visual learner: recopying your notes may help, etc…
7. Have a well-stocked desk so that you always have the tools you need on hand (pencils,
staples, etc.) It also helps to have handy, or know where to readily access a good
Thesaurus, Dictionary, and Style Manual.
8. Try to locate yourself in an area that is free from distractions.
9. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors or ask them questions: utilize their office hours.
Often times this rapport can mean the difference between getting an A or an A-.
10.Do NOT procrastinate.