Top Studying Tips I Regret Not Using in School

We’ve all looked back at a moment in our lives and thought, “If only I knew that then…” For me, that moment hits every time I think about how I studied back in school. I wasn’t the worst student—but looking back, I know I could’ve done way better if I had known a few simple tricks. So in this post, I’m going to share the top studying tips I regret not using, so you don’t end up in the same boat.

Whether you’re in high school, college, or just want to improve your learning skills, these tips can boost your grades and save you time. Ready to study smarter, not harder? Let’s dive in.

1. Make a Study Schedule That Actually Works

I used to wait until the last minute to study, pulling all-nighters and trying to cram a month’s worth of material into one night. Sound familiar?

Turns out, this approach does more harm than good. Instead, I should have created a simple study plan that broke things down into manageable chunks.

Here’s what would’ve helped me:

• Set consistent study times each week.
• Break big assignments into smaller tasks—and set mini deadlines.
• Build in break time to rest and recharge your brain.

Planning ahead doesn’t just help you stay organized—it actually makes your brain more likely to retain what you learn over time.

2. Use Active Recall (It’s a Game Changer!)

Back then, I thought reading my notes over and over was the way to go. But honestly, that’s more like thinking you’ll get fit by looking at your gym shoes.

Active recall is where the magic happens. It means testing yourself while you study—not just reviewing.

Instead of rereading notes, ask yourself questions or use flashcards. Try covering up your material and seeing what you can remember. That process actually helps lock the info into your memory.

Think of it like this: Reading is pouring water into a cup. Active recall is plugging the holes at the bottom so the water stays.

3. Teach What You Learn

This one shocked me. If you want to know how well you understand something, try teaching it to someone else.

You could:

• Explain a concept to a friend (even if they don’t get it, you will!)
• Talk to yourself out loud (yes, it works!)
• Draw explanations on paper or a board

Teaching forces you to simplify and organize your thoughts—and when you can explain something clearly, you’ve truly mastered it.

4. Cut Cramming and Start Spacing

This one’s tough if you’ve gotten used to last-minute studying (guilty as charged!). But the truth is, spacing out your study sessions over time is way more effective than cramming.

This method is called the spacing effect, and it boosts your ability to remember material long-term.

Instead of one 5-hour session the night before, try doing five 1-hour sessions over a week. It sticks better, feels less overwhelming, and (bonus!) helps reduce panic attacks before exams.

5. Turn Off Distractions—Yes, Even Your Phone

I can’t count the number of times I sat down to study, only to find myself scrolling Instagram “just for a minute.” Then boom—an hour’s gone, and I haven’t started.

Our brains like shortcuts and distractions. So create an environment where distraction isn’t even an option:

• Put your phone in another room or use apps like Forest to stay focused.
• Use noise-canceling headphones or play low-volume instrumental music.
• Keep your desk clean—less clutter = more clarity.

Studying in a focused environment can double your productivity without increasing your study time.

6. Figure Out Your Learning Style

This might seem like fluff, but it’s not. We all learn differently. Some people are visual learners. Others do better hearing something explained out loud.

If you take the time to figure out how you learn best, you can work with your brain—instead of against it.

Try these and see what clicks:

• Visual learners: Use diagrams, color-coded notes, and mind maps.
• Auditory learners: Record your notes and play them back or study in a group.
• Kinesthetic learners: Use movement, hands-on activities, or write things out repeatedly.

Once I realized I’m a mix of visual and hands-on, my study sessions felt way easier—and more fun too.

7. Sleep (Seriously!)

If someone had told me that getting a good night’s sleep would help me ace a test more than staying up all night studying, I wouldn’t have believed them.

But science says it’s true. While you sleep, your brain is busy organizing and storing what you learned during the day.

So pulling an all-nighter might get you through the test, but you’re probably going to forget that information right after. Plan ahead and prioritize sleep. Your brain will thank you.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Make the Same Mistakes I Did

If you made it this far, here’s the truth: you don’t need to study more, you need to study better.

I learned these lessons the hard way—after years of ineffective cramming, long nights, and frustration. Don’t repeat my mistakes. Try just one or two of these study tips today and see the difference they make.

And hey, which tip are you excited to try? Or is there a strategy you’ve used that totally changed your studying game? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Quick Summary: Studying Tips to Boost Your Grades

• Make a real study schedule—plan, don’t cram.
• Use active recall, not passive reading.
• Teach what you’ve learned—even to yourself.
• Space it out instead of marathon sessions.
• Eliminate distractions—your phone can wait.
• Know your learning style and match your methods.
• Sleep! It’s part of the learning process.

Remember: great results come when strategy and effort work together. Happy studying!