By: Cate Eberly

As the school year ramps up, it’s important for students to recognize the study strategies they can use to succeed.

BHS senior Sara Knee, who holds a 4.0 unweighted GPA and has taken a variety of courses at BHS and through CCP, shared her approach.

“I have been in advanced science, math, and English courses since seventh grade,” Knee said. “I’m currently in Calculus with Analytic Geometry, too.”

Her biggest piece of advice is don’t procrastinate. “Though putting off school work can be tempting, I try to complete homework right after school or class,” Knee said. “That way, it’s fresh in my brain.”

Knee also encourages students to seek help when they need it. “When I don’t understand material, I ask my teachers questions,” she said.

She adds that studying with peers can be just as valuable. “If you’re friends with somebody in a more difficult class, it’s really beneficial to do your homework together,” Knee said. “If one of you doesn’t understand something, the other person can help, and you can bounce ideas off each other.”

Because Knee takes several online classes, she relies on time management to stay on track. “I have set days of the week where I spend about an hour and a half on each course,” she said.

Symone Costner, another BHS senior and AP Scholar who has also taken CCP courses, finds that focusing on the bigger picture works best for her.

“I try to pay attention in class and ask questions if I need help,” Costner said. “I also try to do my homework by myself rather than just asking for answers.”

Both students stressed the importance of taking effective notes. “If you’re taking notes in class, focus on the most important parts rather than memorizing lots of small details,” Costner said. “The big ideas can usually lead you to the smaller, more in-depth answers.