In high school, I felt that I was pretty relaxed when it came to tests. I would do all of my homework, pay attention in class, and by the time the test came I didn't really feel I had much to study. This was how I felt my high school was intended to work- as long as you put the time in on the front end, the exams were just another assignment. However, as I entered college, I realized that tests held much more weight than a mere assignment, and my old habits of studying had to be left back in high school.

1. Studying in advance

This was one hard for me, as I'm used to looking over my notes before the test and being okay. Now, as I realized the massive difference in material on my college exams, I realized I had to begin studying a week before each of my exams. It seemed counterproductive to review the material so early, but there's no other way to cram every topic in.

2. Studying together

I rarely took advantage of having most of my friends in the same classes as me in high school, and I often found myself reviewing alone. However, I now realize that studying in groups makes it much less daunting, as well as clarification on ideas that you aren't certain on. Being with other people who are in your class helps review exactly what your professor wants you to know and having plenty of resources around you to do it.

3. Using review materials

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Even though my teachers would always post review materials in high school, I would often skim them because I didn't think that I needed them. In thinking that I was "too smart" to do the review, I found myself skipping over important topics because I didn't remember they were a part of the chapter or because I assumed I could just figure them out when it came to test day. Now, I've realized that reviewing not only helps reinforce the material that will be on the test, but also helps to emphasize the things that you still need to learn.

4. Going for extra help

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I was always too afraid in high school that going to my teachers to ask about concepts would make me look like I hadn't paid attention in class or my teacher would assume that I wasn't as smart as the rest of the class. But with classes that have such a high quantity of material, there is no way that the professor could expect every concept to make sense to every student. Sometimes just hearing it explained in a different way than it was in lecture can make all of the difference.

In general, my advice to high schoolers is to make sure that you build your study habits now, and your college self will thank you!