Between balancing homework, tests, extracurriculars, school events, and the stress of college planning, the Academy’s upperclassmen have a lot on their plates. With so many responsibilities, finding effective ways to study is essential. Many juniors and seniors have learned to adapt their routines to their busy schedules. 

Senior Clare Salazar’s study routine focuses on understanding content over memorization. She starts out with watching videos on Youtube and AP Classroom. “It helps me understand the topic before I move on to practice questions,” she says. “I also find that Quizlets are helpful for studying vocabulary.”

Junior Katie Hoar says that her most difficult class is AP U.S. History, which she manages with a mix of outlines and practice problems. To stay on task, she also hides her phone from herself so she doesn’t get distracted. “I normally put it under my pillow and lose it so I don’t know where it goes and I can’t look at it,” she says.

Another junior, Claudia Ruiz-Carus, studies by memorizing her textbook until she can “see it in [her] head,” she says. She also has lucky objects that she brings with her on test days, saying, “You need to have an object that you associate luck with because it gives you confidence.”

The study environment is also crucial to a good routine. Junior Caroline Bertozzi prefers to get cozy before studying to help her focus. “I take a shower, get in my pajamas and then wrap myself in a blanket and just start studying,” Bertozzi said.

Finally, junior Mattie Floyd shares that her one of her hardest classes is AP Chemistry. She focuses on organizing her study time. “I set goals for myself before I take breaks,” she says, “I’ll tell myself I will do a certain amount of work, then take a ten minute break.”

Through organization, self-discipline, and unique hacks, the Academy’s upperclassmen are finding their own ways to handle the pressures and difficulties of high school life. There is no one perfect way to study, and what matters most is finding the best method for you in order to secure success. When taking study tips into account, it is crucial to personalize your study routine, utilize staff support, and most importantly prioritize rest.