Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Some students consistently score at the top of their class. They wrap their heads around complex concepts quickly.
They also recall information easily. As a result, they handle exams with confidence.
Others study just as hard but struggle to achieve the same results. Although we are quick to judge intelligence, this isn't always the case.
It usually comes down to the student's mindset and their approach to learning.
High-performing students and geniuses don’t just put in more hours. They use strategies that make studying more effective.
They focus on understanding rather than memorization. They test that with knowledge application, ultimately letting them manage their time effectively.
These habits are some of the few things that set them apart.
Highlighting key items as you read the textbook might feel productive. However, it offers little to no help at all.
Learning requires a more active approach, and high-achieving students excel in deeply engaging with the subjects they are focused on.
Explaining concepts in their own words, teaching someone else, or practicing recall without looking at notes helps cement knowledge.
Writing summaries or testing themselves instead of re-reading material strengthens memory and comprehension.
When they come across something they don’t understand, they break it down and connect it to what they already know.
Top students don’t rely on last-minute cramming. They hate relying on short-term memory, so you rarely see them holding a book unless they want you to think it's working for them.
They distribute their study sessions in smaller chunks of time. This method, known as spaced repetition, helps information stick.
Instead of overloading themselves the night before a test, they review material regularly. By the time the exam arrives, the concepts feel familiar rather than overwhelming.
Many students in advanced academic programs, such as the International Baccalaureate, benefit from personalized guidance.
An IB tutor helps students refine their study techniques and improve weak areas that are not identified and addressed in a class.
Tutors provide more than just explanations. Their surgical way of education addresses what a student actually needs rather than just repeating what was said in class.
Their sessions produce very specific results like improved essay-writing ability and a secret approach to problem-solving.
IB students often juggle multiple subjects, extended essays, and internal assessments. Having a tutor ensures they stay on track and maximize their performance.
Even students who excel in their find tutoring useful. A good tutor personalizes the lesson plan with the intent to fill the remaining gaps.
Top students are also interested in the perspectives of a senior. Instead of simply reading what's in the book, they focus on applying knowledge in a way that meets IB’s rigorous standards.
Some habits consistently lead to better academic performance. High-achieving students focus on strategies that improve retention, understanding, and efficiency.
Memorization is taboo when it comes to high-performing students. They know it leads to nowhere. They apply what they learn in different contexts.
Most of the time, they discover the best knowledge applications on their own. They usually start with writing analytical essays or engaging in a discussion with others.
Application-based learning helps students think critically and adapt to different challenges. It also makes exams easier since they’re familiar with end-to-end results rather than just memorizing answers.
Effective learners who underwent IB tutoring also focus on long-term mastery rather than short-term recall. All of these give them the edge in higher-level subjects and future academic pursuits.
What sets high-performing students apart isn't just innate talent — it’s the strategies they use to approach their studies.
By actively engaging with the material, practicing consistent study habits, and applying knowledge rather than memorizing it, these students unlock the key to success.
Whether it’s through tutoring, effective time management, or focusing on understanding, these habits provide them with the tools to excel.
If you adopt some of these practices into your own study routine, you can dramatically improve your academic performance and set yourself up for long-term success.
