Study Hacks Every Secondary School Student Should Know

Every secondary school student has asked this question at least once:

“How do other students study so little… yet score so well?”

You’ve probably seen classmates who seem calm before exams, finish homework quickly, understand lessons faster, and still have time for CCA, friends, and games.

It’s not because they are “naturally smart.”

It’s because they study smart.

The truth is this:
Most students spend too much time studying the wrong way. Once you learn the right habits and techniques, studying becomes easier, faster, and even more enjoyable.

Here are the study hacks every secondary school student in Singapore should know.

1. Use the 30–5 Rule (The Most Efficient Study Method)

Most students study for 1–2 hours straight — and remember only 20–30% of what they read.

The brain learns best in short, focused bursts.

Try this instead:

30 minutes of focused study & 5 minutes break

This prevents burnout, increases retention, and keeps you mentally fresh.

Hack: Use the Forest app or Pomodoro timer to stay accountable.

2. Study the Hardest Subject First

Most students make the mistake of starting with the easiest subject.
It feels good, but it doesn’t help.

Your brain is strongest at the start of your study session.

So flip the script:

Do the hardest subject first.
Then reward yourself with easier tasks later.

This hack alone can boost grades significantly.

3. Highlight Less, Summarise More

Many students highlight entire paragraphs until the page looks like a rainbow… but remember nothing later.

Instead, try:

• Close the book
• Summarise the concept in your own words
• Explain it out loud

If you can explain it simply, you truly understand it.

This is called the Feynman Technique — used by top scientists and A1 students.

4. Use “Active Recall” — The Most Powerful Study Method in the World

Instead of re-reading notes (which feels productive but isn’t), test yourself.

Try:

• Covering your notes and recalling information
• Answering past-year questions
• Creating flashcards
• Explaining concepts to someone else

Students who use active recall score much higher in exams — and study less.

5. Use Spaced Repetition (Not Cramming)

Cramming helps for one day…
but you forget everything the next week.

Space out your revision:

• Day 1 → Learn
• Day 3 → Review
• Day 7 → Practice
• Day 14 → Test yourself again

Apps like Anki, Quizlet, and Notion flashcards help automate this.

6. Find Your “Golden Hour” (Your Best Study Time)

Every student has a time of day when they learn fastest.

For some: 8–10PM
For others: 4–6PM
For early birds: 8–10AM

Track your energy levels for 1 week and find your peak learning window.

Study your hardest subjects during this time — and watch your performance skyrocket.

7. Use the “Blurting Method” for Exam Revision

This is a favourite hack among top students.

How it works:

1. Read a topic once
2. Close your book
3. Write down everything you remember (“blurting”)
4. Compare with notes
5. Fill in what you missed

This shows you EXACTLY where your weaknesses are — instantly.

8. Don’t Study in Bed — It Confuses Your Brain

Your brain links locations to activities.

• Bed = sleep
• Desk = study
• Sofa = relax

If you study on your bed, your brain gets mixed signals, causing:

• Sleepiness
• Poor focus
• Slow memory retention

Choose one dedicated study spot.

9. Use Exam Papers Early — Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Most students start past-year papers too late.

Start early.
Practice one topic at a time.
Build exam stamina slowly.

Your exam performance will improve dramatically.

10. Take Care of Your Brain — It’s Your Biggest Advantage

A smart student is not one who studies the most.
A smart student is one who takes care of their brain.

Do this daily:

• Sleep 7–9 hours
• Drink enough water
• Eat omega-3 rich foods
• Avoid studying after midnight
• Move your body daily

A healthy brain learns faster, remembers longer, and stays focused.

Final Thoughts

School doesn’t teach you how to study — it only teaches you what to study.

But once you master these study hacks, you’ll be able to:

• Learn faster
• Score higher
• Reduce stress
• Enjoy more free time
• Build confidence in every subject

Studying smart doesn’t just change your grades…
it changes your mindset.

If you’re struggling with certain subjects or want a tutor who teaches you how to study smart, not just memorise, TutorBee can help.

👉 Find a Tutor Here
👉 Chat with a TutorBee coordinator (free): https://wa.me/6580142594

Related Articles

You might also find these articles helpful:

• Mastering Spaced Repetition: The Memory Technique Singapore Students Need
• Active Recall: The Study Method That Actually Works
• Managing Screen Time During Exam Season: A Singapore Parent's Guide