Advice My A* Students Follow
We all know those students who seem to have it together — calm, focused, and somehow always managing to pull off top grades. But here’s the thing: getting A*s isn’t just about natural ability. It’s more often than not all about consistency, strategy, and mindset.
So this week we’ll cover all about the advice I see my top-performing students follow again and again. Whether you’re aiming for the top grades or just trying to level up your study habits, these tips are useful for anyone who wants to revise smarter, manage their time better, and keep their mental wellbeing in check during exam season. Let’s get into it!
1. They Don’t Wait to Feel Motivated
Top students don’t always feel like studying — but they show up anyway. They understand that motivation often follows action, not the other way around. So they build habits, set routines, and start even when they don’t feel like it. Often, just opening a textbook or setting a 10-minute timer is enough to get going.
2. They Prioritise Active Revision
They don’t just re-read notes or highlight passively. A* students use active recall (think flashcards, self-quizzing) and spaced repetition to actually learn and retain information. These techniques help them study more efficiently and keep things in their long-term memory.
3. They Look After Their Mental Health
Even during exam season, they know that burnout helps no one. They take breaks, get outside, sleep properly (as best they can), and build in time for rest and hobbies. When they feel overwhelmed, they talk to someone rather than bottling it up.
Looking after your brain is one of the best things you can do for your grades.
4. They Ask for Help When They Need It
Rather than pretending to understand or staying stuck, they ask questions — in class, in revision sessions, or even messaging a friend. They know it’s not a weakness to need help; it’s a smart way to fill in knowledge gaps and reduce confusion.
5. They Plan Ahead (But Don’t Over Plan)
A* students know roughly what they’re doing each day or week, but they don’t waste hours on elaborate colour-coded planners. They keep things simple and flexible:
A daily to-do list
A rough revision timetable
Weekly check-ins to see what’s working and what’s not
It’s about structure, not rigidity.
6. They Reflect on What Works
Instead of blindly following what others do, they take note of which revision methods actually help them. They reflect after mocks or past papers, tweak their approach, and experiment until they find a system that works.
Self-awareness plays a big role in long-term success.
7. They Set Boundaries with Distractions
They know that scrolling on their phone for “five minutes” often turns into thirty. So they set boundaries:
Using Forest or other focus apps
Studying in a different room to their phone
Leaving their phone with a parent during revision blocks
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about reducing temptation when possible.
8. They Don’t Tie Their Worth to Their Grades
Perhaps most importantly, A* students tend to understand that a grade doesn’t define them. They take their work seriously, but they don’t let exam pressure consume their identity. They aim high — but with perspective.
This mindset keeps them grounded, even when things don’t go to plan.
The truth is, A* students aren’t doing anything magical or superhuman. They’re just building habits that support their learning, staying consistent, and remembering to take care of themselves along the way. Whether or not A*s are your goal, these pieces of advice can help you approach your studies with more confidence and calm. Start with one or two tips, experiment with what works, and take it step by step. You’ve got this!