At HSMSE, it’s no secret that the academic pressure is intense. The workload is heavy, the classes are fast paced, and somehow there always seems to be another test and pop quiz around the corner. For most students, the challenge isn’t the material, but rather keeping up with the pace. But doing well isn’t just about being naturally “smart.” It’s about building study habits that actually work for you. 

Over time, many students develop ways to handle large volumes of information without burning out. The key is finding strategies that make studying efficient and less painful. 

One strategy many students use is to review material immediately after learning it. Personally, I study best by creating flashcards after each lesson. This helps reinforce what I learned in class right away. By the time a test comes around, I already have a study guide made, and I need to review rather than cram the night before. 

​With all these approaches in mind, I wanted to better understand how HSMSE students actually handle their workload, so I spoke with several HSMSE sophomores about their study routines. 

​Kathryn Long (’28) balances academics with time-consuming extracurriculars like gymnastics and volunteering. She spends about one to two hours every day doing homework and reviewing. When preparing for tests, she adjusts her study methods based on the topic. For AP World History, she often makes flashcards using an AI platform called Knowt (a free alternative to Quizlet). For math and chemistry, she focuses on making practice problems using ChatGPT and reviewing her notes, adding that a big part of improving her study routine has been starting assignments earlier so work doesn’t pile up and her time is easier to manage.

Similarly, Tanvi Nallagongu (’28) follows a structured daily routine to balance school, sports, and homework. She starts her day with exercise, then finishes any leftover homework before school. To stay organized and ensure she doesn’t forget tasks, she sets alarms with notes and posts reminders on a whiteboard she checks every morning. ​

Sakura Kopelinsky (’28) maintains her study routine by blocking off specific time periods each day. As an avid soccer player, she has learned to use her time wisely. After school, she spends the first one to one and a half hours focused on schoolwork, with her phone put away, before heading to her late-evening practices. Her most effective method is making handwritten flashcards. She also finds that keeping a planner on hand helps her avoid forgetting assignments and makes her workload feel more manageable. 

Beyond routines, many HSMSE students experiment with various study techniques to find what works best for them. One popular strategy is the “Blurt Method,” in which students write down everything they remember about a topic from memory before checking their notes. Then, using a colored marker, they write down what they missed. This helps identify gaps in understanding and strengthens recall.

​Another technique is using “Pomodoro timers,” which involve studying for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. Breaking work into shorter blocks helps to maintain focus and concentration. 

Some students find that teaching the material to someone else helps reinforce their understanding. Others keep a “mistake journal,” recording errors from past quizzes and tests and reviewing them before the next exam. 

​Adjusting to the pace at HSMSE can be challenging, no matter the grade you’re in. Over time, most students develop routines and strategies to stay on top of homework, tests, and activities. Experimenting with different study methods lets you discover what works best for you, making school much more manageable and less stressful. Ultimately, success at HSMSE comes down to finding a system that works for you and sticking to it.