Q: I’ve been failing a lot of tests recently, and I’m worried about midterms. Do you have any study advice?

A: It’s that time of the year again! And I don’t mean the holidays. I mean finals season.

It’s what high school students collectively dread, and if you’re not careful, it can totally ruin your winter break.

But if you’re successful, it can be the difference between a failing or passing grade. Exams might give you a chance to make up for poor class grades.

Have you been taking notes all semester? Most teachers require you take them, and while it may seem like a waste of time, they’re really not! They’re your personal study guide, holding the key to becoming a master of everything that was covered in class. Read, highlight, underline and even make additional notes in your notes until you know the material like the back of your hand.

If you don’t have any notes, it’s never too late to make some on your own time. Dust off that textbook and start outlining chapters that you don’t understand. Or just read it! You might retain some new information.

You can also find information of your own! Look up YouTube videos about the subject giving you difficulties, or read Wikipedia articles about topics the class covered.

And if none of that works, you can always go with a tried and true method: flash cards. Flash cards will stick with you through thick and thin. There isn’t a problem they can’t help you tackle. Put terms and vocabulary on flash cards and quiz yourself ‘till you drop. This will almost certainly get you a better grade.

And if you’re still having problems with the content, join or form a study group. Whether your friends are having issues with the class or not, you’re sure to learn from bouncing ideas around amongst a group.