Treat (Not Trick) Yourself to Better Grades

October is a season full of excitement with changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and Halloween fun. But for students, it can also be a time when school starts to feel a little overwhelming. Midterms and projects are right around the corner, and many students start to feel the pressure build. It’s easy to fall into “tricky” habits like procrastination or late-night cramming, but those quick fixes rarely lead to long-term success. This fall, make a different choice: treat yourself to better grades by focusing on strategies that make studying less stressful and more effective.

Swap Tricks for Strategies

Cramming might feel productive in the moment, but it’s one of the biggest “tricks” that can leave students feeling drained and unprepared. Instead, try studying smarter, not harder. Techniques like spaced repetition and active recall are proven to help you actually remember what you’ve learned.

Spaced repetition means reviewing material several times over a few days or weeks, instead of trying to memorize everything at once. Active recall is all about testing yourself using flashcards, quizzes, or explaining the concept aloud so your brain has to retrieve the information rather than just reread it. These strategies help build stronger memory connections and make exam day feel far less intimidating.

Reward Yourself with Breaks

Even the most dedicated students need rest. Studying for hours without a break can actually make it harder to focus and retain information. Instead, use a reward-based system to stay motivated. After completing a challenging chapter or finishing a set of practice questions, treat yourself to a short walk, a favourite snack, or a few minutes of relaxation.

These mini rewards don’t just make studying more enjoyable, they help prevent burnout and keep your energy steady. Think of your breaks as “brain candy," small, satisfying moments that help your mind recharge and stay sharp.

Don’t Go It Alone

Studying can feel isolating, especially when you’re struggling with a tough subject. But one of the most effective ways to improve your understanding is to ask for help. That could mean joining a study group, asking your teacher for clarification, or working with a tutor who can personalize your learning.

At Ottawa Tutoring, we know that every student learns differently. A one-on-one tutor can help pinpoint where you’re getting stuck, explain tricky concepts in new ways, and build the confidence you need to tackle the next challenge. Learning doesn’t have to be scary. Sometimes, all it takes is the right person in your corner.

Choose Treats Over Tricks

There’s no shortcut to success, but there are definitely “treats” that make learning more rewarding. When you invest time and effort into building better habits, you’re giving yourself the best gift of all: confidence. Better grades aren’t just about what you know, they’re about how you learn and how you manage your time.

Treating yourself to better grades means making choices that serve your future self: asking for help when you need it, using strategies that work, and celebrating small wins along the way. The more positive your study experience feels, the more motivated you’ll be to keep improving.

Ready to turn your study scares into success stories? Contact Ottawa Tutoring today to learn more about personalized tutoring programs designed to help you reach your goals.