What Do Toppers Know That You Don’t? 7 Study Secrets Revealed
- Students
- July 5, 2025
Same syllabus. Same exam. Same number of hours in the day.
But while one aces every test, confident and in control…
The other spirals into burnout!
So, what makes the difference? What is the secret sauce of becoming a topper who consistently achieves high scores academically while others struggle despite putting in countless hours in exam preparation? Well, it is a smart approach that involves a set of innovative strategies to study for exams and daily habits that every topper follows to excel from the very first day of the academic session.
However, before we delve into these game-changing strategies, it is essential to understand that this journey of scoring high marks is a long one. It requires dedication to achieve relevant goals, courage to overcome distractions, and consistency in adhering to a study schedule because nobody can become a class topper overnight. To achieve academic success, students must prepare diligently from the start of the session rather than waiting until exam time to develop these crucial habits.
Seven Secrets Toppers Start With on Day One
High-scoring students swear by specific strategies and smart habits that primarily include understanding concepts deeply, following an effective study schedule, practising mock tests regularly, and managing their time very efficiently while actively participating in class discussions and activities. Let’s explore these seven secret habits and exam preparation strategies that distinguish these high achievers from their peers. The final habit may surprise you—and it’s often the difference between good and great.
1. Concepts Over Cramming
The individuals who score high marks prefer prioritising the “WHY” behind every concept instead of simply memorising facts and formulas. This fundamental habit of practising conceptual understanding over rote memorisation enables them to apply their knowledge in various complex situations and engage in executing analytical thinking.
For instance, students often memorise mathematical formulas without achieving a logical understanding, whereas toppers believe in learning how and why these mathematical formulas work. When they gain a deeper understanding of the concepts, they can solve the problems while adapting their knowledge to new scenarios. In times of unfamiliar complexity, they can resonate with the problem using their conceptual foundation rather than panicking, like others who have not memorised a specific solution.
2. The Recall Method
Toppers know that not all study methods are created equal. So, they never mind experimenting with different techniques and end up finding out what works best for their learning style.
Many high-achieving students employ active recall techniques, in which they test themselves regularly without referring to their notes. They also utilise spaced repetition, reviewing material at increasingly longer intervals to strengthen long-term memory.
One clever memory trick comes from how Chinese students learn complex characters: they break each symbol into simple parts and connect them with a mental image or story. This visual approach makes remembering easier, and toppers often employ similar techniques to simplify complex concepts in any subject.
3. The Pomodoro Technique
Time management is the most crucial step in the priority list for students who achieve high academic scores. Toppers never miss on creating detailed study plans that allocate specific time slots for each subject.
But managing time isn’t just about having a timetable. It’s also about how you use each block.
And this is where Japanese toppers do something brilliantly different
They don’t just set timers—they set intentions. Using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study, 5-minute break), they start with a clear focus statement like:
“I’ll master trigonometric identities” or “Revise the human heart’s structure.”
This simple habit clears distractions and sharpens concentration—transforming a routine study session into a deep, focused flow.
Try it: set your timer, say your focus out loud, and get into performance mode.
4. Active learning and Class Participation
In the classroom, when many students passively listen to the learning sessions, high-scoring individuals actively engage in every discussion and take strategic notes on the concepts taught by teachers.
Active learners focus on key concepts and connections rather than trying to write down everything verbatim. They often review and refine their notes shortly after class, reinforcing their understanding while the information is still fresh in their minds.
One powerful technique that sets active learners apart is the Study Like a Sensei method:
In ancient Japan, every samurai learned better by teaching their juniors. This principle still thrives today — top students become mini-sensei, guiding peers to strengthen their own understanding. This idea echoes what physicist Richard Feynman said: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
5. Consistency is the Key
Regular practice is the backbone of academic excellence. Toppers know this secret, and so they consistently practice past papers, sample questions, and practice problems to assess their understanding and identify areas needing improvement.
This approach helps them become familiar with exam formats and time constraints while building confidence in their abilities. More importantly, they engage in honest self-evaluation by analysing their mistakes, understanding why the problems occurred, and executing strategies to avoid roadblocks to their performance. This is how they turn every mistake into a learning opportunity to accelerate their improvement.
6. Healthy Body, Sharp Mind
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
— Buddha
Contrary to popular belief, toppers avoid underestimating the importance of their health for academic success, and they always prioritise both physical and mental well-being in a balanced manner to achieve optimal cognitive performance. They prioritise getting adequate sleep because a well-rested body and mind are essential for memory consolidation and mental clarity.
What’s more? Many toppers who achieve high scores also develop effective stress management techniques, which include practising meditation, exercising regularly, or engaging in hobbies that help them stay relaxed and recharge.
7. Using the Right Resources at the Right Time
This might be the most underrated success habit: not consuming everything, but curating the best. Strategic resource use isn’t optional — it’s a game-changer.
Many of them leverage various digital educational resources available, and one good choice is VOLT Learning, a platform that supplements interactive learning. Here, a comprehensive collection of great learning material can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Each resource is complemented by engaging videos and activities that provide a comprehensive learning experience.
It is essential to be selective about the learning resources and always choose quality materials that align with the learning objectives, rather than being overwhelmed by too many options.
The Foundation of Academic Excellence Begins with Motivation
Before executing any strategy for effective study, it is crucial to rely on one essential element: MOTIVATION.
Nothing will help if you lack the motivation to learn and succeed. And the secret to sustaining motivation rests firmly on developing a genuine interest in the studies.
But how can you build this interest?
The answer is simple: start going to class prepared. When students pre-read the chapter that will be taught in the classroom, something magical happens. They transform from passive listeners to active participants in the school, developing a better understanding of the concepts taught by the teacher because they already have a foundation to build upon. This positive cycle of better understanding leads to improved performance, which in turn builds confidence, increases motivation, and encourages them to prepare even more in advance.
To achieve the top position in your class, starting exam preparation from the first day of the academic session is the most crucial step students can take. But why is beginning early so important? When you start implementing these strategies from the first day of school, you have the entire academic year to build and refine your habits. This gives you several key advantages.
- You can avoid the stress and panic that come with last-minute preparation as you get months to consistent learning and practice mock tests properly.
- You can pace yourself properly by dedicating adequate time to study each subject without feeling overwhelmed.
- You have time to identify your weak areas early and work on them throughout the year rather than discovering them during exam preparation when it’s too late to make significant improvements.
Most importantly, starting early allows you to establish these top strategies as natural habits rather than forced behaviours. When you begin practising active learning, time management, and regular revision from the beginning, they become part of your routine. By the time exams arrive, you’re not learning new study techniques—you’re simply continuing the successful habits you’ve already developed.
Share On:
