Why?

This one is for all ex-toppers, “gifted” students, child prodigies, straight A kids who are now extremely perfectionist, under creative paralysis, now in college/high school and having never learnt to study, don’t know how it’s done.

● Studying is absorbing knowledge. It is not “only for the less intelligent.” Studying all year doesn’t mean you’re stupid. It means you’re willing to learn.

● If you have never learnt how to study, you should now. Feynman technique, Cornell notes, pomodoro, whatever works for you.

● Chances are you have attention deficits. Sitting down to study for an hour must seem frightening. It’s okay. Don’t aim for hours. 25 mins.

● It is okay to ask for help. Meet your teachers. Ask how you can improve your grades. Try to analyse what you’re getting wrong.

● Offer to help. Once you learn your material, help friends understand. Let them quiz you. See, you’re still as smart as ever.

● You will still be good at the things you were. You will still be good at applying what you learn. For which, you should sit down and learn.

● You’re not expected to be born knowning the avogadro number and Cattel’s theories of Intelligence. You can learn. It’s okay if you didn’t get it right the first time.

● Your younger Hermione self had a lot less to deal with. This is honestly okay. You can learn.