With the economic downturn and so many layoffs, a lot of people are going back to school, either to get a degree or to get some education to change careers. How to study for school is something people need to take seriously. Their current or future jobs may depend on it. For some, it has been years since they have been in school and back then, some may not have been very good students.

Don't worry. I was a student five years ago when I went to massage therapy school. I got As on all of my work. I love being a student and I would like to share my study habits with you so you can succeed in school.

First, you have to want to be successful. If you do not want to succeed, you won't. No, I don't believe in all of that law of attraction and universe stuff. What I mean is that in order to be successful, you have to make time to study and you have to actually sit down, open your textbooks, and read them! For some students, this is the hardest part.

Now that you want to study, choose a quiet spot where you can comfortably sit without distraction. It can be at a desk, on a couch, on your bed, or in a library. Turn the TV, radio, DVD player off. Try to escape the noise of the kids or a demanding spouse. Get away from your phone. This is your time to study, not chat. Get a hot or cold drink (no alcohol--the more caffeine, the better), a highlighter, and sit down. Open your book to the assigned chapter and read the introduction to the chapter. Then flip through, reading the subtitles just to see what the chapter is about.

Now, start reading. If you see anything that you think is important, highlight it. Try to read through the whole chapter the first time without stopping. Hopefully, you have caffeine in your cup to keep you awake, especially if the text is dry.

Once you have gone through the chapter, get up and take a break. Think about it while you do some quick chore that needs to be done. Refresh your drink. Time to go back to the book. This time, read the chapter again, answer the questions at the end of the chapter and do any other homework that you were assigned.

When you go over this chapter's material in class, take plenty of notes. Anything that is written on the board by your instructor is important enough for you to write down. It will be on the test if it is on the board. If your instructor uses an overhead projector, anything shown will probably also be on the test. Write it down. If your instructor calls special attention to portions of the text, mark it and study it well--you guessed it. More test material.

While taking notes, write down anything you think is important. If the instructor says the same thing more than once, write it down. It will be on the test.

When you are back home studying for the test, carefully go over and try to memorize or at least become extremely familiar with all of your notes. Then go through your chapter and memorize the highlighted material. Study all of the questions and answers at the end of the chapter. If you have time, read the chapter again. Do not pull any all-nighters. Now that you are older, you need your sleep. Make sure that you are eating healthy food. You need to be in good shape to stay awake in class so that you can succeed in school.

By the time of the test, you should feel comfortable enough to make a great grade, now that you know how to study for school. Good luck!