I had a similar realization this semester. It felt like after I learned a new concept, I had to give it time to solidify. The best students were always caught

I had a similar realization this semester. It felt like after I learned a new concept, I had to give it time to solidify. The best students were always caught up with the class and following along whereas the average or below students were fully focused on one class at a time depending on which one had an assignment/exam coming up. I wondered why some students are able to keep up while others fall behind. I think it boils down to efficient study strategies like this and never falling behind in one class because there's something due for another class.