Tracey Said:

How can I improve my study skills?

We Answered:

Over the years in highschool, I've set some rules for myself to follow and ever since that time I've been a consistent A student.

1) No methodology- No success
Getting an A is a function of having the right study process. Those students who consistently get A's have figured out a study process that works for them and they usually follow it pretty carefully.If you do not have the methodology or process you will not be successful.

2) Practice before or practice on the test?
You can either practice before or practice on the test. Which would you rather do? Enough said.

3) Tests will show you exactly what you do not know
Sometimes tests will surprise you with something you don't know at all! When that happens just make sure you learn it after the test, so it will stick in your mind from now on. Though it is more recommended to know all about the test before you actually do it. Its all about understanding what you have to learn and know about it before you get into the test.

4) Never study for a test on the day of the test
Never expect to learn anything new on the day of the test. You are only messing yourself up. If you study on the day of the test, you run the risk of confusing and jumbling the information you already know and end up not knowing it.

5) Learn everything before you sleep
Everything you want to learn must be learned before you go to sleep the night before the test. Theres something about learning all of this new found knowledge and then sleeping which just helps you effectively remember things more efficiently. Its a psychological process that causes you to absorb that information. You need to take advantage of it.

6) Always transcribe everything
Never study from class notes or textbook directly. Always transcribe everything into an outline. Include in the outline everything that must be learned- concepts, difficult problems, etc. No typing is allowed. Rewriting with your hands causes you to simulate the information.

7) Studying starts when bounding ends
To not be surprised when your on the test, is to make sure you know ahead of time everything you have to learn. Or another way to say this is make sure you know what you have know. Now you may not know it, but the first step to learning it is to know what to learn. No useful studying can occur until you have bounded what has to be learned.

8) Doing hard problems= Can do easy problems
If you can do the hard problems, you can do the easy problems, so why spend a lot of time on easy problems?

9) Study in a place where you can focus
Do not study in an environment in which you are too comfortable. It just leads to lots of procrastination and your mind will wander off. The library is best. No Tv, no computer, no music, no internet, no cell phone...

10) Always start preparing for a test at least two days before the test
At least two days before, you have to start making your outline and bound your information together. First of all it gives you a good feeling because you know that there is always more time left to study. It also gives you the time to figure out what you don't know and with that you can learn from the teacher/professor on a 1v1 basis. Remember you have to take advantage of the resources that are available to you, so don't be afraid of your teach.

11) Hot Guy/Girl= 4.0!
Never underestimate the power of human desire. If you can find a hot girl/guy to whom you are attracted and who already has a habit of studying in the library, you will get a 4.0. I lived that particular event when I was a freshman in high school and it does work. You will get alot of studying done, since it actually gives you a good reason to stay in the library for long periods of time.


This is the methodology in improving your study habits overall. Its guaranteed to work if you actually use all 11 together. (well #11 optional)

Jeanette Said:

Study skills?

We Answered:

See if your school offers an exchange program and then live in Russia, Spain or Portugal (or wherever it is they speak the language you'd like to learn). If the school you're attending doesn't offer an exchange then even try living in those places on your own. The best way to learn something is to expose yourself to it.

Clayton Said:

Any tips for getting through my first year of high school?

We Answered:

I wouldn't worry too much about your locker. After a few days, you get so used to going there that even if you don't remember what your number is, you'll automatically know which one is yours. As for combos, it's the same thing. Carry a slip of paper around with you with the combo on it, in case you forget the first couple times, and after that it's stuck in your head. If you've never opened a lock before, go out and buy one to practice on so you can get the hang of it.

Schedules: Just like lockers. Put it some place easily accessible, and soon enough it becomes routine.

Study tips: Ahahaha! You don't want to get study tips from me! Seriously though: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. It will come back and bite you in the butt. This wasn't such a big problem freshman year, but, whoo boy, when senior year rolled around, it was vicious. Senioritis is not just a state of mind... x.x

Friendship skills: I wouldn't worry too much. I went in to high school as a socially awkward, nerdy little Catholic school girl, and I made friends just fine. But lemme tell you a little story. First day of high school, I went to my very first art class, which was terrifying because it was the only class where everyone sat in groups at separate tables instead of side by side in desks. I felt like everyone at all the other tables was already part of a clique, so I went and sat at the table that was populated by the Obvious Loner Kids. (You know the type. No offense to any OLK's. I'm sure they're really nice people. But still.) And I didn't talk to anyone at this table. And I thought, wow, this sucks. But it was like everyone had already established where they would sit for the rest of the year on day 1. So, in an amazing burst of courage, I went over to this other table with one free seat, asked if anyone else was sitting there, and introduced myself.

And lo and behold, all the girls at that table only kinda sorta knew each other from middle school, and weren't the group of tight-knit buddies I assumed they were. And we all became pretty good friends, and I had more fun in that art class than in any other I'd ever taken. And I found a best friend at that table, and now we're getting an apartment together 'cuz we're at the same college. Woot! So, the point to this whole incredibly long spiel is, don't be afraid to go and introduce yourself to people. Lots of people. Because it'll pay off.

Holy ****, this turned into a long post. Just remember that everyone there is in the same boat as you - nervous, a bit overwhelmed, and eager to find someone to sit with at lunchtime. Go forth, little freshman, and make the best of your teenage years. Best of luck to you.

Audrey Said:

Can studying drafting/architecture in high school improve my math and visual skills?

We Answered:

Yes. Practise makes perfect, or at least better.

Christian Said:

Can a former high school teacher become friends?

We Answered:

She sounds like a good mentor...sure its ok to be friends.

Corey Said:

Study tips for nursing school?

We Answered:

I am in community college for Nursing major. I have tried many study skills. What works for me may not work for you. Everyone is different and you need to find your own niche. But what Ive tried that works for me is highlighting parts in the textbook as I read it that I think are the most important to remember. I read slowly and grasp each concept. Its important to not just read but really find a way to learn and remember it. I use creative ways to remember things that are difficult to remember...one example was when I was in Anatomy 2 and we had to remember the order of the sizes of white bloods cells...the first letter of each one was NLMEB, so I made I memorized it by remembering Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas...its silly but who cares as longs as it works. I also am the type that needs complete silence and an area that has no distractions...find a place for you that makes it easy for you to concentrate. I also find it hard to study for too long at one time, if thats you then break up your study times into smaller sessions. If you feel like you just cant concentrate anymore, get up and take a walk or get something to eat. I also do practice tests that were at the end of the chapters or on a CD...that helped me make sure I really knew the info.
Some things that Ive heard have worked for others but didnt really work for me was flash cards...writing the question or word on one side and the info or definition in the other side. You can also rewrite your notes or just writing info you learned on paper..some people learn better by writing it down and learning or reinforcing info while they're writing. Just play around with different things and you will find what work for you. If you lack the motivation to stay focused, remember your ultimate goal and picture yourself graduating with the degree...maybe write something that reminds you of your ultimate goal...something that motivates you to keep pushing....on a piece of paper or 3x5 card and hang it up in your study area or keep it in your binder an read it when you are feeling that lack of motivation to remind you. Well, I hope you find what works for you and I hope my suggestions helped. Keep pushing towards that goal! You will not regret it! :)