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Feed Your Mind: Food to Boost Your Memory

Memorizing formula, dates, graphs and stats are nightmares for most students especially for those who are studying in the top engineering schools in the Philippines. But no one can avoid this, so instead of worrying how can you skip the class, why not find solutions to boost your memory? Check out these food to help you improve your memory. Eat more, study more.

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Top 6 Gadgets that are Commonly Used by College Students

With these devices, studying in the top universities in the Philippines or abroad becomes more exciting and comfortable. Make your academics more fun even you are studying in the top engineering schools in the Philippines because problems can be easily solved when you have determination, focus, and technology!

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Important Things to Put on Your Study Table

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A study table is used for studying so you should not put things that are unnecessary for learning. Yes, don’t throw your socks in that table nor your skateboard. Here is the list of things that should be on your study table.

School supplies.

Make sure you have all the materials needed for your study such as pencils, ballpens, eraser, paper, note cards, highlighters and many more. With this, you won’t have waste your time looking for these little things when you need them immediately.

Desk lamp.

When your study area is too dark, it will only make you sleepy while harsh light from fluorescent light can hurt your eyes. A desk lamp is what you need to brighten the area so you can focus more on your study.

Boxes or small crates.

You can study more efficiently if your study materials are well-organized. Store them by course in folders or binders for easy access.

Bulletin board.

It’s good to have reminders of your deadlines so you know which one to do first. Your homework, exams, reports or papers?

Clock.

You can consider putting a clock in your desk to keep you motivated in studying or to remind you that your favorite TV show is on in only 30 minutes. What you have to do is to allocate about an hour in doing your school work and do not let anything distract for that period of time. Then after that, reward yourself. Take a break and watch your favorite show.

You can do anything if you want to. You can graduate in the top colleges and universities in the Philippines on time if you stop procrastination. Be organized and conquer all your school work!

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How to Make Your Dorm Your Study Companion

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Your room is your safe haven when you have so much stresses in your life or even about love. In college, your dorm becomes your companion and your friend when you have so much things to do for your academics. Because the library often has a limited time and you have to finish your paper or reports for your course, your only accessible option is your room.

So here are some tips to help you finish your work in your dorm.

Have a study desk.

You can study well of you avoid the temptation of your fluffy pillows and warm blanket. If you have a study table, all you have to think of is to review your notes or finish your reports.Use a lot of light to keep you awake and make you focused on your studies. Stick to your chair and never ever get in your bed if you still did not accomplish your to-do list for that day.

Keep it clean.

Keeping your room clean will entice you more to stay in your room instead of going outside. If you have to study for your exams it is also good if you organize your things in your study desk so you know which subjects to study or which of your homework you will do first. Unnecessary things should be put out of your desk so you will not get distracted.

Avoid distractions.

What are the common types of distractions? Your phone and social media. Yes, it’s not bad to update and to be updated by the current happenings but you should limit it. Instead of posting a status on your Facebook that you can’t finish your homework, it’s better if you just started it than to complain about it.

Take  a break.

When you’ve been in your room for a long time, you feel bored and uneasy. It’s good to have a break, take a walk and eat a snack. When you do have scheduled breaks for your studies, it can make your brain more alert and productive!

Maybe studying in the top universities in the Philippines gives you more pressure, but there are ways to deal with it. Make your dorm your study companion because you don’t have to go too far to look for a place to study.

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Job Opportunities in the Philippines for Fresh Grads 2015

It is also important to consider the salary especially for the fresh grads. According to Jobstreet’s report, the best paying entry jobs are in the IT industry.

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Characteristics of a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment can make any employee happier and less stressed. So if you are looking for job opportunities in the Philippines, make sure the companies you are applying for are known for their positive working environment.

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Side-Jobs to Easily Earn More Income

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More work does not mean more income. What you have to do is to find great side-jobs that would give you few extra money. Whether you have a permanent job or none like college students or housewives, a good side-job could help you spend your time wisely while earning, too.

Blogging

It is one of the most popular and enjoyable side-jobs to earn money. Of course, if you want to pick this as your side job, you have to be a smart and creative writer to hook your audience in reading your blogs.

Tutoring

Even some students studying in the top schools in the Philippines need a tutor especially in courses they are having a hard time. It feels good when they finally understand the lessons and when they get good grades when you become their mentor. Aside from making money, you are also making friends.

Baby-sitting

This is a great opportunity for moms who stay at home. If you have little kids in your house, adding one or two for a few hours can get you some money. There are people who are willing to pay for that because they are too busy with their office work or when they have to travel for a business trip.

Server

It is a great side job for college students because the service industry has very flexible hours. You can work on night shifts or during weekends. You may even enjoy this work if you are a social person. You can find many restaurants and bars who hire college students.

Arts and Crafts

Are you creative, patient and determined? Maybe you can try selling your arts and crafts. You can make bead necklaces or bracelets, press shirts, design flower vases or create cute pins. There is no limit to what you can do and offer. Just make sure it is of high quality so your customers will all be satisfied.

So what are you waiting for? Spend time wisely and save more money!

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Courses that Could Easily Get You a Job

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Now that it’s not easy to find a job, it’s good to prepare yourself while you are still in college. There are countless courses that could help you prepare in various fields such as business,economics, and mathematics. If you want to be picked by employers, be sure to include these four important courses to boost and improve your resume.

Writing courses

There are many jobs which require writing skills such as journalist, copywriter, advertiser and many others. Having a skill in writing gives you a plus point for your employer. It will be easier for you too to write an email to your clients, write a report or a proposal.

Public speaking courses

Most jobs require particular persons to talk to their clients, give presentations and reports. Sometimes, just a regular interaction with them or with your officemates will be better and easier if you have taken public speaking courses.

Computer courses

Presently, we are living in a world where you can get anything in just a click. Having knowledge about computer is necessary in almost every job especially when you work in a computer-intensive job such as IT and web development. Even basic knowledge about computer could be a great help especially when you are sending emails, doing your reports or completing your research.

Business courses

Having an in-depth knowledge about how the business world works is important in any career. Taking courses related to business will also look good on your resume. Business courses help you to prepare for your future whether you want to apply for a job or start your own business. It also teaches you valuable leadership qualities that every employer really wants.

Make yourself ready when the right job finds you. Job opportunities in the Philippines are only there so prepare yourself and take the right courses. You can do it!

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Requirements Needed to Maintain College Scholarship

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College education is a privilege in the Philippines. Not all high school students are able to be in college due to high tuition rates. That’s why getting a scholarship is a tough process. It needs hard work, patience, and determination. After winning a scholarship, the work does not stop there. There are policies and requirements you need to fulfill to keep your scholarship.

Here are the general eligibility requirements you need to meet  to continue enjoying your privilege.

GWA.

You need to maintain a minimum general weighted average for you to maintain your eligibility.  Sometimes,  it’s also the GWA that won you the scholarship. The office may need you to give a copy of your transcripts.

Satisfactory academic progress.

If your course will take four to  five years, you have to finish your degree within a designated time frame. Every semester, they may check if you maintain enrollment in a particular course or if you complete the general education requirements.

Study within a designated field of study.

There are scholarships who only support particular courses. Take for example the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) scholarship, it only accommodates courses related to science and technology. So if ever you won the scholarship ,you have to change your BA Communication course to a science-related degree.

College choice.

Some scholarships apply only to enrollment at a particular college.Some departments only gives support to students who passed the top universities or the colleges in the Philippines. You have to ask the school office if your award be moved if you enroll at a different school or transfer.

Service requirements.

There are certain awards that require a community service.There is a set number of hours and you have to document and report your service to complete this requirement.

Remember, you have to prove that you deserve what you got. Keep your focus and achieve your goals. Good luck!

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Reasons to Love Engineering

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Many students are afraid of Math and therefore don’t want to get an engineering course. But engineering is not always about Math, it is more than that. Engineers are also needed by the society in, building new houses or bridges, and making new and innovative ways of doing things. Here are some other advantages when you take this course.

Earn big money.

At least you should know now that engineers have a higher starting salaries than other college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.This is why they always have clients and projects and therefore have a job security.

Be able to solve problems.

Engineers have ways to solve problems. They would come up with solutions no one else has thought of. Nothing is so simple for them and nothing is also too complicated. Being an engineer, you can make your mark in the world.

Enjoy flexibility.

The engineering degree offers lots of freedom in finding the job you dream of. You can land a job in many other fields such as medicine, design, technology and business. You can build railways, you can create new medicine, or make a whole new city.

Travel.

Don’t get stuck in the office the whole day. Field work is part of engineering. Don’t you get excited when your boss send you to Paris to design a skyscraper or in Vietnam to develop a safe drinking-water systems. But you can also stay closer to your home and work  in a nearby hospital or company.

Work with great people.

Engineering takes teamwork. You’ll get a chance to work with different people inside and outside of your field. You’ll definitely be surrounded with smart people such as businessmen, doctors, architects and many more.

Make a change.

As an engineer, you will have an opportunity to make a difference and to change the world. Can you imagine the world without pollution controls or life-saving medical equipment? Thanks to these innovative thinkers who prevent diseases, save lives, and make living easier and more comfortable.

If you want to make a remarkable change in the world, be an engineer. Enter one of the top engineering schools in the Philippines and enjoy all these benefits. Create and be great!

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Five Bad Habits You Do in College that You Should Avoid

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Yes, you heard that bad habits are hard to break. But if you want to change for better, you have to avoid those hindrances which stop you from growing and improving yourself. You would not notice immediately the effect of those habits but in the end, it is you and your grades who would suffer. So here are the things that you often do and should avoid.

Procrastinating

How many times have you delayed doing your papers? Why would you suddenly watch a series when you have some projects to do? And you would go to a party without even finishing the first page of your reviewer? You are the queen or king of procrastination. It’s okay to take a rest from all your stresses in school but you should know that you have to fulfill your responsibility as a student.

If you have a presentation and a paper that are due on Friday, create a schedule. Do your paper on Monday and Tuesday, then focus on your presentation on Wednesday and Thursday. Create your own deadline. Remember, time waits for no one so don’t wait till you run out of time to finish all your tasks.

Wasting Your Weekend

For college students, weekend is the best time to party with friends, drink the night away, and forget all their problems. But don’t forget that weekend is also a great time to start finding topic for your report or finishing your paper. A little fun is not bad. Only a little. Say you would enjoy your Friday night until Saturday, make sure your Sunday is for your academics.

Depriving Yourself of Sleep

Yes, it’s hard to find time to rest with so much going on in your acads. But you have 24 hours a day, it’s not bad that you at least give yourself a 6-8 hours of sleep a day. Don’t stay up late at night checking your Twitter or Instagram. If it’s hard for you to sleep, you can also take a nap of about 15 - 20 minutes so you can recharge.

Using Social Media even in Class

It’s not bad updating your friends and family about your life in school but not during class hours. You are not listening to your professors and instead you are taking selfies with a caption from Albert Einstein, “The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.” Wonderful. You should also train yourself that there is a right time for everything. When you are in the classroom, close your social media accounts and open your ears.

Not Attending your Class

Snoozing your alarm clock until it rings no more. Then you will be surprised that you are not able to attend your 8AM Psychology class.Then you will feel lazy and you will not attend your other subjects, too. Yes, it’s a struggle for every student to wake up every morning, take a bath and sit in a class when all you want to do is to stay in bed and dream. But wake up! Your future is in your hands. Start making a change in your lifestyle. Feel motivated by making goals such as getting higher grades, getting an A+ for your paper or passing your exams. You can also have meaningful reasons why you are taking that art class, it’s because you want to draw or paint your mother or you are taking that philosophy class because you want to understand life more.

Remember, it’s hard to enter the top universities in the Philippines but it’s harder to get out if you would not give more effort. It’s time to break some bad habits and replace it with the good ones. There’s still time to improve your time management. You can do it!

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People Who Can Help You Survive College

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College life is fun and exciting but at the same time and for many, it is also stressful and full of pressure. There are times that you want to transfer to another school, or shift to another course or you just want to quit. If you think things are getting harder to handle, there are people whom you can always lean on.

Classmates

Of course, the first ones who understand your situation in college are your classmates. They are the ones who know how hard it is to have a terror professor, to read a thick pile of books for the next meeting and to have an oral examination. With them beside you, you know that you are not alone. If they can do it, you can make it, too. You can help one another by having a study group that you can also use as a way to get to know more about each other.

Professors

If you think you are failing your classes, you can talk to your professors and tell them about your problems. Of course, you should only be honest with them so they can make the right actions. They will definitely help you if they see that you are trying your best.  

Guidance Counselor

You can talk to your school’s guidance counselor about your stress, depression, anxiety and other things that cause you headaches. Aside from that a guidance counselor also help students in the areas of academic achievement, social development and career development.

Friends

Who else can make your life easier and happier? Of course, your true friends! They are always one text away. Call them anytime so you can talk about your problems in school. They can also help you with your projects and assignments especially when you’re beating deadlines. After that, you can watch movie together and make time for some relaxation.

Family

Just think of your family when you feel like quitting. This is all for your family. You want to make them proud and you want them to feel that you give importance to your education. Anytime, you can ask for help for your finance or even for your stresses. A hug from your father, a kiss from your mother and a smile from your siblings are enough to keep you going.

You Who else can help you survive college but you. You would not succeed if you will not help yourself. Pull yourself together. Time management is the key. Give more time for your study but also don’t forget to enjoy once in a while. Picking the best universities in the Philippines might give more opportunities but it might also give more pressure. But it is still you who will make your future so survive college and never quit.

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How to Deal With Anxiety in College

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There are many reason why students feel anxiety. There are many requirements to fulfill, a number of projects and papers to finish, several quizzes and exams to pass  and so many deadlines and expectations to meet especially when you are studying in the top universities in the Philippines or abroad.

Here’s what you have to do when you feel like giving up. First rule: Don’t give up.

Avoid speculative thinking.

Try not to think about the “what ifs” in your life. It is better to focus on what is really happening in your surroundings and think of the things that you should do about it. If you fail your exam, instead of saying “what if I made time to review the exam” you just have to say “I will review for the next exams!”

Spend time to think clearly.

Give yourself time to evaluate things. Do not  take actions that you would regret in the end. It is better to make actions when you have a clear mind. You can go to a nearby coffee shop or to the library.

Learn ways to relax.

What makes you feel comfortable and relaxed? There are people who use muscle relaxation, yoga, body massage while others play sports such as badminton, basketball and swimming. Pick the best one for you and you can also bring along your friends to accompany you.

Avoid alcohol and drugs.

You may rely on these things to relax but these things would not help you in any way. Yes, it may give you a temporary relief from stress but overtime, it will only make your anxiety worse.

Get enough sleep.

Sleeping can give your body more time to recover from the physical and cognitive pressures of the day. Better if you will have at least 8 hours of sleep everyday.

Lastly, talk about your anxiety.

Let someone who you really trust know about your anxiety. Talk about your problems and if you are talking to the right person, you might gain a better understanding of your anxiety and learn how to manage it eventually.

Everybody experience anxiety but not everybody has a capability to cope with it. So if you are experiencing it, admit it to yourself and follow this guide.

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THE BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR YOUR CHOSEN COURSE

One of the biggest decisions that you’ll make in your life is choosing an educational institution for your tertiary education. You must choose the best school as the excellence of your skills greatly depends on the school that you are going to study in. Though most of the schools claim their excellence in all of the courses that they offer, there is one specific field of learning that stands out among the rest. According to the list provided by a universities and college guide, below are the top universities in the Philippines and the most excellent course that they offer.

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Engineering

School:  University of the  Philippines Los Banos

Passing Rate:  127 or 129 (98%)

Course:   Civil Engineer

School: University of the  Philippines Los Banos

Passing Rate: 81 of 81 (100%)

Course: Electrical Engineer 

School: University of the  Philippines Diliman

Passing Rate: 82 of 86 (95%)

Course:  Electronics and Communications Engineer

*Based on four (4) board exams. People who took for the second and third time are not included.

Medicine

School:  St. Luke’s College of Medicine

Passing Rate:  54 of 54 (100%)

Course : Doctor of Medicine

School: Saint Louis University

Passing Rate: 307 of 307 (100%)

Course:  Medical Technology

School: West Visayas State University

Passing Rate: 294 of 294 (100%)

Course:  Nursing

School: University of the Philippines Manila

Passing Rate: 87 of 87 (100%)

Course:  Pharmacy

*Based on four (4) board exams. People who took for the second and third time are not included.

Education

School : De La Salle University Manila

Passing Rate : 74 of 74 (100%)

Course:  Elementary Education

School: University of the  Philippines Los Banos

Passing Rate: 161 of 161 (100%)

Course:  Secondary Education

*Based on four (4) board exams. People who took for the second and third time are not included.

Accountancy

School : University of the  Philippines Diliman

Passing Rate : 176 of 177 (99%)

Course : Accountancy

*Based on four (4) board exams. People who took for the second and third time are not included.

Indeed, tertiary level is the time where you enhance your skills so you can easily stand out in globally competitive work environment. That is why you should think thoroughly about the educational institution that you will spend years studying in. With the right school, course, and set of skills, you will definitely have a bright future ahead.

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Four Ways to Make Friends in College

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Making friends in college is both exciting and scary especially if it’s your first time to enter in the university. Friends make your life in college more comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable. So better make friends and have a companion in your journey in the university.

Do some effort.

Yes, friendship can blossom naturally but of course you still have to make an effort. It takes energy to step outside of your comfort zone and go out with them during the orientation week.It may sound boring and lame but it is better to experience it than feel awkward when you see them in the classroom or in the hall way.

Go out and explore the world.

After studying the whole day, all you just want to do is to head home and take a rest. But it is the worst possible way to make friends so better get your energy and go out. You can take a rest a in a coffee shop or study in a library so you can see your classmates and may hang out with them for a while. You can also ask if they want to make a study group.

Join in organizations.

What are some things that you are interested in? Are you passionate about arts? Do you care so much about animals? Do you want to find out more about your academic field, social justice or sports? If you join in an organization with the same interest with you, making friends will be so much easier.

Be patient.

Friends come and go. They grow and change. The things you like before may be different now. If it takes too long to make friends, it doesn’t mean that you are not likeable or you are weird. You have to be patient and just keep trying. Your new friends are just out there. Get up, wear a smile and keep going!

It’s good to have friends in college. Knowing that you have people who know what you are going through is a big relief. Others think that students’ priority is just studying especially those who are in the top schools in the Philippines. But its is wrong. Friends are not just there for fun but they also exist to help you and make your college life more bearable and enjoyable.

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Essay Topics to Avoid on your College Essay Application

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Scoring that dream university you always wanted to go to takes a lot of effort and thinking through their admission process. Some of the best universities in the Philippines require an essay, aside from the exams to be taken, to be submitted along with the application forms and other requirements. This essay is your chance to show the school who you are, outside those numbers and grades, and who you want to be and your goals when you enter their institution. Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year and your goal is to stand out from the rest so it is important to avoid topics that are too cliche or mainstream.

Controversial/Opinionated essays

Political and spiritual issues are great examples of this. Some think that because they are updated about the news, it will be a good essay topic to impress the university. More often than not it won’t because you will never know what kind of people are reading your essay, whether they agree or oppose your opinion. It is also self-serving and subjective. You can make the topic personal, by avoiding bias in your words and appear passionate and driven to the cause. Instead of controversies, you can write about social issues like bullying, depression and the like that will not offend your reader.

A List of Accomplishments

Indeed your application should be about you, but that doesn’t mean that your essay needs to be a self-centered essay. If you have a number of curricular and extracurricular accomplishments, then your application form should do that. Repeating it into your essay will only be redundancy. The essay should focus on your accomplishments that are beyond their qualifications. Instead, you can write about one of the things that you are most proud of, the skills you learned from this and how you plan on using it on your stay at the university.

A Sad Story

Of course the admissions officers will feel sorry for you when they read all about the tragic things you’ve had to go through, like losing a loved one or moving away. If your goal from this kind of essay is to get sympathy, then you’ll get it, but not their approval of entering their school. This is your first shot of showing them what you’ve got, make it worth their while. Instead of just writing a tragic story, write about how you overcame all those hurdles. It will show your resiliency and ability to endure problems.

Writing your essays for your college application will seem a hard task at first, but once you get writing, keeping it personal and concise, then you are in good hands.

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Most Common College Application Mistakes

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 Applying for college is a hard feat to muster. You need to prepare all sorts of paperwork, answer a lot of questions, recall what you did a few years ago, and more. This can become a burden if you are applying and hoping to get into different schools. Because of this, details may be overlooked and applications will be sent in a rush. If you are applying for college in the top universities in the Philippines, here are some of the most common mistakes that applicants make and ways on how you can prevent them.

Grammatical and Typographical Errors

Some universities (specially if you’re applying for a scholarship), require an essay in your application process. Students have a tendency to use words that they grabbed from the thesaurus to make it seem that they have an extensive vocabulary. While this is a good showcase of your knowledge, it can hurt your purpose if you use the words incorrectly. Also, make sure that the essay you are submitting has a polished thought and was proofread. Check it twice and have someone else proofread it again to make sure you did not make mistakes. Errors in grammar and typo will most likely not win you that application you want.

Incompletion of all aspects in the form

Each college or university has their own requirements that needs filling out. Before submitting your application, double check everything and see if you provided everything that they needed. If you somehow failed to do this, there will be a chance that you won’t hear from them.

Sending too many recommendation letters

Sending too many recommendation letters will only result in the best ones not being picked. Even if you submit five, when they specifically asked for two, they will still only consider two of the five you sent. To get the best recommendations from your instructor, choose the ones in which you have excelled in their subjects. Also, choose the ones who you can relate more. If your application has a deadline, give your teacher an ample time to accomplish the letter and check back when it’s ready.

Not showing your achievements the right way

If you are given a chance to explain in your application, grab that opportunity. Include details and do not be vague about your achievements. In this way, they will have a clear view of what you have done and what you can further do.