#studyblradvice

[shikastudies]

Things I Wish I Knew Before My Freshman Year

Okay, this is a memo from a couple months after I finished my freshman year and of course, I added some extra tips that I have learned over the years. 

1.) I wouldn't use a locker, just because I carry only my essentials and I don't really have a use for a locker, but if your school doesn't have team locker rooms for your sports equipment, then I would recommend using your locker. Nor is there really time for students usually to get their belongings out of the locker and out to class in time.

2.) The upperclassmen don't really care about you since they have college and stuff, but this is also an example of what you should do in the future. So do pay attention to how they are and what they’re doing because if you learn how to study from an upperclassman, you’ll probably be able to get through freshman year without much hassle!

3.) If you're worried about classes, you'll most likely be separated from your friends. Harsh, I know but take this as an opportunity to make friends and get involved. This was especially easy for me, but I have made a lot of new friends that are always there if I missed a class or couldn’t understand an important assignment!

4.) Take chances to make friends and get involved not only because colleges and university will appreciate them on your application, but also because you will make some hilarious and embarrassing memories. I joined a sport at my high school (crew), and I made so many memories with my friends there, and I am proud to say that I did enjoy doing a sport in high school even if maybe the water was my biggest fan. 

5.) Care about classes because when you mess up with perhaps a C or lower, it is tough to bring your grades back up. Also, try and keep a healthy and friendly relationship with your teachers because that is so beneficial when you need them to write you college letters of recommendation. I let loose a little bit at the end of my junior year, and so because of that, I spent the summer trying to pick it back up. 

6.) Go to pep rallies, dances, games, or go out for a sport or a club. In my second year of high school, I went out for our rowing team, and I had such a great time, I put in the work and honestly, some people weren't the most welcoming, but I had friends, and I made friends that made my season so worth it!

7.) Don't be mean or rude or annoying, although you are a freshman. Remember that you are not God, nor do you really have a standing in the school, so stay in your lane but don't be afraid to spread your interests out!

8.) Take classes online: I took Personal Finance and Physics online, so if you live in my county, these are not a good idea if you expect to learn from them alone. I had to put in a lot of work for Physics because my teacher wasn’t a good source and the powerpoints had wrong information in them. So do beware these are basically self-study courses!

9.) This is to any freshman, senior (men/women) really don’t like you for your personality, so do beware. Not every senior is like that, but I have warned you.

To those going to high school, I wish you good luck because high school brings out the worst and the best in you. These years are when you realize your interests and passions, and if you don’t, that’s okay! Life is the biggest mystery, and you’ll have a grand time figuring it out! Stay beautiful and fresh with these last few weeks of summer and do reply with any tips for freshmen that you found helpful or ask for tips on specific subjects too!

[noodle-studies]

When Duolingo finally offers Chinese but you have an organic chemistry test to study for.

[noodle-studies]

How to revise for an exam in a day

• Don't drink energy drinks or have sugary things if it's early in the day. You will crash, your better off eating an apple it has a lot of caffeine in it too •Make a list of everything you need to cover. If your doing a level and it's a huge list cross of things that you either have an idea of already or is comparatively easier •If its science or maths keep going over formulas throughout the day- trust me you need it •If you need to learn English quotes find the top 10 and analyze them briefly- you need to remember them so don't overwhelm yourself • whilst your doing work play an audiobook or YouTube video on in the background for the same topic- that way you cram in audio and visual learning at the same time • Time your breaks- 10 mins max unless it's a meal •Don't think about how much work you have left or that you don't have enough time- you need to just be getting through it. Although this should be good incentive not to leave it late again. • If the subject is very application based ( chemistry, maths) go through the past papers online, find the ones you can't do and learn how to do them • If you are doing an essay subject you have to make essay plans for a couple of of the past papers NOT ESSAYS THEY ARE TIME CONSUMING •Don't spend to long on something- if you still don't get it leave it • Get off tumblr ;) • Turn your phone off. If you need it keep it on aeroplano mode, a Snapchat streak is not worth retaking.

[noodle-studies]

Exam paper hacks

• For English decide before the exam whether your better at theme or character it will help you choose your question faster • Start with a simple question ( e.g. A definition) so that your confident you can tackle the paper • Don't rush one mark questions ( especially sciences) they add up • For extended writing only spend the allocated amount of time on a part and then move on or your losing a whole load of marks that you haven't even attempted •A quick flick through of the paper at the start is invaluable; you know what to expect, can figure out the pace you should be answering at and your brain has time to draw the relevant info up. • Use the formula sheet/ periodic table that you get! Seriously don't forget it! • If it's open book don't read the book! •Make sure your actually answering the right section/ the part for your course. E.g. If you don't know what an Othello is, it's probably the wrong question. •Check that your calculator is on the right mode. • For sciences don't attempt the extended answers at the start; you'll most likely panic and write down everything you've ever heard about and it will look messy and illogical. I'm speaking from first hand experience here!! • Don't answer the question using info from the question • Avoid making up quotes, I've read the examiners' reports and they do notice! • Answer the question, if you are writing about ecosystems and end on the Oedipus' Complex recheck it.

[noodle-studies]

Things to actually consider when choosing a levels

• Look at the specifications for the a levels your thinking about doing- It will give you an idea of what to expect over the year and if there is a topic you really despise but it has a heavy weighting then you know not to take it • Look at how the course is tested; how many exams will you be sitting and is there a coursework aspect? For sciences for example there is a quite large practical side. • Look at how the paper is divided ; is mainly long responses or does it have a maths part too? ( Warning: majority of the subjects will have a maths part/ statistical testing unless you take pure essay subjects) • Four a levels = hell, if you don't think you can manage it then I'd avoid doing it because universities only require three so save yourself the pain. Considering the exams are now linear even for three a levels the amount of work seems endless so I can't even imagine doing four. • If you take a science then it's probably a good idea to take two because they are going to be very complementary and for a science degree you generally need two as a minimum. • No a level is easy. Some are definetly on the more challenging end of the spectrum (further maths, chemistry, physics) but don't do an a level because you don't think you'll have to do much work. •Occasionally you will get sick of your subjects, probably from being overwhelmed by the amount of content so make sure you like the subject enough that you can still study it no matter how bad you may feel. • If you don't actually want to do a levels it's fine because a levels are honestly not for everybody and I know of a lot of people who have dropped out of a levels to do apprenticeships. Consider every alternative because academia doesn't suit everyone and that's okay.

[noodle-studies]

THE MOST IMPORTANT PAST PAPER HINT

Never do all the past papers; keep the newest past paper ( the 2016) paper and the even the 2015 ones if you want until the week before your ACTUAL EXAM. These papers will be the closest representation of the real thing; so you should complete them only when you've covered everything. Unless you have to complete them in class or for a mock you will want to save these!

[noodle-studies]

How to revise when you are ill

Headaches and Migraines: • Don’t use neon highlighters or bright colors stick with muted colors so it’s easier to look at •Try and avoid doing a hard topic or looking at text heavy pages • If it gets to intense and you can’t concentrate at all take some painkillers and have a nap because you won’t be productive if you can’t concentrate

Sore Throats: • Gargle with salt water • Avoid talking completely •if you can’t swallow at all and it’s paining you greatly have a spoon of honey • Drink a lot of fluids: Warm drinks tend to feel better ( tea, coffee and soup etc) • Take a nap, you get tired quickly when your ill •Take Vitamin C •Have a shower the steam will help

If your on prescribed medicine (antibiotics) • Work out how necessary it is for you to revise because if your on antibiotics you should be focused on getting well • Every one or two hours try and have a nap •Finish the full course of your medication • Don’t try and do to much- you are ill so your not going to be as productive as when you are well

Flu/ Cold: • Take some painkillers if you feel really bad • The nap rule still applies • Try and eat a lot of carbohydrate foods because you need to energy •If your muscles feel sore have a bath and dress comfortably

Cramps: • Use a hot water bottle • Take painkillers if it’s extremely painful and try and dress in loose clothing •Revising in your bed or on something softer will be better • Rub the area that pains gently

[noodle-studies]

9.04.2017 Easter revision list 🐸 I have done no work this weekend as I have been pretty ill but I'm at the library tomorrow so all should be on track again.