#studying-smarter

[starstudys]

morning motivation vs afternoon reality

[starstudys]

It’s almost that time again everyone! 

I still can’t believe that in a few short weeks I’m going to be a senior! This year is going to be totally busy, so I wanted to come up with a few guidelines and tips to set up my year for the best success possible!

1.  Prepare for your more difficult classes before they start

This could be totally different depending on people or classes, but I know I have summer homework for a few of my classes, so by making sure that’s ready on time, I’m setting myself up for success.

Also, for my classes that they are applicable, I try to watch the entirety of Crash Course for that subject.

A few of my favorites are

Psychology

World History

American History

Government

Chemistry

Also, when taking a foreign language course, I use Duolingo at least once a week before the school year starts to keep it fresh in my mind.

Also, its never a bad idea to start reading novels for your literature class if you already have the reading list!

2. Set up a schedule for yourself

During the summer, the thing that sets me up for the most school year success is setting up a sort of schedule for myself. In addition to my homework, I try to plan a few hours per week per class for revision. 

I try to plan 4-5 hours per week for my weaker subjects like math, and 2-3 for my stronger subjects like English. This keeps me from having to cram for exams and also helps me strengthen the subjects that I am worst at. I try to figure out which classes require which amount of hours, and which days of the week I’m likely to be more free, taking into consideration things like rehearsals.

I really like @irstudyblr ‘s printables, and the revision plan printable is amazing!

(psst! the class information/schedule printable is also lovely, especially for starting a new school year!)

3. Prep for the ACT

Since I’m a rising senior, getting in those last few good ACTs is really important to me. So, I have been setting at least one hour per night to work on practice exams, and will continue that throughout the year, though not quite as many hours. I also have been finding a few weekend days that I know I will be free on to work on the longer practice exams, that are the length of the actual test.

Also, going sort of hand in hand with this is planning out college visits! Find places in your school schedule that you have a day or two off to look at schools you are considering.

4. Read

In addition to required summer reading, I really enjoy reading for leisure to keep my mind sharp, and also reading books that pertain to the courses I am taking. (If you’re taking psychology, Opening Skinner’s Box is great!)

5. Get school supplies!

My personal favorite part of going back to school is getting new school supplies. It really gets me jazzed for the upcoming school year!

Nothing has to be super expensive, but there are a ton of cute, fun, functional things that are fairly inexpensive.

These are a few of my favorite places:

Ban.do - super cute, quality things at fairly affordable prices

Jet Pens- more “specialized” stationary, like brush pens, for the more artistic people

Amazon- I mean, yeah of course. So much selection. So great. Gotta love that Prime two day shipping.

Muji- The notebooks are actually pretty inexpensive, and the paper quality is great! They’re bound well, so they don't fall apart in my bag!

6. Lastly, and certainly not least, RELAX!

Before school starts, finding ways to relax is so so important. These are a few things that help me relax and unwind after a hard day studying!

Insight Timer (iOS app)- I use insight timer whenever I have a bit of time or I’m super stressed and need to meditate. The guided meditations help me center myself, and help me practice mindfulness.

The Most Beautiful Songs in the World- This is one of my all time favorite Spotify curated playlists. It updates every week and the music is so gorgeous and helps me unwind.

Cross stitching/ Embroidery/ Crafts- There is something about slow, repetitive motions that help me calm down. I love love love it!

I hope this has helped you be the best you can be before you go back to school! Feel free to pop into my inbox if you have any questions or just want to chat!

[starstudys]

Doing some last minute studying of verb tenses before my Spanish final this afternoon!

[starstudys]

1/3/2017 100 Days of Productivity 3/100 Back to school which means back to copious notes on English terms!! I'm starting to feel more and more prepared for the AP English Language Exam!!

[starstudys]

get to know me tag!

Tagged by @studyinpeach and @air-plane-mode

Rules: Answer the questions in a new post and tag blogs you would like to get to know better.

nickname(s): Ry, RJ starsign: capricorn height: 5′6.5″ last thing I googled: “duolingo greek” fave music artist: lin-manuel miranda, ed sheeran, we the kings, the 1975, alan menken, john bellion, panic! at the disco, the front bottoms song stuck in my head: “Omigod You Guys” - Legally Blonde the Musical last movie I watched:  The Social Network last tv show I watched: Parks and Recreation when did you create your blog: about a year ago? what kind of stuff do I post: studyblr posts (aesthetic and tips) do I have any other blogs: my main blog @phasesofthemoonjellies (i follow from my main blog) do I get asks regularly: I wish! why did I choose my url: my goal with starting studyblr was learning to study smarter, not harder gender: female Hogwarts house: gryffindor Pokemon team: yikes i haven't played in ages but i was mystic on pokemon go if that helps

favorite color: light pastel blue and grey

average hours of sleep: 5-6 lucky number: 8 favorite characters: Hermione Granger, Elle Woods, Simba, Rapunzel, Lumiere how many blankets do I sleep with: a pile! dream job: high school choir director, psychologist, or costumer for a theater following: 623 people (i really need to sift through those) ((i just realized this may mean how many people  are following you i took it as how many people do you follow))

i tag @academicfaery @z-oologystudy @obsidianstudy @highlighteurs @studybirds @nanostudy @melistudyblr @studysapphic @penpositive

[starstudys]

1/18/2017 100 Days of Productivity 10/100 Took a lil break from 100 Days because I've been sick! I have 2 tests tomorrow, so this tea is needed.

[starstudys]

1/2/2017 100 days of productivity 2/100 The next book we are reading for English class is the Great Gatsby, a book I've read plenty of times, so I'm reviewing and annotating to be ready for the spring semester! I also flew home from Florida today and hung out with one of my friends.