College Study Tips

It's that time: Midterms.

On the plus side, the weather is changing. Football is in full swing and basketball pre-season is quickly approaching. Routines have been established and study groups are formed. And while there are so many other fun things I could be doing, I'm in my room or at the library studying. I'm not alone- Midterms have hit Purdue's campus and are on the horizon for many other schools. 

I managed to get through the first round of exams with flying colors... or at least I think so. I stayed focused, organized, and tried out all the different ways in which I could learn the material. Practice exams, flash cards, the usual. But, exams in higher education are nothing like the ones I took in high school. The require days of preparation instead of an hour the night before. I've found that professors really do want you to succeed, and they make resources available as long as you take advantage of them. 

For each person, studying and learning is all about trial and error. I need repetition and to hear things be explained, whether by a video, professor, or myself. I have friends who can read things once and have it down. I also know people who can go to lecture once and never think about it again, then go ace the test. Not fair. Regardless of how you learn, there are a few resources that I think everyone can benefit from that I credit my good scores to.

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1. Re-Watching Lectures

Like I said, I learn from repetition and audible information. But, I've found this to be so beneficial for studying. Firstly, it gives me a chance to hear what my professor has to say again, since most of my exams are lecture-based. More than that, though, I've found that when I go to lecture I'm learning things for the first time and spend most of my energy getting down the notes and trying to wrap my head around big ideas. When it comes to exam time, I get the big ideas. Hearing the details again makes sure that I haven't missed any examples and helps me make connections to the main ideas. I get a much more holistic view of the material when I go over it again.

2. Use Your TAs

At Purdue, we have this thing called Supplemental Instruction. It's like free tutoring that I relate to an optional recitation. It's taught by students who have taken the class before and know what the exams and stress of the class is like. I get more from these sessions than I do recitation or going to office hours, because I often don't know that I need help unless it's brought up to me and I realize that I don't know it at all. The group setting and the fact that we can bounce ideas and questions off one another is extremely helpful and acts as a glorified study group... and we actually stay on-topic since there is an instructor there.

3. Look at the Objectives

All of my classes have a set of learning objectives for each section or exam. Its possible that you were given them all at once in the syllabus or that they're online somewhere. Wherever they are, find them. Professors are basically handing out what they plan to put on the exam. Go over them and make sure you know what's going on. Any blanks you have can be taken to office hours or a TA to be answered.

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The most important aspects of studying isn't the actual studying,

 but how the task is handled. 

It's been proven that cramming doesn't work, but I've found that looking at the material anytime after 6 hours before my exam is stressful and harmful to my confidence. I begin preparing for any given exam one week before the date- that gives me a good 6 days to make sure that I have everything covered that needs to be. But it also gives me a manageable time frame that keeps me from stressing or feeling unprepared. The day of the exam I do everything in my power to not look at my material. At that point, I had better know what I need to know. Trying to force more ideas into my head is only good at putting doubts into my head. 

When it comes to my studying schedule, I try not to do more than an hour or two a day. I lay out what I need to get done and stick to that schedule. When it comes to preparing and making sure that I know the material, it's important to me that I don't overdo anything. If I work ahead or do 4 hours one day so I can take a day off, I'll burn myself out and make it harder on myself to actually grasp the material. I take frequent study breaks- paint my nails, take a 30 minute nap, or go for a run- to clear my mind before I get back to it. 

In the end, this relaxed approach has helped me more than anything else and I hope that it can help you, too! As exams approach, be proactive and get things done. You'll thank yourself when you actually get sleep the night before while everyone else is up cramming. 

Bonne Chance! 

Top 5: September 2013

This month has been a blur!

School got crazy- midterms and studying took up my life. When I wasn't studying I was eating or sleeping. My lack of activity here on the blog was probably a great indication of this routine, but I'm happy to say that life has slowed down. The scores I received on my exams were an indicator of how well my studying tactics were working... let me just say that all is well. Not only was this a relief to not struggle through my first round of exams, but I'm able to see now that I can stress a bit less on my school work. This is wonderful news, because I was not liking my lack of free time... I would have gotten burnt out very quickly. 

Because of this horribly stressful month, there's an overwhelming theme of "comfort" to this month's list of favorites. From yummy drinks and snacks to what I did as study breaks, all of these items saved me during this month.

1. Anything Fall

The fact that I was able to start wearing boots, scarves, and hats made getting up to go study a bit more enjoyable. Having a brisk walk to class woke me up and drinking warm drinks was such a pick-me-up. My favorite drink right now is not a Pumpkin Spice Latte, I know.. shocking! I'm actually loving hot caramel apple cider. It's absolutely delicious and brings back memories of my mom's homemade hot cider.

2. Nail Polish

I think I've mentioned that my roommate has been inspiring to keep my nails pretty, but painting my nails is also a great study break. It takes enough time that I can watch a couple of YouTube videos or an episode of Sex and the City and re-charge my brain. I've been loving fall reds, greens, and blues. I'm currently wearing Stylenomics, from Essie's Fall 2012 collection, but I'm on the search for the perfect fall pink. Suggestions?

3. The News

Another way that I've given my brain a break without feeling like I'm wasting away- reading/ watching the news. Every MWF I wake up with time to relax and watch the Today Show with a cup of coffee. In between classes or during study breaks I've been enjoying FlipBoard. Everything I read is interesting, but I think it's also important for me to keep up on what's going on outside of my campus. The "College Bubble" is a real thing, which I first experienced when I heard about the US going to war and not knowing a thing about it. I immediately began searching for an app that I could use to stay up-to-date. FlipBoard has been perfect! 

Additionally, I've been keeping an eye on my horoscope. I am away that it is definitely not the current, worldwide news, but it is news. In my life. I find it fascinating to read what is in store for me and to actually compare my days to how they've been "predicted".

4. Greek Yogurt

Of course food has to make an appearance! My roommate and I have become slightly obsessed with eating yogurt. For me, I've become dependent on it as a snack since I began my 21 Before 21 challenge of not eating sweets. I love putting a few shredded almonds in there. It acts as a perfect ice cream substitute and I love that it has so much protein!

5. Home

Dorothy was right- there's no place like home. This past month I was able to go home twice, which was desperately needed. With all of my stressing at school, it was nice to spend a weekend at home and have my parents cook for me or just be there to talk to about everything. They are 100% my greatest support system, so being with them and hearing their encouraging words is what I use as motivation to study and do well. My sister is crazy, but I've missed her! She and I were able to have a date night- dinner and a movie- and just talk about her sports and school. It kills me that I'm missing out on so much of her life, but it makes being home so much sweeter since we can just love on each other rather than fight.

I am so grateful that this month has gone so smoothly, regardless of the stress. This weekend is the beginning of fall break, and I can't wait to go home for an extended period, unpack, and just be able to relax. But, I feel that October may be stressful in it's own ways. 

All I have to say is

Bring it On! 

Social or Not?

Since classes have started, I've struggled with this conflict of interests:

to study all the time or let it be and make friends?

Obviously there's got to be balance, but I'm having a hard time finding it. This past weekend I spent Friday night with friends just hanging out and watching movies. But, because of that I felt like I needed to stay in Saturday and study. While everyone went out, I put on my sweats, took out my contacts, and hit the books. Plus side to being a hermit? The hall is silent on Saturday nights- perfect for studying. 

You might think that this sounds balanced- one night out for one night in. But what's wrong is that whenever I'm out, all I can think about is all that needs to get done. I feel like I'm constantly going over my class materials in my head. Making sure I don't forget them and making lists of ways to study and make sure I know my stuff. It's to the point that I almost feel guilty when I'm not studying. I know there's no reason to feel guilty- one can't only sleep and go to class. But I worry that I won't be prepared for the exams and that I'll be mad about going out once it's too late. 

As you can tell, my weekends and inner thoughts are extremely conflicted right now.

Luckily, I've heard that this is the hardest semester of my major- the weeding out process that is so well known at Purdue. And with the competition to get into their Pharmacy program, I can see why they'd want those who aren't committed to change majors. But then there's all the other stuff, like clubs and organizations, that make a student well rounded. So not only am I adjusting to 17 hours of class (plus 3 hours outside of class studying for every hour in class) and the plethora of student organizations that students are urged to join. So much going on... it's almost hard to think that anybody has the energy to go out on weekends! 

Luckily, I'm able to be social between studying or at meal times. In class I get to be surrounded with 250-300 students, all of us under similar work loads. There's a sense of community and friendship in the fact that many of us do, like myself, chose to stay in on the weekends (or even during the week). So there's that- knowing I'm not alone. Also the fact that my parents are sacrificing so much to make sure I'm getting the education I want. It makes staying in and making the grades worth it. Forever.

So that brings me to the question- to be social or not?

I can't be the only one who has this problem. It's a worldwide epidemic- working long hours to "live a nice life" but never having time to live. So for myself and anyone else struggling with this, I'm telling you to balance. Take breaks throughout the day to have a lunch break with friends or go to the gym and see people. Get out, socialize. I think it'll help to focus more while I'm working. Also, being able to tell friends "I was with you guys at lunch so I need to stay in and study tonight" a better excuse/ reason that won't get you as much slack. I'm going to try to balance my studying and socializing more, while also making sure my grades aren't being sacrificed.

It is my future on the line, anyways!

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

I am this close to losing all sense of motivation!!

Okay maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration... but seriously. Eight weeks from today I'll be walking across the stage accepting my diploma and finally getting out of jail high school! Having that knowledge, and the fact that tomorrow is my last day before a two week intercession, I am finding it incredibly challenging to get any studying for my 3 tests or preparation for my presentation tomorrow done (seriously, I've always wondered why teachers do this to kids). 

With giving up imminent, I decided to take a study break to write about... what else?! My study habits!

Let me preface this with telling you that I am ranked in the top 5% of my graduating class and have a 3.9 GPA.

I have almost an entire additional year of high school than what's required to graduate (credit-wise) and have taken almost every advanced placement possible since 7th grade. While I understand that I am only a senior in high school, I believe that my AP teachers have prepped me in every way possible for success in college. I understand that studying and succeeding in college is a completely different process, but this is what I have for now. 

1. Your first key to success is to do what your prof or teacher tells you to do! Yes, it is easy to show up to class and listen to lectures, but there's so much more that you can be doing. Always read the material being covered before you go to the class! Always do the homework, even if it isn't to be collected. But, most importantly, look at the outlines, notes, and book that you are covering before class. This not only helps you get knowledge that you may not get in class, but gives you an idea of what's going on and what you should know. This way, if you have anything that you still aren't understanding after the lecture, you can ask questions and clarify any rough spots. 

2. Make a to-do list! Okay, so i know this sounds very 30-year-old-housewife-ish of me, but I seriously make lists of everything. If I can organize what it is I need to be doing and physically cross tasks off my list, I feel so much more calm. Plus, I love the feeling of accomplishment as I see my list get smaller and smaller! 

3. Limit your studying time. And don't crunch material! I like to spread out my studying over the week before the test. Even if it's just reading through my notes at the very beginning of my "studying", it's a proven fact that your mind will subconsciously process material. The more you can get it into your head, your mind will be thinking about it and locking away the ideas without much effort on your part. It makes your real studying in the few days up to the test much less stressful! When it comes to my hard studying, I like to set a timer for 45 min on my phone. I work hard for that time, and take a 15 min break once it goes off. I might watch a few youtube videos, send a few texts/ emails, or online shop. I'm pretty good about getting back to studying, but if you tend to get distracted easily, I'd recommend setting a timer for your break, too. 

4. When it comes to the actual process of my studying, here's what I do:

quiz - throughly read notes - skim notes - make a condensed study guide - skim notes - quiz

I do this for each section or chapter and it's amazing to see how my quiz scores improve just with that simple process. I just added the step of making the condensed "notes of my notes". I try to fit everything for an entire unit or test on one sheet front and back. It's perfect for in between classes or at lunch glancing at and being able to jog my memory on a few major points or questions that I keep missing on the quiz. Repetition helps!

Studying and preparing is such a vital part of a student's life and I'm so glad that I kindof have a system down. While I'm sure it'll be tweaked this time next year, a foundation is all I need right now! 

I'm pretty sure this break has been longer than my typical 15-minute break... but I deserved an extended one!

Happy Friday!