How to Study Mathematics

Buy used textbooks. Sometimes we don't understand a concept because the explanation is just plain bad or it's not written in a way that we can understand. It's good to have a text that gives alternate explanations and additional sample problems to work out. Many used book stores will have inexpensive texts. Just double check to make sure that the explanations and answers from the previous owner are correct!

Study actively. Don't just work out a problem, draw pictures and diagrams of a process and make up stories to go along with them. If you are an auditory learner, you may want to make brief recordings of yourself defining some terms or processes.

Read actively. Use sticky notes or flags to mark important things in your chapter or things you need to ask about in class. If you have a sample problem that you've worked out and you'd like to have similar problems for additional practice, mark it with a flag and ask the teacher next time you are in class.

Use college prep study guides. If you can't find an old textbook to use in addition to your class text, try using an SAT, ACT, or CLEP study guides. They often provide great explanations and sample problems. You can also find free online study guides for these tests.

Take breaks. If you come across a problem that you don't understand, read it over a few times and give it a try—but then walk away from it and make a sandwich or do something else. Your brain will continue to work on the problem subconsciously.

Review old tests. Old tests are the best clues to future tests. They are good for establishing a strong foundation for the newer information, but they also provide insight as to how the teacher thinks.

Practice neatness. How unfortunate would it be to miss a test question out of sloppiness? It's important to make sure you can line up problems neatly so you don't confuse yourself, and also to make sure you can tell your sevens from your ones.

Find a study partner. A study partner can test you and help you understand things you can't get on your own.

Understand the process. You sometimes hear that it doesn't matter how you come up with the right answer, just as long as you get there. But, this is not always true. You should always strive to understand an equation or a process.

How to Start the School Year Off Right This Year

Summer is over, the days are shorter and the weather is cooler—this is the start of the new school year. Instead of groaning, why not take this as an opportunity for a new start and the chance to make it the best academic year yet!

Go to bed early and get enough sleep--a good sleep makes you more awake during the school day, which means you’re more focused and are much more fun to hang with during the day. You should ideally get between 7 and 8 hours a night, and also, to make sure that you are getting quality sleep, make sure to shut off computer and cell phones at least 1 1/2 hours before going to sleep.

Watch your eating habits—make sure that you are getting enough whole grains, fruits and vegetables so that you don’t find yourself getting sick or feeling sluggish during the day because you are hungry or lacking vitamins. Also, don't forget to eat something for breakfast, even if it means grabbing a granola bar or banana on the run.

Do homework right away—don’t put off doing homework or projects until later in the night or after your favorite TV program. Do what you need to do right away so that you don’t run the risk of not having enough time to finish later or leaving it too late to go to sleep at a reasonable time.

Be prepared--Have everything you need for the school day set up and ready to go the night before, so you won't find yourself running around getting even more stressed in the morning.

Be on time for classes--by showing up on time or even a little early, you immediately give the impression that you are reliable. Punctuality and making deadlines are crucial to your success as a student. If you are known for being on time, a punctuality slip in the future is more likely to be forgiven.

Keep your focus--the reason that you are at school is for school. Worry about socializing before or after school or on weekends; don’t ignore teachers or talk with friends during class instead of paying attention. The only one who will suffer is you—and your grades! 

Engaging with your teacher in class--ask questions, make comments and volunteer for demonstrations. You want to be in their mind as someone who is listening to their lecture. Even if you just ask for clarification from time to time, it shows a willingness to learn and improve. Stepping out in class is gutsy too; you’ll establish yourself to your teacher, as well as your peers, as a confident person.

5 Tips to Prepare for Exams

One of the least favorite things about high school life is final exams. Even though exams constitute an end to classes, it can be a very stressful and difficult time in a student's life. The finals can be the difference in passing or facing a class again.

Few new students know how to study for a final because they become overwhelmed with the volume of material that has been covered. There is also a fear that retention of that material may not be good enough to warrant a passing mark.

Here are some of the best suggestions for ways to improve study habits and get higher grades on finals.

Create an Outline

A student should write down the chronological studies of the class with brief explanations of each subject covered. While doing this, it is possible to form an opinion of what parts were the hardest and in which areas the student is not well versed. This outline should give them a good idea of how much time to spend on each phase based on the amount of time available to study.

Get an Early Start

Students learn the hard way that cramming all night before a test is not conducive to great test scores. While beginning to study too early can be non-productive, a student should never wait until the day before the test. Beginning a full week before test day should provide ample time to make a positive difference. Depending on the start of study and the outline, a student should organize how much material and what material to study each day.

Ask for Help

The first thing a freshman should learn is to seek the best assistance available to them. Few people have ever done well in the higher education system without tutoring in some studies. This is not just true preceding an exam, and should be a common practice when course material doesn't make sense.

Get Plenty of Rest

High school life can be quite taxing if good habits aren't established. It is easy to get sidetracked by other students who do not have a commitment to achieving good scores. No matter what those students decide to do, if you want to do well in your studies you must understand that fun times have their time and place. Proper rest and a good night's sleep leading up to any exam makes for a considerable advantage.

Relax Before the Exam

The last part of preparation is to settle down and be comfortable. A student should plan to have most of the study finished early on the night before the test so there is no pressure to get to the end and impose on rest time.

Common Problems College Students Face - Overcoming Adversity

Every college student wants their experience to be memorable, but in the right way. High school students envision their college years will be full of fun, new social encounters, new experiences, and fond memories. However, there are also many problems college students face throughout their years there, and how they deal with them is essential in their academic, emotional, physical, and social success.

Here are some common problems and some possible solutions for working through them.

Finances - One of the major challenges college students face is that of finances. Many students drop out prior to graduation because they cannot afford the cost. Some have help from parents, others have financial aid, but still with the rising cost of tuition, textbooks, room and board, gasoline, clothing, and other necessities, the challenge is often a difficult one to overcome.

Planning is an essential part of handling the expense of college. Sound money management skills are required, and being creative and responsible when it comes to saving money is essential. Buying used textbooks, finding alternate means of transportation (bicycle, walking, and carpooling), eating out less, and doing without some luxuries can mean the difference is maneuvering your way through school free of debt or having to drop out.

Studies - College usually requires more studying than high school along with more assignments. It is easy to become quickly overwhelmed and fall behind. For those trying to attend school and work part or full time, the study problem is often a great hurdle to overcome.

Don't overdo it, especially in your first semesters at school. It is best to pace yourself and adjust to campus and academic life at college. Carefully consider the number of credit hours you are undertaking as well as their level of difficulty. It might be a good idea to juggle classes so your schedule is not loaded with all the hardest subjects in a single semester. Your advisor can be a valuable resource in helping guide you in your choice of subjects.

Selecting a Major - Many high school and beginning college students stress early on over choosing a major. They become overly concerned with their future professional career and the salary possibilities various jobs offer.

You can begin a broad area of study, such as business, and then narrow the possibilities down after you've got some credit hours on your transcript. Focus on areas of study that you actually have an interest in rather than making it all about the money. Again, your advisor is a resource who can help you make these types of decisions.

These are just a few of the challenges college students face, and if you are dealing with issues of some type you can rest assured you are not alone. Don't struggle in trying to handle the stresses on your own. Discuss your concerns with family, friends, and your advisor; utilize campus resources such as counselors and college staff. Many times these connections have advice and experience that may well offer the solution to your problems.

Problem solving is all a part of maturity and advancing into adulthood; it is what shapes you into the person you are capable of being; it's a part of life.

Developing Good Study Habits - The Earlier the Better

A large number of parents do not help their children develop good study habits during the formative years. Whether it is an oversight or because the adults in the family are tired from the workday, this is an often neglected part of parenting responsibilities.

Failure to properly motivate study can cause problems in high school leading to grades that are not as good as they could be. Poor study habits at the college level can mean the difference between passing and failing.

When Is It Too Late to Instruct?

Although it may be late to influence a child on how to study as a sophomore in high school, it is still better to begin there than when an 18-year old is leaving for college. Unfortunately, that is what happens in many situations.

If you still have a year or two to prepare for your child to attend college, take some time to observe their study habits.

Many students "study" while the television blares in the background or with headphones in their ears. This often is not an exception, but the rule. Of course, this is not the recommended way of learning, and after a child does it for some time, it seems normal, acceptable, and the preferred way to go about studying. When the time comes for college, learning a different routine will be difficult.

What to Expect from Poor Study Habits

Poor study habits in the middle and high school years will only lead to those that are just as bad or worse in college. It's easy to understand why so many college students never complete their studies. The material in college is harder than in high school, and the work done outside of class has less structure and fewer hours put toward it.

A parent may sound like a broken record to their child, but parents should continually stress the importance of having some quiet time every day in college to study. This may not work out in the dorm room because of a roommate, but there are usually places for communal study, supervised and quiet, such as the library.

Closely Watch the Early Grades

The student who has problems early in college is often the one who never studied properly in high school. Parents cannot go back in time and teach better habits, but they can keep close tabs on what happens in the first weeks of college before grades begin to slip. They can encourage study groups to enhance the understanding of harder subjects or look for tutors who will instill better studying habits for the new college student.

The earlier in your child's life you teach and enforce good study habits, the better, and setting the standard in the elementary years is highly recommended.

Effective Tips for Studying

Spring is in the air, and with it comes proms, sports tournaments… and final exams. If you’re  struggling with your study habits, consider these simple tips for effective study sessions.

Set the Stage

A clean, tidy and distraction free zone for studying is important. Have everything you need on the desk. Put away what you do not need for the study session. Seeing reminders of other assessments or domestic bills may increase your anxiety and distract you.

Pick the Right Time to Study

Study according to your body-clock. Are you sharpest in the morning or at the evening? Schedule your most difficult materials when you are mentally at your best, and schedule the easier ones when you are mentally less efficient.

Fuel the Study Machine – Your Body

Avoid eating a big meal before a study session. Too much food will send your body into a ‘rest’ mode. On the other hand, don’t starve yourself either. Frequent small meals are best. Drink plenty of water during a study session, especially when you feel sluggish. Caffeine may help you to stay awake, but it can increase your anxiety – use it in moderation.

Give Yourself a Break

It is important to take a break before you feel tired and lose your concentration completely. Regular breaks, at least once an hour, helps to sustain your concentration. If the work is not going too well and you have difficulties in concentrating, you may need a long break and go back to it later. When you take a break, take a few deep breaths and get more oxygen to your brain: try walking around and doing some light stretching for a few minutes. It will help to release tension in your body, and help your circulation.

Top 3 Tips for Great Studying

One of the big things that I’ve been asked about lately has been how to help students study more efficiently and effectively. To be efficient, they must be able to do it with as little time investment as possible and to be effective; they have to be able to retain as much knowledge as possible.
Here are my top 3 tips for great studying:

Location, Location, Location
Two of the most common areas for study are the kitchen table and the bedroom. Both have their drawbacks. The kitchen tends to be the hub of the household, so the student is frequently interrupted. The bedroom is a poor choice because it’s generally full of distractions (a computer, stereo, cell phone) and it’s where your child sleeps, which makes for a naturally lethargic mood.

My best suggestion is a neutral location that is quiet and has good lighting – for most people, that’s actually the dining room! The student should bring only what he/she needs to study to the dining room, and pack it up at the end of the study session, to define a clear start and end to the activity.

Timing Is (Almost) Everything
There are two points to the timing issue. One is when your student studies and the other is how long they study on any particular subject.

Most students operate on a sleep-deprived schedule – going to bed late and getting up late (when they can!). This means that their most effective non-school hours are generally mid- to late afternoon, and attention trails off towards the end of the day. By having your student do their studying when they get home from school, they also tend to have better recall from what they learned in class that day.

The length of the study session is also important. Most high school classes run in 45 minute segments, which is just about perfect for maximum retention. That’s not to say that your student should be limited to under an hour, but after 45 minutes it’s important to take a 10 minute break and move around (get a snack, check email, take the dog for a walk). The student can then return for another 45 minute study segment, but for most effective study, they should switch subjects to exercise a different part of their knowledge base.

Looking for Relationships
Let’s be honest – studying can be boring. More importantly, there’s a difference between passively reading and studying. Studying should be an active verb – the student is meant to absorb knowledge, not just memorize information.

One of the most innovative ways to ensure that your student is engaging his brain and not just his eyes is for him to use relationship mapping for subjects. Start with a core theme or topic (generally the first paragraph in a text book, or the summary on the back of a fictional book) and take notes on the relationships to that core theme. Your student’s mind is a neural net, where one concept links to other concepts – putting this on paper (instead of the traditional list-style notes) can help students retain the component parts better.

EG: A relationship map (also called a mind map) for studying Romeo and Juliet may have three central themes of Love, Conflict, and Tragedy.

The Love section would include all the characters and scenes where love is demonstrated (i.e. Romeo loves Juliet – ACT 2: “What light through yonder window breaks?”).

Conflict could be broken down into family conflict (i.e. Feuding families – PROLOGUE “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny”) and fighting (i.e. Tybalt kills Mercutio ACT 3- Mercutio “A plague on both your houses.”)

Tragedy could be broken down into sadness (i.e. Juliet mourns Tybalt ACT 4-Paris “Immoderately she weeps for Tybalt’s death”) and death (i.e. Juliet kills herself ACT 5-Juliet “Happy dagger, here lies your sheath.”

The point of the relationship map is not to memorize the specific events, but to create a concept narrative that helps the student understand the relationships between the different subjects and recall those more easily later.

Stress Management for Students

Getting into college will be one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of your life.  It'll also be the hardest. The process is generally long, complex, and can be difficult. Anything difficult will cause stress – and unless you learn to manage stress, it will manage you.  Don't allow stress to build up and negatively affect your scholastic endeavors or your health.

 To fight stress, do these things:

1. Stay healthy.  Poor eating, exercise and health habits will do more to you than just make you gain weight; they sap energy, worsen your mood, and add to stress.  Stress is not just a mental state; it's a physical state, and if your body is not well equipped to handle it, you'll be less able to deal with stress.  Eat healthy food, get a good night's sleep, and exercise. 

2. Budget study time.  Ignoring an exam and then cramming the night before will add to your stress (and it doesn't work anyway.)  Having a study plan will not only pace your brain, but just knowing that you have a plan will relax you. For more tips and tricks, read our blog post “Managing Your Study Time”. 

3. Stay social.  You don't want to party your scholarship away, but it's important to stay social. Make friends.  Find clubs.  Play games and sports. Keep in mind that the students you meet today are the co-workers of tomorrow, so it pays to get out and meet new people. Take the time to get to know your colleagues and the time to relax. The mind is well rested by new activities, and socializing will cut down on your stress. 

4. Engage support.  It’s very common for both high school students and college students to feel overwhelmed by it all. If concerns are eating away at you, tell someone - confide in a friend, call your parents, or talk to a professor. Find groups that provide support. Hard though it is to believe when you’re awash in a sea of stress, someone's always ready to help if you just ask. 

Stress management is critically important to any long term effort that requires a lot of time and effort, and your college-bound journey is exactly that. The skills you learn today to manage stress can carry through the rest of your life!

Managing Your Study Time

If you're making the effort to get into the perfect college, you may be one of the many students who just can't seem to study enough.

But, believe it or not, it's possible to allocate too much time to studying. If you feel like you're abandoning social life or extra curricular activities to hit the books, or just feel there's not enough time in the day to study, you might want to consider better study time management. Study smarter... not longer!

Try these three tips:

1. Budget your time. Parkinson's Law states that any task given unlimited time will probably never be finished. If you don't set aside a specific amount of time for schoolwork, you might fall into the trap of feeling as if you've never done enough.

Instead, try to set yourself a fixed amount of time per evening. My suggestion is 85 minutes per day. Set an alarm for that time and when it rings, close your books and finish. After a few days you might be amazed at how your studying will become more efficient just because you're unconsciously working towards that limit.

2. Plan a week ahead. If you don't have a plan before you crack open the books, you won't be efficient in your studying. If you sit down with mounds of essays, labs, upcoming tests and readings and no idea where to start, you'll be distracted by everything you're not doing while you try to do something. Furthermore, you might find yourself spending so much time on one subject you don't leave enough time for another.

Instead of sitting down to a pile of notes and textbooks, plan your week.. Using your work due dates as guides, figure out what you want to do on Monday, Tuesday, and so on, and stick to it as closely as possible. And what you're not planning on doing tonight, get it off your desk! Concentrate on one task at a time to do it right and absorb the information.

3. Don't burn the midnight oil. If you usually go to sleep at 11, staying up until 3 isn't going to help, and in fact, it'll probably hurt. Doing work while you're tired will just result in poor work. Studying while you're tired will almost certainly result in your remembering nothing. Worse, losing sleep will reduce your energy, attentiveness, and performance in class.

Instead of cramming to the wee hours of the morning when exam time comes around, why not find other times to study? Bus and train rides, quiet time, even skimming a textbook while eating, all allow you to absorb information and come up with ideas when your brain is alert, and leave you with time to get a good night's sleep.

Your brain uses more energy than any other organ in your body. To get into the college you've always dreamed of you need to keep your brain from getting worn out!