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In the Classroom Study Strategies

Taking Notes Time Management
BASICS • If there is something you don’t understand, ASK! • LEARN TO SAY NO! Balance social time and study time
• For fast classroom access to key information on major • DO NOT STUDY FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS AT A
• Clear, concise notes are more effective than long,
topics, use QuickStudy® products, if available TIME
complicated notes
• TRY TO STUDY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS
• Instead of using a spiral, use a loose-leaf notebook • Immediately after a lecture, without looking at your
• USE TWO SCHEDULES
divided into class sections notes, try to recall on a separate paper as much as ­- Using your class schedules as a guide, block out specific
• Make all notes on loose-leaf paper; in an upper you can about what you have heard and learned; times each day for study and all other activities
corner, title and date each sheet as it is used then, review your actual lecture notes to confirm and/ ­- Create a semester schedule showing midterms, finals,
• Rewrite and combine your old study and lecture
or supplement your memory due dates, and other important events: Weekly, review
notes into a new single set of notes or outline; use
• During your next study session, quickly recall again on both schedules and allow more study time as needed;
them as a replacement for your old notes in the loose-
paper what you learned; then, review and reorganize a good schedule keeps you from wandering off course
leaf binder
• PRIORITIZE: List what you need to study each day;
your lecture notes in your own words
prioritize and set times for each item and stick to it
LECTURE NOTES • Repeat the recall process several times over several • USE THE 30-3-2 SCHEDULE
• Sit near the front of the class to avoid distractions days to commit the new information to memory! ­- Study for 30 minutes
• Be a good listener – focus and concentrate on the ­- Take a three minute break; let the break be a time to
main points of the lecture; get them down on paper; Your listening skills, note taking, and ability to think about other things
you’ll put them into your own words later along with ­- Upon returning, take an extra two minutes to mentally
manage your sessions will help determine your
your study notes; pay attention to the instructors’ review what you have just read and do a quick preview
success in college! of what is coming up next
clues to what they consider important

Balancing Work & School Study, Study, Study!

IF YOU WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL... STUDY - BREAK - REVIEW - PREVIEW - STUDY
• Keep in mind that SCHOOL IS YOUR PRIORITY! • ATTEND as many academic support activities and
Without education, you will probably be stuck workshops as possible
in a low-paying job that you hate; your time • STUDY! This may be a case of stating the obvious, but you
is valuable, and you must manage it well; would be surprised how many students don’t bother
• STUDYING WITH SOOTHING MUSIC in the background
however tired you might be after a long day
(contrary to popular opinion) can enhance your
of school and work, you must make time to
concentration
study
• Studying in a soft chair or on a cushy bed may not be the
• If your job is impairing your performance in best strategy
school, quit the job! ­- Active learning may require walking around the room or
• Never let an employer force you to take a work sitting on the edge of the chair
schedule that interferes with your studies • STUDY SPACE: Your regular study space should be as
• If possible, find a job that provides enough free quiet and comfortable as possible, and large enough to
time to get all your studying done have easy access to everything you need for studying (text
• Remember that employment makes time- and reference books, paper, pencils, rulers, etc.)
management skills even more valuable ­- Libraries, study lounges, or private rooms are ideal
­- Get rid of clutter; clear the desk or table of all materials
not related to the current project
• TUTORING IS NOT A BAD THING! Get help early,
before the academic damage is irreversible; many schools
offer free tutoring in a variety of subjects
BETTER • Study groups are great, but in general, studying alone is
more effective

GRADES with
Laminated Goal Setting
Clear, concise information Handles daily use
containing key facts, definitions & formulas Over 28 or spilled coffee • Set realistic goals within a specific time frame (in writing)
pages of info • Goals should be specific and clear
condensed • Determine the purpose of your goals and their achievement
benefits; write them down next to your goal
• Set specific strategies for accomplishing each goal (in
writing)
• Set target dates for self-evaluation
• Periodically visualize your goal, as well as your strategies
for accomplishing the goal
Road map for • List potential obstacles to attaining the goal
the course • List strategies for overcoming obstacles
• Follow through on all strategies

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 When to use
• As a road map for the course • During homework to understand and find
• At the start of a semester as an overview to answers quickly
visualize how all the elements of the class will • During class to find facts fast
fit together • To prepare for a test, midterm, or final exam
• All semester to refresh & reinforce the content • When on the go

Equation for Academic Success!

Textbook Class Notes

+ + =
Exam Strategies
Preparation Objective Exams Essay Exams
• Learn the exam format: e.g., objective • Scan the exam to determine types of • Planning your time when answering essay questions is more important
(true/false or multiple choice) or subjective questions than in objective type tests!
(essay) • Always read and follow directions! • Read through the entire examination first
• Review course outline, notes, and • Determine the exam’s scoring rules and ­- Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer
QuickStudy® products use them to your advantage; if wrong ­- If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure
• Review previous tests; check at answers are penalized, don’t guess unless to number your answers exactly to match the questions
departmental office you can reduce the choices to two • Follow directions carefully
• Summarize highlights on single sheet • Answer easy questions first ­- Pay attention to the key words in the question: Words such as “list,”
• Mark difficult questions and return to them “describe,” “compare and contrast,” and “outline” require different
later types of answers
• True/False Questions ­- Don’t “write around” the question—answer it directly and concisely
­- Pick out key words or those on which • Outlining
the meaning of a statement hinges ­- After scanning the list of questions, choose those you know most
MEMORY DUMP
­- If any clause in a statement is false, the about
statement is false ­- On scrap paper, quickly prepare an outline of important ideas
At the beginning of the • Multiple-choice questions are essentially and facts to be included in your response
test, write down on a piece true/false questions arranged in groups ­- Your opening statement summarizes what you are going to write; the
of paper everything you - Usually only one alternative is totally
­ following sentence should support your opening statement
correct - Your conclusion should show how your body text supported your
­
remember—formulas, facts,
­- Eliminate obvious false choices opening statement
names, etc.; scan the test - Of the remainder, pick the alternative
­ • It is absolutely essential that your ideas can be read and understood
questions; then, do a second that answers most fully all aspects of the Print neatly and use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
memory dump and begin the question
test

Themes & Reports

Reducing Writing Anxiety Library Tips Writing the Paper
• GET A CALENDAR OR ACADEMIC PLANNER • DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR FIRST RESEARCH PAPER/ • Make/Use index cards (put the topic at the
­- Follow tips in Time Management on page 1 PROJECT TO SCOPE OUT THE SCHOOL LIBRARY top of each card), notes, bibliographies,
- First, write down the due date of the paper; next, count
­ ­- Many libraries offer tours summaries, reports, and reviews as part
backwards: How many days will you need to write, edit, - Determine the library’s resources, as well as its of your preparation process to organize
limitations, as early as possible
re-write, revise, take notes, research, read, select, and narrow your materials
­- Learn how to use library computers and card catalogs
the topic? to find books by subject or author • PREPARE A WRITTEN OUTLINE
­- Now you know what day you will need to begin the paper - Practice using every machine in the library (i.e.,
­ - Don’t make the mistake of trying to
­
• BE SURE YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOUR INSTRUCTOR microfiche, CD Roms, etc.) keep everything in your head
EXPECTS - Use the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature ­- Make your outline in the form of main
• DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPRESS A UNIQUE OPINION. The key (available in book form and online) for magazine headings or ideas with sub-headings
is to document and support your ideas in an organized and clear articles; encyclopedias (book form, online, or CD-ROM) fleshing out the flow of the paper; this
manner for general information on most topics; almanacs (book will establish the paper’s content and
• WHEN PROOFREADING TEXT, start at the end of your paper; form or online) for facts, lists, charts, tables, etc.; conclusion
read one sentence at a time and work your way to the beginning; atlases and/or Internet for maps and geographical facts/ • WRITE THE PAPER
statistics; ask the librarian for instructions and/or how to
by reading from end to beginning, the pattern is broken and you access the most up-to-date information on the topics ­- Use the outline as a guide and stick
will find more errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling you are researching to it
• DO NOT RELY ON SPELLCHECK. Remember “principle” and - Be sure to cite all research properly, whether you use ­- Write in your own natural style
“principal” are both correct spellings; other biggies—”to” and periodicals, books, the Internet, or other sources! ­- Reread, rewrite, revise, and edit
“too,” “it’s” and “its” • KNOW COPIER RULES AND PROCEDURES IN ADVANCE until the paper says exactly what
• PLAGIARISM MEANS TAKING ANOTHER PERSON’S WORDS ­- Where are copiers located? you want to say, the way you
OR IDEAS AS YOUR OWN. Be careful to always cite your source ­- Does the copier require cash or some sort of copy want to say it
whether you quote directly or paraphrase; remember, if it’s not card? ­- Use correct punctuation and grammar,
common knowledge or your original idea, you must cite the • CHECK OUT LOCAL COMMUNITY AND UNIVERSITY and run spellcheck
source LIBRARIES They may house the one obscure article or - Cite all sources, including Internet
book you need to earn that “A” searches

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 Reading Skills
Skimming & Scanning The SQ3R+Reading Method
• WHEN TO USE • SURVEY
­- To determine main idea ­- Preview the assignment/material to be studied by
­- To locate facts quickly scanning the text quickly to discover the central
­- To answer test items concept
­- To answer chapter ­- From your preview, formulate an overall picture and
questions the purpose of what you’re going to study
• QUESTION
• HOW TO SKIM & SCAN ­- What you need to learn in terms of what, why, how,
- Fix intent for reading
­ when, who, and/or where, to support the central
(or facts sought) clearly concept
in your mind - Write these questions in the margins of your
­
­- Scan table of contents, textbook or at the top of your lecture or study notes
chapter headings, and • READ
subheadings ­- Read specifically to answer the questions
­- Quickly move eyes over ­- Most paragraphs contain one or more main ideas in
reading material, focusing support of a concept; locate and highlight them with
upon page headings and a marker; make notes in the margins summarizing
subheadings, discarding key points; pay special attention to bold or italicized
information that is obviously type and to tables, graphs, and illustrations which
not related to reading intent may explain an idea more thoroughly than text
­- Skimming should be twice as fast as average • RECALL
reading speed ­- Pause periodically (every 15 minutes or so) to recall
in your own words a summary of the important
Locate as quickly as possible the key or topic ideas you have read; write on notepaper as much
sentence of each paragraph (usually, but not as you can recall about what you have read and
always, the first sentence). learned!
­- Each mini-review is a knowledge builder and memory
-­ Selectively omit portions of reading material reinforcer
- Practice skimming and scanning to locate
­­ • REVIEW
information; repeated practice will increase ­- Did you answer your questions, understand the new
speed material, and accomplish your goal?
­- Read the last paragraph carefully for summary ­- Reread difficult parts; work a few more problems
information
­- Carefully review tables, charts, and side boxes

Staying Healthy Brain Power

BEWARE OF FAST FOOD, SUGAR, AND CAFFEINE! Can You Remember?
• Gallons of coffee or cola are not the way to survive mid-terms or finals • MEMORIZE FROM GENERAL TO ideas, persons, things, etc., that you
- Sleep and study in small shifts SPECIFIC: Study the big picture, then learn already know
- Exercise often during exam weeks the details ­- Repeat: Even though something is
- Choose foods that provide natural and sustained energy: pasta, peanut • CRAMMING DOES NOT WORK! initially learned, it will more than likely
butter, non-sugary cereals, yogurt, fresh fruits, lean protein Cramming for an exam only commits the be forgotten if not over learned; be sure
FIND A GOOD EXERCISE PROGRAM information to your short-term memory to repeat information in your own words
• Whatever you choose—swimming, running, or going to the gym—make sure
• FOUR BASIC REASONS WE FORGET • KEY IDEAS
it’s something you’ll stick with moving forward
PIECES OF INFORMATION ­- Highlight them in your textbooks and
• Especially during times of stress (exam time and/or when papers are due),
­- Don’t use the information outlines
exercise is important—it reduces stress and makes you feel better!
STRESS MANAGEMENT ­- Confuse it with other - Give extra attention to bold
­
• What works for managing stress is different for everyone information words or phrases
• Sometimes, regular exercise and healthy eating are enough ­- Decide the information ­- Make up acronyms or mnemonics
• Other times, you need more—think about taking a yoga class with a friend or does not match what you to recall (i.e., GIGO = Garbage In;
starting a crafts project already believe Garbage Out) or (Please Excuse My
• Journals and blogs offer great ways to unwind and de-stress, too ­- Never really learned the Dear Aunt Sally = Parentheses first,
• Listen to music—it helps everyone relax information in the first place then Exponents, then Multiplication,
• Whatever you choose, remember, SCHOOL IS YOUR #1 PRIORITY! • KEYS TO REMEMBERING Division, Addition, and Subtraction)
• If you ever feel that stress or pressure are more than you can take, talk to your ­- Be interested: Pay attention; • MAPPING
parents, a teacher, a guidance counselor, or any adult you can trust—don’t consciously choose to remember; Make a mental image of your notes,
feel like you have to handle all your problems by yourself establish a need to remember outlines, color-coded QuickStudy ®
• Also, find out what kind of counseling programs your school, local youth ­- Visualize: Picture in your mind what you guides, etc., and where facts are located
center, or house of worship may offer—many organizations offer one-on-one wish to remember on them in relation to other topics; these
counseling as well as support groups that can be very helpful ­- Relate: Relate and form associations images (fact maps) and their data can often
• Everyone goes through rough times; YOU’RE NEVER ALONE! Reaching out between the new ideas and information be recalled during tests
to others can make all the difference, whether you’re helping or being you wish to remember and information,
helped

Critical Thinking Skills

Community Resources • Learn to evaluate everything you see,
read, or hear; decide for yourself what to
• Critical thinkers are
­- Able to resist manipulation
• MAKE YOURSELF AWARE OF COMMUNITY believe ­- Able to overcome confusion
RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY if you are in a new town; be • Critical thinking is important in order to - Able to perceive connections between
­
aware of support services ­- Enhance common sense subjects and events
­- Religious institutions ­- Filter emotion ­- Able to base judgments on evidence and
­- Support groups ­- Categorize experiences facts
­- Counseling centers ­- Select references ­- Able to realize that the “truth” is never
• REALIZE THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF YOUR ­- Understand the “experts” simple; grey or foggy areas always exist
COMMUNITY ­- Sort fact from opinion
- Do some volunteer work each semester: It’s great
­ ­- Learn to express yourself in a clear and
to put on college applications and gain practical interesting manner
experience, plus it feels good!
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 Tips for College Planning How
makes studying
The SAT
• You should take the SAT for the first time no later than
The Personal Statement
• Most colleges require a personal essay as part of
easier!
the beginning of your junior year; it is best to take the their application; while the question posed might
SAT early so that you can take it again if you aren’t be worded differently among applications, they all “I keep the Writing Tips & Tricks guide
satisfied with your score basically want you to explain why you are suited to with me while I write so I don’t have
• The SAT is only one among many factors used by attend their school to use my textbook as a reference.
admissions officers to determine your suitability as a • The best way to handle multiple applications is
student to begin by writing a general personal statement
It’s helped me understand the writing
• There are many materials and classes to help you expressing who you are and why you desire to process and write a great paper.”
prepare for the SAT. QuickStudy® offers effective, continue your education; then, customize your essay - Steven Scalice, student
concise study guides for both the verbal and for each school to which you are applying
mathematics sections of the test • It is important to have others close to you read your
personal statement before you include it with your

Planning & Preparing Your application; not only are they more likely to find any
spelling or grammatical errors, but they can help you
College Applications refine the focus of the essay; share your statement
with teachers, counselors, friends, family—the more
• Th­e sooner you begin to plan for college, the better— feedback you get the better statement you can
as soon as you begin to think about going to college, produce
request catalogs and applications from every school • Don’t use your personal statement to explain any
you might be interested in, even if the materials for deficiencies in grades or test scores; don’t make
the semester you plan to apply for aren’t yet available; excuses for not being that imaginary ideal student;
these are essential in evaluating your choices, and you if there were any specific circumstances you feel
can always request new ones when you apply detracted from your academic performance, or if you
• Create a file for everything related to college, and were the subject of any disciplinary action by your high
keep it organized; make a list of everything school, compose a concise explanation and enclose
you need to send and the deadlines by it on a separate piece of paper; have a teacher or
which it must be sent guidance counselor look it over first
• Keep your parents informed about your
applications; you will need to plan with
them to work out financing; and with the Making the Choice
anxiety so often involved in these
decisions, you’ll need them for • The hardest part of the process can come after
emotional support as well you have received acceptance to multiple colleges;
deciding which choice is best is a complicated decision
and is rarely made without help; be sure to involve
Recommendations your parents in the decision-making process so “Your guides have changed the way I
study. I don’t have to search through
that you can know how much financial support you
• Many colleges require one or more letters of
recommendation; if possible, solicit recommendations
have available; stay informed at school and in the my textbooks to find the answer I’m
community about scholarships for which you might looking for - it’s all right there in a
from teachers long before they are due qualify
• Although you should select those teachers who know • Many students dream of going to a particular
handy guide!”
you best, it is a good idea to give them a copy of your
transcripts and a list of your activities; this will help
university; unfortunately, most must compromise; still, -Mike Castro, student
for most students, there are abundant institutions that
them write positive letters that refer to your specific
would make a good match; if you have determined
accomplishments
that the only schools that have accepted you are not
• Rarely is it a good idea to send more recommendations
a match, don’t panic—there are many alternatives;
than a school requests, especially if all the letters
consider asking schools that rejected you about
tell the same story; diversify your recommendations
across as wide a range of subjects as possible—this probational enrollment; or spend a year working,
will show potential schools how versatile you are, both attending a local community college, and filling out
academically and socially applications to schools you haven’t considered; military
enlistment is the answer for many who can’t quite afford
SOURCES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
to attend the school of their choice
• Teachers • Music instructor
• Another option is to enroll at an institution other than
• Coaches • Job supervisor
the preferred one for a year or two, and then transfer;
• Guidance counselor • Volunteer organization
it is becoming increasingly common for students to
• Pastor • Boy/Girl Scout leader
complete degree programs in this manner
• Extracurricular activities
coordinators

College Admissions so that you can speak or write about them with
ACADEMICS enthusiasm
• Take the most rigorous classes available at your high • Extracurricular activities with an academic focus
school; not only are these classes usually weighted are generally best (e.g., science fair, debate team,
in your favor in computing your GPA, but admissions language club, math team); being involved in your
officers like to see applicants who challenge
school’s student government is another activity that
themselves academically
• Put forth the effort to earn the best grades that you
will look good on your applications. “I’ve been using the AP Calculus
can—this should be your first priority; if offered at • Engagement in athletics can also help you earn QuickStudy® guide to study for my
admission to the college of your choice. Even if you
your school, take as many Advanced Placement or test. It gives example problems that
International Baccalaureate classes as possible; not lack the ability or interest for recruitment for college
teams, participation in sports shows the admissions
are really helpful in understanding
only can these classes lead to college credit, but they
also signify on your transcript that you are just the kind staff another facet of your personality. Being athletic the material.”
of student colleges are looking for can make you more well-rounded and staying in shape -Calvin Ward, student
• If your school district permits it, you might want to will improve your mental focus.
consider dual enrollment at a local university or • Volunteer work looks good on applications. While it is
community college; this will show your eagerness to
learn and willingness to undertake a challenge; it also
intrinsically good to volunteer to help others, it can also Connect with us!
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Some schools require students daughter. If she needs to know
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to volunteer in order to Instagram:basic, it’s right at her
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• Competitive colleges are sometimes reluctant to
graduate. If you have fingertips. It is laminated and 3-hole
been involved in any Twitter:
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admit students who had no extracurricular activities
in high school; it is best to be involved in a handful
such activities, be sure in her binder. Great Purchase!!
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of activities in which you are genuinely interested,
to indicate so on your -Kristen Wilson, parent
application. www.youtube.com/barchartsvideos
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