Exam Day: Survival Tips

Exam Day: Survival Tips

Test- Taking

Part 3

Identify key words.
This helps you focus on the main idea of challenging questions.

Rephrase difficult questions.
To understand questions better, rewrite them in your own words. Be careful not to change the meaning.

Organize your thoughts before you write.
Take time to organize your responses to short-answer and essay questions. You'll reduce the time you need to revise.

Write neatly.
Be sure you don't lose points on answers the teacher can't read.

Use all the time you're given.
If you finish early, don't leave. Use the extra time to proofread and review your answers.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Exam Day: Survival Tips, Test Taking- Part 1

Exam Day: Survival Tips

Test Taking 

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills//10296.html

Essential test-taking advice.
Try out these strategies while you're still in high school, and by the time you get to college, you'll be a test taking expert.
Before The Test:

Eat well.
Studies show that you need good nutrition to concentrate perform your best.

Bring the right supplies.
Bring your pencils, erasers, pens, rulers, compasses, calculators or whatever else you need on test day.

Review the whole test before you start.
See how many sections and what types of questions are on the rest. Determine how much time to allow for completing each section.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Online Learning (2)

Online Learning

Part 2

More Tips
Finally, look beyond the article for more clues.

• Read the website's home page and the About Us page. Look for a mission statement to learn more about the site, its purpose and the organization sponsoring it.
• If there is an author listed, look for a biography that discusses the author's education, profession, and other relevant background. If there is no bio on the site, search for one elsewhere on the web.
• Check the date. Facts can change over time, so see if the site shows when it was last updated.
• Presentation counts; look at everything from design to spelling. A clean, well-organized site shows a certain degree of professionalism.
• Avoid sites that are pornographic vulgar, inappropriate, below par, suggestive and falsifying.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Take Control Of Homework (3)

Take Control Of Homework

 So it Doesn’t Control You

 Part 3

Take Advantage of Any Free Time

If you have a study period or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class or start you r homework. Flash cards are a great learning tool. They are easy to make, easy to handle, and are a marvelous tool to help you learn and remember anything. Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each index card and connect the stack of your flash cards with a ring. Then the cards are hound and not flopping around. Flash cards hound like this act like a small book with pages. You can even have separate ringed stacks for each subject. WHATEVER YOU WANT TO REMEMBER, PUT IT ON A CARD.

Study with a friend

Get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes and predict test questions. Consider joining a study group.

Communicate

If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, you may want to talk to your family, teachers or counselor. They can help you understand how much time you need to allot for homework and how to manage you tasks.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Reward yourself for hitting milestones or doing something well.

  

                                CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Note-Taking Strategies (4)

 Note-Taking Strategies

Part 4

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

For Review

Once you've done all of the above, you’ll find you've created your own personalized study guide. Cover the main section of the page and use the key words and questions in the left margin as a quiz.

Stick to It

Review your notes the day you take them and all your notes once a week. That way, you won’t need to study as much when it’s test time.

You've been doing the work all along.

Try out the Cornell system, but if it doesn't work for you, experiment with other method. Ask your classmates how they take notes or ask a teacher for advice. Taking good notes requires practice, like any other skill. And the more you work at it now, the more prepared you’ll be to take notes in college.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Note Taking Strategies(3)

   Note-Taking Strategies

Part 3

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

After class

As soon as class ends, review your notes and fill in any blanks. Underline, highlight and use symbols to sort through the information. If you don’t understand something, get help from your teacher or classmates.

After you've reviewed all your notes from class, in the left-hand area of the page write down any key words and questions your teacher might ask on a test.

At the bottom of each page, write a summary of the notes. This helps you digest what you've learned. It also improves your memory of the material for the long term and for tests down the road.

                CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Note Taking Strategies (2)

Note-Taking Strategies

                            Part 2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student /plan/college-success/955.html

During Class

One approach that has been proven effective is called the Cornell Note-Taking System. Here are some of its methods.

Start by using the main section of your page to take down your notes during class. Be sure to leave space on the left side of the page and the bottom. Things to keep in mind:

1.    Get the speaker main points. Don’t write down every word you hear.

2.    Leave blanks in your notes to add explanations later.

3.    Organize as you write. Pay attention to cues such as repetition and emphasis.

4.    Indicate main and supporting points as you go.

5.    Jot down key vocabulary, important facts and formulas.

6.    Ask questions. If you’re confused, it’s better to ask while the material is fresh in your mind.

  
              CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Note-Taking Strategies (1)

Note-Taking Strategies

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/955.html

How to Get Your class Notes into Shape

Getting the most out of high school and college means studying hard and using your time in class wisely. An effective note-taking strategy can help you do both. Here are the basics.

Stay Organized

It may seem obvious, but your class notes can only help you if you can find them. When you’re taking notes be sure to:

·       Keep all your notes in one place.

·       Date and number page; keeping them in order makes it easier to understand them later.

Before Class

Review the materials assigned for that class period thoroughly. Bring a list of any questions you may have.

  
           CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you? (4)

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the course work, in the distance-learning classes is written. That’s a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer—and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual learning may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If your Internet communication at home isn't working, you can’t do online education from home and will need to go to someplace where you do have access to the Internet.

Decide Whether It’s Right for You

Distance education isn't for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education may be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and give distance education a try; then, decide if it’s right for you.

            

               CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You? (2)

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 2

Positive Aspects of Distance Education

·       Independence and the time management: Taking courses online lets you hone your ability to work on your own. You also gain experience in managing your time efficiently.

·       A flexible schedule: Schools can only provide a certain number of class periods in a single school day, and there may not be enough time for you to take everything you want. Because distance education lets you take classes outside regular school hours, it gives you the flexibility to explore all interest.

·       Advanced and specialized classes: Some schools can’t provide advanced or specialized classes. Distance education gives you the chance to gain experience in areas that would otherwise remain out of reach.

  

 CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work (5)

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

                           Part 5

Additional Tips

Although working and going to schools is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

·       Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of school and work is easier with their support.

·       Start slowly; don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

·       Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

·       Use you time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of down time and your boss has no objection, you can use slow periods to do school work.

·       If you commute to your job on public transportation bring your schoolwork with you so you can work along the way.

·       Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on some other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

·       If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

·       Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.

  
              CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Balancing High School and Part-time Work (4)

Balancing High School and Part-time Work

Part 4

He reminds students that “the activities and courses students choose vary considerably, so it’s important for young people to keep their individual situations clearly in mind.” MacGowan continues, “For example, student actors should allow for the fact that they won’t have as much time during performance seasons. Student athletes need to remember the times of the year that they’ll be tied up with game and practices. Other students who are in classes that make considerable demands outside of the classroom must keep that reality in mind.”

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work (3)

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 3

Brad MacGowan, of the Career Center at Newtown North High School in Massachusetts, thinks that working can be a valuable part of a student’s life if taken care of responsibly. “You can derive a great deal from working, considerably more than just money,” he says. “In most cases, you can acquire a nice dose of discipline and a whole new set of skills and experiences.” In addition, your supervisor may be willing to write a strong college recommendation for you.

School Comes First

Schoolwork, including homework and studying for tests, should always be your top priority. MacGowan cautions students who do decide to work, “If you are rushing through your assignments… or not studying enough for tests because of work, it’s time to cut back or quit and find a less time-consuming job.”

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work (1)

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school.45266.html

Like many high school students you may—or need—to work part time. Working takes a lot of time and energy, though, so before getting a job, make sure that you think about your ability to handle both work and your education.

Important Considerations

You have to weigh a number of factors when deciding whether to take a part on a part-time job. It’s important to get as much information as possible, so you can figure out what choice makes the most sense for you.

Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the idea of working. Talk to your counselor about why you want to work and what type of position you’re seeking.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

                     

Selecting Your Courses (6)

Selecting Your Courses 

Part 6

Success in AP can also help you in other ways. AP helps you stand out in the admission process and offers the opportunity to learn from some of the most inspiring teachers in the world. Learn more about the AP program.

For More Help in Choosing Courses

Use College Search to look up a specific college’s academic requirements to be sure you are on track to attend the college of your choice.

If you have concerns about your class schedule or progress in school, set up a meeting with your school counselor, teacher or adviser. There are many resources to help you with this process and with achieving your personal, college and career goals. Without goals, you meander all sorts of directions. Goals give you purpose, direction, enthusiasm, and passion for that which you really desire. Define your goals deliberately, evaluate your goals often and make changes as necessary, work hard to achieve your goals, and continue working hard until you actually do reach your goals.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Selecting Your Courses (5)

Selecting Your Classes

Part 5

The Arts

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside a traditional classroom setting.

Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music and drama. Many students have talents and extraordinary abilities in the arts. Students should look within their own repertoire of talents and identify their artistic abilities and take college classes to develop their talents.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

To be sure you are ready to take on college-level work, enroll in the most challenging courses you can high school, such as honors or AP courses. Research constantly shows that students who score a 3.0 or higher ion an AP Exam would typically experience greater academic success and college graduation rates than students who don’t take AP.

Work hard in your righteous pursuits, and you will reap the benefits of self-fulfillment and job satisfaction. Don’t take shortcuts just to “get by,” instead, take challenging and difficult roads (courses) and reach higher mountain peaks of achievement.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Selecting Your Courses (3)

Selecting Your Courses

                             Part 3

Science

Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you've taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes two semesters of each of the following sciences:

·       Biology

·       Chemistry or physics

·       Earth/space science

More competitive schools expect you to take four years of lab science courses. You can add two of the following subjects:

·       Chemistry or physics (the science you didn't already study)

·       Advanced biology

·       Advanced  chemistry

·       Advanced physics

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

Selecting Your Courses (2)

Selecting Your Courses

Part 2

The following students and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year or two-year college.

English (Language Arts)

Take English every yea. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Math

You need algebra and geometry to succeed in college entrance exams and in college math classes—and in many careers. Take them early on. That way, you’ll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school, and to show colleges you’re ready for higher-level work.

Most colleges look for students who have taken three years of math in high school. The more competitive ones require or recommend four years. Each school has its own program, but some of the courses typically offered are:

·       Algebra I

·       Algebra II

·       Geometry

·       Trigonometry

·       Calculus

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

The Power Of Study Groups (4)

The Power Of Study Groups

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/50432.html

Part 4

Getting The Most Out of a Session
Here are some tips to help your group get the most out of each study session:

• Decide what you're going to do in advance.
• Prepare for the sessions, so you can make the most of your time together.
• Take turns teaching to reinforce your own knowledge.
• Stick to the session topic.

By supplementing your individual study with a study group, you can reinforce what you've learned, deepen your understandings of complex concepts, and maybe even make a few friends.
Remember that a friend is a person who encourages you to do your best and to achieve on a high level, one who pushes you to try a little harder and be a little better. If someone pulls you down the wrong trails of life, then those people are not friends, (they are actually your enemies), and you must avoid them at all cost. Whoever said learning can't be fun? Learning is enjoyable and exciting when you study with others.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

The Power Of Study Groups (3)

The Power of Study Groups

      

http://www.college board.com/student/plan/high-school/50432.html

 Part 3

Guidelines for Getting a Group Together

Here are some guidelines for creating and running a study group: How many? Create a group of four to six people. In a larger group, it’s easy for someone to get left out and smaller groups can too easily get off track.

Who? Pick classmates who seem to share your interest in doing well academically. Look for people who stay alert in class, take notes, ask questions and respond to the teacher’s question. Include someone who understands the material better than you and can explain the concepts and someone who doesn't understand as well, to whom you can explain the material.       

Where? Hold a study group sessions in a place that is free of distractions and that has room to spread out books and notes. How long? Meet for no more than two to three hours at a time.

Having a time limit helps the group focus. If you know you only have an hour, you’re more likely to stay on task.

When? Try to meet regularly, on the same day and time each week. Treating the study session as you would other activities helps you to keep to a schedule and ensures that everyone attends.

            

 CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!