College, University, School & Life Study Tips and How-To

In order to truly be successful in college and throughout life, it is critical you understand your brain and learn how to use it to your advantage in studying.

This 100% Free Guide will show you everything you need to know to "Evolve Your Brain" in order to be more effective at studying. Navigate through it using the menu on the side. Enjoy!

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Daily Homework & Study Tips

About Homework / Study Tips

07/29/2010 05:08 AM

How to Remember a Random Number

If you're studying for a test and you find it necessary to remember a number that seems a little random and difficult to recall, you can try a method I use often, which I call the "clock face" method.

Yesterday I was traveling to a place with the street number 806, so I used this method. I imagined a clock face with the hands at 8:06 a.m. Then I thought about something I'm usually doing at this time of morning: that is just about the time when I'm exiting on to a specific highway.

Both images, the clock face and the act of exiting onto that highway, set the number into my head pretty securely. This method also works if you have to memorize a series of numbers, or if you need to remember a date.
How to Remember a Random Number originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 09:08:56.
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07/26/2010 06:15 AM

Creating a Timeline

Timelines are great visual tools for planning a successful school year. It's a good idea to start plotting a timeline now--one that shows the important events that will require your attention this school year. Be sure to include things that might distract you--like homecoming events and holidays--as well as assignment due dates.

Microsoft Word is just one of the applications you can use to create a timeline for your study space. It's just so familiar and easy to use.

If you want to create your own timeline, just find a large sheet of paper (I like the giant Post-It© notes) and attach it to your wall.
Creating a Timeline originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 10:15:01.
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07/24/2010 05:51 AM

Free Courses from Harvard

Would you like to get a peek into a real Ivy League classroom? The Harvard Extension School's Open Learning Initiative is an online portal for free access to select courses and lectures.

You can experience course lectures right on your home computer or MP3 player on topics like Classical Greek Civilization, Intro to Computer Science, Shakespeare, and China Studies.

This is a great way to preview the college experience, and to practice taking notes from a college professor. And you'll learn something while you're at it! Check out the current offerings and get a feel for the university classroom experience.
Free Courses from Harvard originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 at 09:51:46.
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07/21/2010 11:44 AM

Fact or Opinion?

Can you always tell if a statement is a fact or if it is really an opinion disguised as a fact? This is a skill that becomes more and more important as you progress through the grades and begin to develop research skills. Without the ability to tell fact from opinion, you won't be able to judge your research sources very well.

But it's not always so easy to tell! Think about the following statements and try to decide whether they sound like facts or opinions:

The highest waterfall in the world is located in Venezuela.

Waterfalls are beautiful.

George Washington was the greatest American president.

Newspapers are trustworthy sources.

Spiders are scary.

It's not so easy sometimes! But it is important to practice the skill. The ability to differentiate between fact and opinion is a necessary part of critical thinking.
Fact or Opinion? originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 15:44:04.
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07/19/2010 04:36 AM

Your Path to Success

Do you ever get frustrated with your progress in school? Sure, you'll encounter a few bumps and potholes along your way. Just be sure you make some smart choices as you maneuver and you'll be OK. The reward is worth the journey!

Secrets of Successful Students: There is no magic trick, power drink, or special class that makes a student excel in the classroom. Students stand out because they take charge of their time and their tasks, without relying on anybody else to tell them what to do.

Fear of Success: Psychologists say that some students don't live up to their true potential because they fear success. Sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? Who wouldn't want to succeed?

Overcoming Procrastination: You just settle in to study, when you suddenly realize you forgot to do something very important. Something other than your homework, that is. Does this sound familiar? It's that pesky procrastination!
Your Path to Success originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 08:36:10.
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07/17/2010 03:25 PM

Post-It? Removable Tape

Some office supplies make great study tools. The Post-It™ Removable Cover-Up Tape is fantastic for turning a textbook page or your own class notes into a practice test.

Start with a page that contains information that will appear on your test.

Cover key words and phrases with the cover tape.

Try to fill in the "blanks" created by your tape. Write answers directly on the tape.

Remove the tape to check your answers.

This tape is inexpensive but very effective, and it's small enough to carry around in your backpack. Want to give it a try?

Compare prices to prepare for the new school year.
Post-It? Removable Tape originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at 19:25:12.
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07/15/2010 10:18 AM

School Web Sites

It looks like most schools are starting to update their web sites with information about fall semester. It's a good time to look over your school's site and start getting information that will help you in the upcoming year.

If your school site has an academic calendar, now is the time to record all important dates in your planner or calendar. School comes first! Don't plan a party or weekend trip within a week of midterms, for example.

If you have trouble finding your school's site, try looking up your city or county sites first. They often contain links to all the local schools.
School Web Sites originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 14:18:26.
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07/13/2010 05:59 AM

Self Esteem and Your Success

Self-esteem is a big factor in your success as a student. Having self-esteem means that you have confidence in yourself and that you have respect for yourself.

If you have confidence, you will take risks and try new things--like speaking out in class or in clubs, writing about a controversial topic, and signing up for challenging classes.

If you have respect for yourself, you will follow through on those new challenges you sign up for, and don't melt away when it comes time to get involved and speak out.

Initially, self-esteem comes from having a secure and supportive background. If you weren't so fortunate, you can build self-esteem by trying new things and reflecting on the results to determine where you did well and where you have room for improvement. A journal is a good tool for the "reflecting" part.
Self Esteem and Your Success originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 09:59:56.
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07/11/2010 11:33 AM

Road Trip Books for Young Adults

Road trips can be long and boring if you don't have a variety of activities to keep you busy. Games are great, but they get old at some point. Be sure to pack a few great books to entertain your brain. Here are a few suggestions for your trip:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, are great books to pack if you love to spend your time drifting away to another time and place.

If you love historical novels and you're interested in the American Civil War, check out The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane as well as The Root Cellar, by Janet Lunn.

If you're into historical novels and looking for a Gothic setting with lots of mystery and romance, pick up copies of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and Jane Eyre , by sister Charlotte Brontë.

You can also explore:

To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien

Lord of the Flies, William Golding

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Tender Is the Night, byF. Scott Fitzgerald

Tess of the D'Ubervilles, by Thomas Hardy

Road Trip Books for Young Adults originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Sunday, July 11th, 2010 at 15:33:19.
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07/09/2010 03:38 AM

Essay Contests

The new school year will bring some great new opportunities for earning scholarships, trips, prizes, and cash! If you're a writer, you might want to put your skills to work for you.

I've put together a list of writing contests that will take place, this coming year and it shows that a lot of interesting organizations are looking for writers.

You'll find topics in English and literature, as well as math, engineering, and social sciences. Check out the list and start writing! Please note--some of the deadlines are approaching fast, and others will be announced soon for the new school year.
Essay Contests originally appeared on About.com Homework / Study Tips on Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 07:38:19.
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