#school hack

Well! Since usually blocking filters can only block websites and not other apps, especially Microsoft apps, I have a solution for you!

Go into PowerPoint, select any form of blank presentation, go to insert on the ribbon, then to images, then click pictures, then click "online images" and there you go! Search for what you want and it will be there!!

Throw on a detective/noir jazz playlist while you do your school and pretend you're solving a murder while you work.

1. Pick Based on University Requirements

This is a no brainer. 

If you’re already set on what you want to study at university, whether in the UK or elsewhere, go through the A level pre-requisites (or if they don’t have any, map out what that program wants from your studies).

Write down your top 3-5 universities, and go through each of their requirements.

 UK Example: Oxford, PPE

Maths, History and AAA

Since you’d need at least triple As, or, since it’s Oxford four As, I’d recommend additionally choosing subjects such as GPR, Economics, Law, and English Literature.

US Example: Yale, Environmental Engineering 

No Specific Highschool Requirement

For highly competitive US universities I’d recommend you take 4 (or 3 A2 and 1 AS they’re a bit more forgiving that way) unless that is you’re choosing the SAT route and opting out of A-levels. 

Essentially, for this program example, I suggest choosing subjects such as Environmental Management (AS), Biology, Maths, Further Maths, GPR, Chemistry, Physics.

US Universities are much more fluid to your subject combinations, so as long as your studies can be applied to your program, don’t sweat the choice!

I’ll give more tips on applying to US Universities via A-levels in another blog.

Singapore Example: Business Administration

Higher Level Pass in Maths 

Because Singapore A-levels are more difficult than their UK counterparts, for this, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you take 4 subjects. 

Maths, Further Maths, Accounting, Economics, GPR, Business.

2. Picking under Restricted Conditions

Slightly more tricky this one.

But to manage it, once again, go through the pre-requisites of your universities.

For the UK:

There are going to be three categories of suggestions, ESSENTIAL, RECOMMENDED, and HELPFUL. 

Universities will know what subjects are available at your school, so it’s alright if you miss some recommended and helpful suggestions. 

ESSENTIAL subjects are most important, however, if your school does not provide the subject that is essential to your program of study (which is really unlikely), email the university admissions and explain your situation. 

For the program itself, make sure you complete the entrance requirements, whether that be AAA or A*A*A, GET THE GRADES.

So again, Oxford, PPE.

Choose Maths, GPR, Economics/Accounting/Business, English Langauge.

For the US:

US Universities are very lenient with your combination since a program of study is only set once you “announce” your major at the university itself. 

They focus more on the level of difficulty you are taking your subjects, which is why I’d recommend taking 4 subjects, all A2 or mostly A2. 

Yale, Environmental Engineering.

Choose Biology, Chemistry, Maths, GPR, Physics.

NO!

all you need to do is figure out your learning style and put in the effort you need without sacrificing your mental well being. If sitting in the library for 3 hours a day makes you want to kill yourself, it's not gonna help you get an A. Reading your boring textbook won't help you if your learning style doesn't involving reading.

Also, stop shitting on B's and C's. They get your degrees. They get you into colleges and grad schools. Your character is more important than a number, seriously. Your stress levels are unnecessarily high, it's not worth it, they're bullshitting you.

You're doing amazing, sweetheart. Keep up the good work.

So one big thing i’ve learned while in college is if you realy want something, there’s definitely a way to get it. Just because people say you can’t doesn’t mean it’s true.

so for example, when i was registering for my fall semester classes i wasn’t able to get into this class i desperately needed to take. at my school everyone’s given a date and a time to register and that’s based on seniority and bc that class is a major requirement and only one prof teachers it, it filled up like that. and ofc it was just one of those things where i have to take the class at a certain time or else it’ll fuck up when i can take all my other classes and i’d be a semester behind. and that’s a huge ass thing because i can’t just stay in school and pay for an extra semester bc a class filled up before i could even register.

So i was like really fucking pissed bc not only was this a class i needed but it was also one i was dying to take bc i would finally have some on hands experience in my major and that’s what i’ve been waiting for. AND one of my previous profs offered me a job to help her out when i’m a junior but i first i needto take this one class so i would know how to help her or else i would have to turn it down, and uh fuq no, jobs are hARD TO COME BY

But anyWAYS, i happen to be a very stubborn soul and don’t like when life fucks my shit up so instead of just accepting that the class was full and that i’d be pushed back a semester and have to turn down my job offer i emailed the professor and basically laid my case out and was like “PLEASE DUDE PUT ME IN THE CLASS” and it fucking worked. the guy said something along the lines of liking how dedicated and determined i was so he overrode the system and manually added me into the class.

and it’s kinda funny bc when you go to see how many spots are open in the class it’ll say maximum: 15, enrolled: 16 and every time i see it i feel a little spark of pride

so yeah legit if you want something find a way. if you’re able to show someone how much you care, they’ll probably listen to your case.

i think i’m gonna post a sample version of the email i sent him. i had literally never felt more grateful then when he emailed me back and said he would put me in the class. i was legit at work at the time and fucking screamed and my coworkers were all like “yo, you good?”

If you end up walking around at night, turn on your cell phone’s flashlight.

Then, cars making turns in the dark can see you. People may see the sidewalks better. Or just notice when you step out into the road! Even when the walk sign is on, drivers have a lot to look at! Turn on your flashlight app and point it at your feet while you walk.