#wsbwp

Hello hello~! I know AP exams are happening this week and the following, so I thought that some people taking one or maybe multiple tests are anxious or lost on how to make final preparations for this (dreadful) test. These tips will be directed more to test strategies, so it won’t include other modes of prep in terms of studying content.

✽ Do practice tests: There are tons of exam questions available online (heck, even CollegeBoard should have it). Take them while timing yourself (at least at a second test if you feel too pressured to do it for the first test). Make sure you familiarize yourself with the format of the test (multiple choice free response, etc.) so that you can build a strategy on how to approach each question.

✽ Don’t feel discouraged if you score low in your practice test: If you’re aiming for a certain score but got a way lower score than you expected, DON’T FREAK OUT! It’s not the end of you, and that DEFINITELY doesn’t tell the score you’ll have for the actual test. Instead, think of all your mistakes as a learning point, and make sure you take note and correct them.

✽ Pre-budget your time: Basically know how much time you can spend for each section of the test, AND for each QUESTION of the test. That way, you won’t spend too much time for one question that you neglected the others and fail to reap more points.

✽ Mark questions as you answer them: While taking a practice test, I recommend classifying each question as “sure”, “unsure”, or “no clue” by marking a symbol on the side. It gives you an idea of what topics you need to actually work on, and it can also help you review the questions that you guessed on.

✽ (Brutally) justify why the correct answer is correct: Sometimes when you get a wrong answer, you’d just go “Whaa? How??” Make it a point to fully understand why the other choice is correct, which includes the concepts and the thought path that made you arrive at the answer you picked. If you want to go a step further, write those mistakes down on your notebook or a piece of paper.

✽ Annotate the question: This is something I personally do which really helps you see important words amongst a huge block of text. Annotating includes underlining, circling, boxing, and noting extra words on the margins. This is something my AP World History teacher taught me (THANK YOU IF U EVER READ THIS LOL). Just as annotating your textbook helps you gather info, doing the same on tests will do too!

✽ Be excited and happy: YUP, you read that right. Have a joyous mood when taking your AP exams. Your attitude can really reflect on your performance in the exam. Feeling excited can fuel you with confidence and can take out the pessimistic thoughts. Let your inner thoughts transform your test into a MEME. Yes, that’s correct. Make fun of those funny-sounding words and weirdly written short stories.

✽ Have faith, have courage because you can do this: Last and most importantly, you got this! Don’t feel too stressed out and discouraged about the exam. You will be fine, and you will perform your best. Friendly reminder that the outcome of your exams will not have a huge effect on your life.

Hello! I hope you are having a spectacular day today. The (delayed) third day of Spring Break Marathon is a third advice post on how to study difficult subjects~! We all have that one subject aspect where it is inevitably challenging, but do not fear! It’s absolutely possible to pass a tough class with an A. ^^

Some of the reasons why subjects are difficult: ✽cannot be easily understood ✽boring ✽teacher doesn’t teach well ✽despise the topic in general

My tips to study difficult subjects:

✽ Study buddies/groups: Seeking help in others is key. You should find a study buddy or form a study group with peers. Note that they do not have to be better-versed in the subject (though it is recommended); you and your classmate/s are on different levels, and you are all going to work as a team to master the material.

✽ Repetition & breaking it down: I find that the best way to engrave information into memory is to repeat (practice problems, reciting info out loud till you master it). Also, make sure that you are always breaking down the lesson into simple chunks. That’s why it’s not a good idea to copy the textbook word-for-word when taking notes. Read it, then put it in your own words.

✽ Good teacher = good friend: If your teacher happens to be skilled in teaching, then I highly suggest collaborating with your teacher because he/she is going to be YOUR BEST FRIEND. Well, not really “best” but your teacher is going to legit help you break down concepts and explain it in a way that you can understand.

✽ Seek outside resources: If your teacher doesn’t teach effectively (or doesn’t teach at all), then seeking outside resources will be your duty. There’s a 99% chance that you can find material on the internet, but you may also try to check libraries and such. Watch videos and take notes on articles, and if you didn’t comprehend a lesson, you can always search it online.

✽ Associative learning: If you’re bored during lectures and note-taking, incorporate associative learning. This is basically relating a concept to another one that you can recall easily. For instance, the double-helix structure of a DNA looks like a spiral staircase, or maybe your friend shares the same name as a historical figure. Associating harder info with basic info will allow you to pick up the material much faster.

✽ Allot more time to study for it: This should be pretty obvious; put more study time for subjects that you struggle with, and make less time for easier subjects since you already got the material down. Because concepts are difficult, it’s going to take you more time to digest them into your brain.

✽ Keep your long-term goals in mind: If you just have that subject that you absolutely hate for its agenda, focus on your long-term goals. I disliked my PE class and dread the mile, but rather than sulking over the fact, I tell myself that I just need to complete it so I can earn an A, since my long-term goal is to earn straight A’s.

Hopefully this advice post has brought you a few insights on how to study challenging subjects more efficiently. If you don’t see them to be of help, but would still want to improve, please don’t be afraid to dm me or drop an ask anonymously. Have a great day!

Previous post: Eradicating Distractions

Hi there! This is day 2 of my Spring Break Marathon~! I know distractions lies deep in the core of things that will make us fail (e.g. procrastination, laziness, etc.). In order to combat this imaginary monster, I have compiled a couple of my own tips to eradicate distractions~

✽switch your phone to airplane mode: I like this better than the do-not-disturb mode or turning off your phone because it is most effective at eliminating vibrations and sounds, and you don’t have to keep switching it on and off when you are going to use it during breaks or important errands.

✽close your doors/windows: Eliminate as much background noise as possible by closing your doors and windows (if the outside environment is too clamorous). Also, if the view out of your window is distracting, slide your curtains shut or at least position your blinds at an angle where you can’t see the outside.

✽work in front of a plain wall: Even though you’ve done the above tasks, you can still be prone to distractions! If you’re in facing in front of a wall that has a lot of things going on, your eyes are going to wander into oblivion. Instead, work in front of a wall that’s more on the plain side and have displays at a minimum.

✽keep unwanted tabs away from sight: If you use your laptop a lot for schoolwork and listen to background noise (instrumental music/white noise/etc.), then put your music tab in a different window. It’s going to ease the temptation of mindlessly watching videos. In addition, you could also install site blockers if distractions persists.

✽time your breaks: Set a timer for having SHORT breaks. This can effectively remind you when to stop chilling and getting back to work.

✽hydrate: “What?? What does water have to do with distractions?” Well, studies have shown that staying hydrated keeps you focused in your tasks. Therefore, it can help you to not get distracted in the smaller things. I highly suggest keeping a water bottle near you while you work.

By no means do these tips work for everyone, nor can everyone agree, but this is how I eradicate my distractions best, so I hope you can at least find a tip or two helpful. Have a wonderful day!

Previous post: Maxing Productivity During the Break

Hello everyone! I’ve finally came across to writing another advice post. This is going to be in a sort of different format than my usual ones because I am going to make a concise list of what I think are essential to put in your pencil case!

My pencil case is actually small, but I managed to place all the stationery that fits my needs. Thus, you don’t need to have a fancy case with 10 different compartments. Any kind of case that fits all of your stationery will do just fine!

✽2 Pencils: one mechanical and one wooden, or two wooden pencils (never know when you need wooden pencils since sometimes you may need wooden pencils for tests)

✽Blue/Black Ink Pens: your favorite kind~ (gel, ballpoint, felt) choose the one you’re most comfortable writing with. Bring two of these pens at the least—one of them is a spare

✽Colored Pens: at least one of any kind of *visible* color (e.g. red, green, purple). **multi-colored pens are a good option if you want to save more space!

✽Highlighter: 1-2 colors; self-explanatory >u<

✽Erasers: 1 pencil eraser and 1 correction tape

~Optionals:~

✽extra lead for mechanical pencils

✽paper clips/binder clips: placed in a tiny ziplock bag (which you can find in newly bought clothes that have extra buttons attached :D)

✽ruler: 6 inch ones

✽sticky notes/tabs: one of each

✽sharpener

✽markers/brush-pens: if you’re the type of spruce up your notes~

Hello hello!~ Spring break has officially started for me, so I deem this an appropriate time to write this advice post. As we all know, we can really lose our momentum if we indulge too much of chill time or party time. With that said, below is a list of tips that I have in order for you to maintain a high level of productivity during our school break!

✽continue to plan: If you’re about to shove your planner away in your backpack, keep it out! Although school breaks mean that there aren’t any homeworks that will be assigned for a week, it’s important to plan out your week in order to fill in the possible gaps between your schedule.

✽keep tasks short and sweet: If you’re not like me who has a massive to do list, divide your tasks into shorter segments. As a result, you won’t be overwhelmed plus you can endure a stable momentum throughout the break!

✽Do all of your homework first!!!: It isn’t fun to procrastinate on a Sunday evening. If we don’t interact with these tasks over time, then we are bound to forget them. Instead, write a list of all of your academic assignments and strive to complete them during the first days of break. Also, it is easier to do them because the concepts are still fresh from your memory.

✽start reviewing for exams: Especially for those who are taking AP exams, breaks in between the school year will save you much time in preparation for these huge tests. Start going back to the earlier concepts and create revision material to review. Later on, I will be making a separate post on how I create aesthetic™ review sheets. ;3

✽Practice hobbies you weren’t able to do: With a tightly packed schedule, it is really difficult to reward yourself with leisure time when all your focus is diverted into academics. Since it’s break, now’s your time to polish those skills!~

✽spring cleaning: Since it’s spring break, spring cleaning is a seasonal chore that you have to incorporate somewhere in your schedule. Re-organize your study space, dust your furniture, and sweep or vacuum your floors so that everything is fresh and more appealing to work in.

Thanks for reading through~ I tried to make my advice posts a little shorter in descriptions so it can be quicker to read through. Make sure you stay tuned to the future content that I will be posting throughout spring break here~

Hiiiii there!! In August, I hosted a “back to school marathon” in which I consecutively posted special content for you guys. Now it’s back and transformed!! :D Since spring is my favorite season (bc flowers are blooming and everything is coming to life ahh) and spring break is fast approaching, I decided to host another marathon! This will start on March 19 and end on March 25.

Here is what you should anticipate for this season’s marathon:

(Note: schedules are subject to change!)

✽ 03.19: Maxing productivity during the break

✽ 03.20: Eradicating Distractions

✽ 03.21: How to Study Difficult Subjects

✽ 03.22: original studyblr icons pt1 (spring theme)

✽ 03.23: How I make Review sheets

✽ 03.25: original studyblr icons pt2 (spring theme)

Happy new year everyone! To start the new year off, why not write a smol guide on new year’s resolutions for the studyblr community? Some may think that resolutions are dimwitted and pointless, but in my perspective I believe that it is your attitude, intentions, and truthfulness that influence how you stick to them throughout the year. If you are reading this post much later on in the year, don’t feel like you can’t make resolutions; “new year’s resolution” is nothing but a timely label. C:

✽ Create realistic resolutions: Very very important! Only set such goals that are within or a little higher than your capabilities. Rather than saying that you’re going to start studying for 6 hours every single day when you’ve only been doing 3 hours every other day, maybe do 3 hours everyday or 4 hours every other day. It really depends on who you are, but just remember to consider everything around your life such as your health, extracurriculars, etc.

✽ Change what NEEDS to be changed: Ya know, I’m a fan of being disciplined to yourself because I think it’s important for success. Hence, reflecting back on the past year and identifying the negatives is how you determine what you need to alter. For example, if you’ve been getting too distracted that you often lose track of time, don’t put that bad habit off!! Consulting a family member or friend can help you determine what you can fix.

✽ Make them specific: This is a way to get disciplined with your resolutions and stick to them throughout the year. Structure or elaborate your wording so that there can’t be any loopholes. Instead of saying that you’re going to sleep earlier, set a number like 8 hours. Just don’t be too hard on yourself!

✽ Stay consistent: The reason why we fail to fulfill our resolutions is because we only have that motivation in the beginning, and that spark soon dies out. Constantly remind yourself of the goals you want to achieve—write them on a post-it and stick them right on top of your desk. I also suggest keeping a tracker if you’re a fan of that! ^^

✽ You may not achieve every resolution, and that’s okay: As human beings, we’re not perfect creatures. Even successful people fall into some folly sometimes. Just remember to try your very best and take care of yourself along the way!

My New Year’s Resolutions: (bc why not share em to put dat pressure on me to achieve em! :D) ✽ be more: kind, full of love, healthy, humble, faithful, disciplined (with studies!), bubbly, consistent ✽ journal almost everyday: personal and french journal (especially!); make it a habit to write during weekend mornings ✽ Make my bed EVERYDAY!! “No time” is no excuse anymore ✽ prepare for college! GET TO THE MINDSET! ✽ always keep in touch with my friends <3 ✽ DRAW MORE especially for my art portfolio ✽ read more: philosophy, sustainability, architecture, history, art, scientific theories, politics ✽ take care of your friends’ health! (let them sleep early) ✽ actually try to save money? ✽ listen to more music of different genres -> EXPLORE AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS ✽ be more active in my study social media; please find more time to have a schedule!!!; also write more advice posts

Hello everyone! I’m back with another advice post after so long, and I’m sorry for that >.< I was expecting to post something else, but it happened to be much tedious than I thought because it’s a special post~

AnywhOOO many of you have already been taking tests, and some of you may be struggling, so I’ve came up with these tips to improve your test taking skills. I did my best to make it as general as I could. If I missed an important part, please tell me, and I may add another tip!

✽Follow the directions: This is the very first thing you need to do whenever you take an exam. Sometimes we assume what we need to do, and in some occasions we get them wrong, so this might cost your whole score. Also pay attention to what the teacher forewarns about the test.

✽Understand the question: A skill that is extremely important to master is to understand what the question is asking and what it is looking for. For me, I’d like to underline all of the key words in the question to break it down. Sometimes I’d annotate terms with one word definitions and rephrase it to make this question as simple as possible.

✽Read ALL choices: Once you know what you are asked, consider ALL of the choices. They’re there for a reason! Do not select an answer until you’ve read every single option. Like the question, I like to underline the key words in every choice to narrow it down. Take note of every word, because one word can throw you off very bad. 

✽Elimination: After reading all the choices, but are still unsure about the correct answer, do the process of elimination, which I’m sure many of you have heard. The key to crossing out choices more efficiently is to understand them first to determine if it has a close relation to the question.

✽Keep track of time: Something that should be kept in the back of your mind is time. Depending on the number of questions there are on your test will determine how much time you can devote per number. Pace yourself correctly. If you’ve spent more than a certain amount of time, skip it for the meantime even if you feel very bugged about it.

✽Mark numbers with uncertain answers/no answer: Placing a light dash or circle around the number will make it more noticeable to you, so you won’t forget that you missed answering that question or need to re-analyze it.

✽Don’t hesitate to ask the teacher: If a phrase seems unclear or you might need some clarification, ask the teacher, especially when he/she encourages it. This can help you understand the question and the answer choices to come into a firmer conclusion.

✽Double check your answers: Please don’t turn in your exam without doing this when you still have time. I’ve suffered the consequences of not doing this, and I learned my lesson. ^^” First, go back to work with the unanswered/uncertain answers. Then, go to the first number and review ALL answers until the very end, making sure that every number has something written down.