15 Facts About Me!

Good morning, sweethearts!

I thought that it would be great if I add a little bit of personal into my blog. Today, I'll quickly mention 15 facts about me, so you better understand who I am and maybe you could relate to that!

1. I date with my boyfriend for 2 years and we see each other every single day

2. My top university choice is McMaster University - Health Sciences program


3. My second university choice is UofT Mississauga - Biology for Health Sciences program


4. I have two female cats: black (Chanel) and grey (Niki)


5. I am from Crimea and my first language is Russian


6. I immigrated to Canada with my parents almost 5 years ago


7. I'm in school for 13 years, because I went to school when I was 5 y.o., but Canadian School Board didn't allow it, so they placed me a year back + Canada has 12 grades instead of 11, like in Ukraine


8. I'm in the Christmas mood for at least 7/12 months in a year


9. I'm in the student council for the upcoming school year


10. My hobbies that are not related to studying are: interior design, driving at night with my boyfriend and doing volunteer work


11. My current hobbies that are related to studying are: reading scientific or medical encyclopaedias, going to campus tours and open houses and writing my blog, of course!


12. I only completely read 5 fictional books, according to the school curriculum, because fiction makes me very depressed


13. I have almost 400 volunteer hours and I'm aiming for 500 by the end of October


14. I absolutely adore sushi and Thai food


15. I never ever drink alcohol, because I don't understand it's purpose (except medical purposes, of course)

How To Limit Procrastination and Be Efficient

Hello sweeties,

People are often getting bad marks, and complain that they are not very intelligent. Not true. First of all, everyone is intelligent in their own way, and secondly - it's not an issue of intelligence; it's rather an issue of procrastination and laziness. Today, I want to discuss a couple of techniques that help me cope with procrastination and I hope that they will help you too!

1. Try Not To Study At Home

We often tend to get distracted at home to either watch a movie, lie in the bed, cuddle with the pets etc.; and that's exactly the purpose of a home. There are plenty of other places that are made for students that provide the resources and the atmosphere to focus on studying. coffee shops, public libraries and cafes are available everywhere for you. If you'd like to find a perfect place for yourself - Google "study places in (city)".

2. Get Organised

Organise your work and your study area. If you're organised, you don't have to worry about forgetting something and that just saves you a lot of mental and physical energy. Make sure your To-Do list or a planner is with you, as well as all appropriate resources.

3. Study On Weekdays

If you have a free class or a break between classes - spend that time to study. Also, try to do all of your homework on the weekdays. This way you will have good 2 days for rest and you'll quickly love the feel of "having free time". When you are procrastinating - don't call that "free time", because it's actually the time that "you wanted to try to have free time".

4. Divide Your Work

At the beginning of a year, when you are given your syllabus - mark the deadlines in your calendar right away; only, try to divide your work into parts, so you keep on track with the deadlines. If you have an essay due, for example, divide it into an outline, a draft, and a final copy; and literally go to your teachers with it, so they can help you ahead of time.

5. Try Apps

If you're really desperate, try using apps that block certain websites while you're studying. Google them. I know that there's one called SelfControl for Mac, and it blocks the websites based on the time of your choice and even if you wish to restart your computer or delete an App, it still only works according to the timer.


I've heard that there's a Gummy Bear Method, where with every little achievement, you eat aGummy Bear and that sort of works to motivate you. Here is why I disagree. First of all, you are probably, most likely constantly thinking about that Gummy Bear. Second of all, you can't motivate your self with food, because that can lead to health issues. Thirdly, its not efficient to base your motivation on instincts and lastly, you will probably eat them all at once.
Feel free to enjoy whatever food you'd like, but don't make it a self-motivation method.


Good Luck!

Things You Should Focus On In Grade 12

Good evening, honeys

I'd love to address a topic today that is very relevant for all Grade 12s To-Be, including me. Grade 12 is the most important grade, where all of the foundation that you've been building, is going to be heavily utilised and built upon. At the same time, though, the last school year totally flies and here are a few tips on how to stay very efficient during grade 12:

1. Motivation

The main tip! Your motivation can be whatever you want, but my motivation, for instance, is knowing that in less than a year, I am off to an independent, interesting and fascinating life. Motivation doesn't come out of nowhere. If you are seeking it, then start planning for the upcoming events, preparing stuff for it and you will find yourself very engaged and inspired! Motivation really helps improving your overall standard of living, your skills and the time will go by even faster.
In terms of planning for the upcoming events, you could focus on prom, grad, campus life etc.

2. Time Management 

Time management, in general, is one of the most valuable skills. Grade 12, is a perfect chance to master it before the post-secondary education, where you will have more complicated things to worry about. Remember, that you want to be able to control the time; not the other way around.

3. Applications

Since the very beginning of grade 12, applications will be your number one task. Make sure to know in advance who will be giving you reference letters, how your resume looks and in general try to keep on track with the deadlines of certain papers. Quite often, your supplementary papers (not your grades) are the main deciding factor, so please-please-please put effort into those documents. For me, I know, that if I will do really good on my applications, I will have a higher chance to get into the program of my choice, which will bring me directly to my profession. Always think 2 steps ahead!

4. Academic Excellence

It's not true that grade 12 is the most academically challenging year, because grade 11 is. In grade 11 you have new and heavy subjects that grade 9-10 didn't let you experience (like all of the split sciences). When you are familiar with the level of difficulty in grade 11, grade12 is just a continuation of it, at which you better excel.
With motivation and time management skills, though, you should be on the right track. Remember that you shouldn't worry about your marks, because you have 100% control over them.

5 Things I Hate In "Back To School" YouTube Videos!

Hi, readers

I know that a lot of people enjoy watching YouTube videos, including me... With the 2015 Back To School season, YouTubers film lots of skits, tips and tricks about school, college/university and their lives during the school year. I wanna share with you 5 things that annoy me in these videos even though they often inspire me for the upcoming school year!

1. Crazy Alarms.

In those morning routines, girls set a siren as a sound for their alarms. My question is: who will want to wake up to that?
If you are one of those people who need a really loud alarm to wake you up, just set a sound that doesn't kill your nerve cells so much and put your phone into a glass in order to amplify the volume!

2. Looks and Outfits.

In comparisons between college/uni and high school looks, I observe 1 common thing - people dress really nicely to high schools, whereas they do a messy bun and wear pj's in college. First of all - why?
I totally love being comfortable at school...it just helps. But do people really feel better about themselves (and in general) in pj's and sweats?

3. Tips for "Studying".

There's one common trend walking around among the majority of YouTube videos - Chew a flavoured gum when you're studying and then chew the same gum on the test. YES. It helps. BUT....only for that one test...
If you'd like to actually learn information that most likely will appear useful, the gum method is not an option. You're not improving any intelligence or skills with it....except chewing "skills".

4. Coffee Obsession.

I know that an enormous amount of people love coffee. But it became such an obsession in those YouTube back to school routines. No, you don't need SO MUCH coffee when you are in grade 9-12...cause - what's gonna happen with you in uni/college or graduate schools?...
Now, I'm a bit bias, because coffee never helps me wake up - RedBull does. But I don't drink it every day and definitely it's not "the first thing I do" in the morning.

5. Back To School....Cosmetics?

Most of "Back to School: What's InMy Bag" videos have more beauty products than school supplies. I understand that some people only need laptops for their schools, BUT...first of all - why calling it "back to school" then and secondly - do you guys really have time to do so much make up and use that many beauty products while studying?

I apologise if that seemed rude or bias guys, but it's just my thoughts - nothing more. YouTube videos still inspire a big amount of people, so - WAY TO GO! :)

"Unprepared For The Test" (The Night Before and The Day Of) Techniques!

Hey sweeties!

Everyone can come unprepared for the test for whatever reason that is; or there could be certain questions that you are unready to answer. Of course, that's very unfortunate that you might be unprepared, but here's what you could do:

The Night Before

1. Reread

If you have a load of info to memorise, reread all your notes from the beginning, to an end. It will refresh your memory in a huge way, even though you haven't actually studied.

2. Do A Condensed Review

On a separate piece of paper, write down everything you absolutely don't remember (or see the first time). This way, in the morning, you will review this particular material and remember it much better.

3. Chew A Juicy Gum

When you're studying, chew a new juicy gum and when taking a test, chew that same gum again. Your brain will be stimulated to remember this particular information.

The Day Of

1. Answer Something

Even if you don't know an answer to the question, or you see it for the first time, still try to answer it somehow. For example, if that's a math question, solve it multiple ways, and then write a little note to the teacher.

2. Don't Leave The Questions Blank

That looks like you didn't even bother answering the question. If you have absolutely zero idea on what to answer, write your teacher a note about it. This way, your teacher will see, that you are not careless, or might even give you a tiny bonus mark.

3. If It's Multiple Choice - Eliminate

If you're facing a multiple choice examination, make sure to eliminate the answers that are absolutely wrong and if you are left with 2-3-4...just guess! When you guess, you still have a chance to have a question right. For example, you have a 50% chance to answer correctly, if you've got 2 options left in front of you.

4. Prioritise

If you know, you have limited timing, answer the easy questions first, and then - the hard ones. That way you leave a lot of time to think through the complex questions.

5. Hand In Draft Work

You might get a lot of points for handing in your drafts, because
1. they might be right
2. teacher is looking for your thinking process, not necessarily for the potential (calculation) errors.

Good Luck! :)

Overcoming Test Anxiety

Good evening, guys!

Today, I'd like to approach an interesting topic - overcoming test anxiety. Tests, are something that you have to face on a regular basis, although anxiety often ruins the outcomes. When you are stressed, you are losing a majority of your energy towards trying to cope with the stress, but you're not directing that energy towards its successful completion. Generally, people are anxious about the marks after the test, but you shouldn't be worrying about stuff you can totally control....Here is what I can suggest:

1. Always Study To The Best Of Your Ability.

It's all simple here. If you study really well - you will have a feel of satisfaction about it, therefore you'll be assured that there's nothing there that you haven't learned or practiced. Also, refer to my General Grade Improving Tips and General Studying For A Test Tips for details on how to improve your efficiency in class.

2. You Must Be In A Good Mood.

Take a tea or a coffee with you; wear a nice outfit; plan something interesting after the test to keep you motivated while taking it. A better mood will brighten out you head, so you could feel a little bit more assured about it.

3. Keep It Simple.

A lot of test questions may be asked to trick you. Make sure you work through the question, divide it into multiple simpler parts if you have to - and then, answer it.

Why I Want to be a Doctor

Good evening, honeys

I think, when a person is at the threshold of beginning its career path, it is important to fundamentally understand why is this particular profession appealing.
When I'm going to apply to Medical Schools, traditionally, most of the jury will ask "why do you want to be a doctor?" and here is my answer:

I think that a legitimate career choice is made when you combine 3 things: knowledge, joy and determinism.

1. Academic Skills

The base of your career path. You have to be capable of understanding the new info given in certain subjects somewhat easily, so you will be able to apply and extend it later. You also, might have to own certain study habits for your future career; since different careers require different ways of studying.
For example, I love Biology and Chemistry, but I don't like Physics and Math(s) as much; although I still tolerate the material successfully, as these subjects are the very foundation of what I'll learn. For my study habits, I'm on the right track according to my results.
So good luck to you covering the basics of your future career :)

2. Enjoyment

The pleasure from what you learn and do is absolutely important for your job. You totally have to be interested in the subjects or practical learning required for your career path. It would be the best, if you'd find yourself being somewhat obsessed over your profession and apply that somehow to your daily lives. Do not forget that being well-rounded is fantastic though, so if you have any other hobbies, totally practice them as well!
For instance, I'm so obsessed with science and medicine, that I buy all of those textbooks, watch certain movies, create these posts and even buy some supplies (like medical gloves or something). This is just an evidence of my true passion for medicine. In my spare time, though, I like to draw, hang out with my loved ones all the time, do volunteer work (not necessarily related to health) and shop!

3. Determinism

Determinism is what solidifies your potential career preference. If you have that feeling that "if not this - then, nothing" - that's a career for you. But think about it very thoroughly. Research your career with all it's disadvantages and see if you'll tolerate them well. Get some practical exposure to the field, which will complete or destroy your love to the career.
I cannot imagine what I'd do if not medicine. I mean, obviously, we all have certain skills that'll fit a specific career(for me - it's pharmacist, scientist, dentist), but any other career will absolutely not make me happy. I'm adequate in understanding the challenge, the responsibility and the commitment, but that makes me love being a doctor even more. Of course, with determinism, comes the love for the atmosphere, the tasks themselves and the willing to take care of and support people.

I truly believe that combining these 3 features, will make a wonderful doctor out of me. So before you choose any career path, see if all of the stated above features combine for you!

Pros and Cons of Being a Nerd!

Hello, sweeties

Many people use stereotypes about smart and hard working students calling them NERDs. In my experience I've met just a few stereotypical nerds, who mostly study math or physics; other people, including me, who gets called "nerds" are just regular people who enjoy studying.
If you are ever called or referred to as a nerd, please be very proud of yourself, as you are seen as a highly intellectual individual. :)

Pros

1. You actually enjoy what other people dislike (studying)
2. You are very good at understanding complex topics and theories
3. Most likely, you will be very successful in life
4. Someday, you may ever earn a Nobel Prize or get into the history
5. If you "look like a nerd" that's temporary and you can change it at any time


Cons

1. People create a stereotype based on your hobbies/preferences
2. You might not be very social or want to keep most of the relationships professional
3. You might have a hard time enjoying sports
4. You might be prone to hard sciences more than to social

5. You are most likely very judgmental over others

Enjoy!

How To Be Academically Successful (Not Study Tips)?

Hey, everyone!

I would love to write about certain advice on how to be academically successful apart from study tips. Far not all universities or colleges judge by your marks; on the other hand - they judge by your involvement, work ethics and habits that you have. Please, remember that studying - is fundamental, although if you would love to succeed in life, you should consider developing skills apart from your school, which is definitely a lot of fun, and less pressure!!!

1. Never Give Up

I know, it's kind of basic, but I can't emphasise the importance of this expression enough. Here is exactly what it means:

- Treat The Bad Marks Appropriately.
If you got a bad mark, that's absolutely okay as long as you treat it the way you should. Fix it; make it up; redo it, but never leave it like it is. First of all, you will end up with a better mark, Secondly, you will learn the information solidly, and lastly, you will develop a habit of going forward. Here are a few quotes that support my statement:
"What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger" ; " Your Mistakes Do Not Define You - Your Success Does" ; "Keep In Mind: Studying Doesn't Suck Nearly As Much As Failing".
- Have Plans A, B and C.
It is always a good strategy to approach an issue with. If you've got multiple plans, with different methods(therefore, different levels of difficulty) then you could try them out on the way to your goal and see which plan was the best. Even though, the distribution of value among the plans varies, the distribution of thinking must be equal. Remember, that flexibility will teach you to approach one problem from different perspectives, which is a valuable daily skill.

2. Get Involved

- Skill  Improvement.
Getting involved in volunteering positions, jobs, clubs and organisations will always improve your social, creativity, time management, leadership, public speaking (or whatever it is) skills. In addition to the development to such important personal qualities, that will greatly contribute to your academic pathways and resume and as I mentioned before - if you have to (or want to do something), do it to the best of your abilities, cause if not, then why doing it at all?...Getting involved will also help you understand yourself better, and solidify or change the career path of your choice.
- Pre-Interview.
Remember, that before applying to any kind of position, you want to gather some information about the placement, you'd want to practice answering some resume questions and most importantly, know the policy of that organisation.

School Organisation Tips (Daily + General)

Daily 

1. Have a Weekly or a Daily Planner 

 If you have a planner, you could be assured that your assignments or any preparations are due on time. Planner, will give you confidence in time, reduce stress and definitely increase or maintain your average  by always keeping you prompt and professional.

 - Use Different Colours For Different Types of Events (School-Related, Personal etc).
This way, you will be able to differentiate between the tasks and you won't have to keep separate planners.
- Be Very Specific When Writing To Do Lists.
Specific tasks usually means smaller and precise tasks, so when you approach a goal in that manner, it will help you get stuff done a lot better and faster, which will create a certain feel of satisfaction.
- Change The Due Dates
If you know, that you are a big procrastinator, and get things done the night before, then give your self one additional night by moving the due dates of certain projects the day before its due. This way you have one more day to review your work alone or with a teacher and correct any left over mistakes. If you are a person, who likes to hand stuff in late, just don't do so. It will quickly become a habit and therefore will decrease your marks, and ruin your reputation as a professional, prompt individual. In case you absolutely have to postpone the due date, inform your teacher some time before and come up with an ultimate deadline.

2. Prepare Stuff the Night Before

No, not homework. Other stuff. If you prepare your clothing, food, or whatever it maybe in the evening, you could save yourself a lot of time in the morning, and definitely still get to school on time.

3. Have a Morning Routine

Having a routine or a schedule, you can control your time and not be stressed about being late.

- Give Yourself 10-15 Minutes To Do Each Task.
(For example, it takes you an hour to get ready: 15 minutes in the bathroom; 15 minutes - breakfast; 15 minutes - make-up; 15 minutes - clothing).
- Set a Reminder 15 Minutes Before Leaving Home.
This way, you know for sure when to leave, and in case you slept-in, it will be an "emergency case" where you would have to your routine a lot faster.


General

1. Don't Carry Extra or Less

Obviously, a huge backpack can be an issue. To avoid it, here is what you can do:

- Have a Big Binder at Home, and a Small One - in Your Bag.
If you have multiple subjects, get a huge binder and divide it into how many section you'd like. After each unit, place all of your notes into the big binder, and only carry a smaller one with you for current notes.
- Have a Big Pencil Case.
Having a big pencil case, preferably with different compartments is very beneficial no matter which subjects you're taking. You could fit your school supplies. chargers, cosmetics, money and whatever you'd like all in one place. Remember the required school supplies for you class.
- Have 2 of Everything
We all know those pencil stealers. Before letting someone borrow your supplies, make sure you have a needed amount for yourself. Also, in case you like losing or breaking your supplies, have multiples of everything will help too.

2. Have Your Schedule as a Phone Background

Good-old trick that all students use, when having irregular, new or intense schedule. It will definitely save you some time on the way to class, but make sure to have a printed copy of your schedule somewhere in your planner or a back-pack as well!

My Schooling Path Towards MedSchool and Potential Specialties

Hi, everyone!

I've already mentioned in the intro, that I would love to become a doctor. A brief reason why, is because I posses those qualities needed to become a medical professional, such as an endless interest in science, medicine and people's health (I'll talk about that in details in some future posts). Today, I'd love to describe a schooling path and the potential specialties of medicine that I would love to pursue.

Schooling Path

1. High School 

Here, you learn the basic skills and the material that is barely applicable to the world from the medical perspective. You take the subjects such as biology, chemistry, math(s) and English, as well as some social sciences, if available. You discover a tip of an iceberg when you are exposed to these subjects, although you have to put in some smart studying that will bring you to the university of your choice. In high school, you also learn to socialise, do volunteer work and try to build up your resume.

2. Undergrad

In the first 3-4 years of university, you must absorb as much information as possible. You also try to participate in extracurricular activities, as well as taking care of some additional responsibilities that you might have. In university, you apply your knowledge much more than in high school.
When choosing your major, you are advised to choose whatever you prefer, although I have my own view on it which I will share in my future posts. Once you've chosen a major, you must complete all mandatory courses, as well as some electives (make sure to complete the courses needed for Medical Schools). From the very beginning of your university, you must achieve a high academic average (85%+) to be considered an applicant to the MedSchool. From the 3rd year of undergrad you should consider taking the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), as well as any other assessments needed to get into the graduate school. Keep in mind, that you have to have a rich resume, that is built upon on listed above factors.
Undergrad,is a period in your education journey, when you make the most important decisions in your own life.

3. Medical School

Possibly, the hardest part of your education. Very versatile in types of experiences: combines the absorption of the information, as well as the clinical practice. You should prioritise studying much more than you ever did and aim for the results that are needed to apply to the residency program of your choice.
You are writing exams, commonly referred to as "boards" that qualify you to practice. The Medical School is 4 years, where the last two, are spend for the most part in clinical rotations and take up 11months/12. Medical School is a huge time commitment which definitely incomparable to your undergrad.

4. Residency

Being a graduate of the Medical School, you are officially a Medical Doctor. In the residency, though, you still have to undergo multiple practical and written examinations, which will solidify you as a doctor of some medical discipline.
Residency is called so, because you spend a ridiculously big amount of time in the hospital, as you learn appropriate techniques from the attending physicians. The first year of residency is called internship.
This is the most exiting part of your journey. Here, you decide what type of doctor you want to be. All types of doctors have different fields of interest and their residency program can last from 2-6 years in Canada (Family doctor - 2years; Surgeon - 6 years) and 3 to 8 years in America. After you complete the appropriate number of years, you are considered to be an independent physician. Keep in mind, that you will be paid a certain amount of money during the residency.

5. Fellowship

Fellowship usually lasts 1-3 years and this academic step is totally optional. It is meant to specialise already specialised doctors. Fellowship involves research for the most part, where you apply very specific skills and sciences. And yes, you get payed while pursuing your fellowship.

Potential Specialties

I'm going to talk about the potential medical specialties that I would love to pursue. I realise that they are all very different, but I can equally justify all of them (they are not going to be listed in any specific order).

1. Family Doctor

WHY YES: - adjustable schedule
                    - long term relationships with patients
                    - independency
                    - only 2-3 years of residency
                    - constant exposure to versatile fields of medicine
                    - minimal fatal outcome
WHY NOT: - similar daily tasks
                     - I feel like it's not extremely academically enriched
                     - changes not always immediately observed

2. Emergency Medicine Doctor

WHY YES: - fast paced environment
                     - changes seen immediately
                     - constant exposure to versatile fileds of medicine
                     - only 3-4 years of residency
                     - every day is absolutely different
                     - academically enriched
WHY NOT: - non-adjustable schedule
                     - a lot of fatal outcome
             
3. General Surgeon

WHY YES: - changes observed immediately
                    - very academically enriched
                    - very hands-on
                    - exposure to versatile fields of medicine
                    - every day is somewhat different
WHY NOT: - takes approximately 6 years of residency
                     - a lot of fatal outcome
                     - non-adjustable schedule
                     - specific physical adaptations are required

4. Cardiologist

I find human heart one of the most fascinating organs in the body. There are mainly 3 types of cardiologists (non-invasive; non-invasive - interventional and interventional) what means that each has its own pros and cons. I haven't decided yet, which cardiologist I want to be, so that is why I haven't listed the characteristics. Currently, though, I am leaning towards non-invasive - interventional cardiology.

Why Do People Associate "Survival" With School?

Hello, sweeties!

Today's blog is going to be a little laid back as I'm going to mention a word which I hate to be associated with school or studying - survival.

Survival means staying alive while going through some tough times (and we are mentally used to that being a war or an illness). Whenever other bloggers and You-Tubers utilise the word "survive" in their scripts, of course we all subconciously understand that it means to endure the school problems, but still our brains start to see the school as a torture where the students have to literally survive the most difficult circumstances in their lives.

All of us, have had, currently have or might have issues associated with studying and socialising, but in the childhood we've been taught to treat someone as we want to be treated ourselves. So, please, do not take school as some sort of fight or a war, because this is exactly how it will turn out; school is just a period of time in our lives and since we all must go though it - we might as well just make the best out of it! 

General "Studying for a Test" Tips

1. Answer Questions

Come up and answer all potential questions based on your notes (even for the practice problems). This method, will test you and improve the skills needed for the subject.  

2. Review Notes

Create 3 types of review sheets that are time-consuming, but very helpful to make: 

   - First of all, create a general review of all concepts and information associated with it. In the first review, you should include everything (even the info that you know 100%). That way when you are dealing with a final exam preparation, you don't have to redo everything as you have a complete understanding of a unit.

  - Secondly, create a condensed review, that preferably should fit onto 1-2 pages. Cover anything that you are unsure about, and that way you've outlined specifically what you have to study for. 

   - Lastly, create an emergency review note. This review should be maximum half of page and should cover the information that you absolutely couldn't memorise. You should create abbreviations, poems, or whatever it is that helps you remember. 

In terms of the timing, the first review must be done minimum 2-3 days prior to the test, the second, should be done the day before, and the third - the day of. 

3. Practice

If you are dealing with a practice-based subject, remember to:

- Correct all problems that you ever got wrong (we naturally learn from our own mistakes, therefore this is an effective method to remember the information).

- Do at least 2-3 more questions alike to the ones you got wrong (make sure you understand every single detail of a question and how to answer it). 

- Search for patterns (math based problems all have certain patterns of solution. you could group some questions into one type and see if they have similar patterns of solutions. by doing this, you decrease the amount of memorisation you have to do).

- Redo ( if you are dealing with timelines or cycles of events, you should consider redrawing them until they are perfectly correct. if available, do hands-on stuff and that way, you are stimulating your mechanical memory, which is definitely useful for the patterns that are not easily predictable).  

3 Fake Study Tips and Myths About Education

1. Turn Off All Electronic Devices

You absolutely don't have to do that as long as you don't text more than you do your work. For instance, when I turn everything off, I get distracted even more, as I'm constantly thinking about a potential text or something. 

2. Study Alone and in Silence

Isn't it depressing? For some of you, who enjoys to study alone and in silence, that is definitely not a myth, but for some of you who find it boring and discouraging, just know that you absolutely don't have to do that! In fact, some people (including me) study much better in public places.

3. Major in Whatever You Love

True, but not 100%...First, research the unemployment statistics of your major and then think, whether your major is practical and adaptable for the modern world. Consider your major being your hobby (which absolutely can bring money as well) and switching up to a similar but more successful specialty, if you need to. 

Remember, that I want to emphasise that studying is not boring and depressing, therefore you should feel very comfortable when you're studying. To be academically successful, you mainly have to enjoy the process of learning, and if you enjoy it, it is just the matter of time to learn appropriate techniques for memorising and interpreting the given material! 

5 General Grade Improving Tips

1. Take Notes Correctly 

You most likely don't have a teacher who prefers to write everything he says down, so just in case:

- Always write down what is written by a teacher
- Write down the information your teacher verbally says (examples, info that your teacher addresses the most, questions asked etc.)
- Post immediate questions on to your notes (to not forget to research them later)
- Google and try out specific note-taking templates 
- Colour code and highlight (by doing that you are stimulating different areas of the brain to work)

That way, the lectures will appear more complete and understandable in the long run and you will not be tricked by a question that involved whatever the teacher said verbally. 

2. Participate in Class Discussions

Often you are not evaluated on how much you talk during the class, although if you engage into a discussion of a topic you will:

- Remember the material better
- Improve your communication, leadership and creativity skills
- Have these skills mentioned by a teacher on your reference letters

3. Actually Study and Learn the Information 

You have to actually absorb the information that you've been taught, by having to utilise multiple areas of a brain to learn it (depends on what kind of learning style you have):

- Create diagrams, tables and charts (for timelines and cycles of events, this is common sense, although even for math-related subjects, you could totally come up with certain patterns that will nicely fit for a table or chart)
- Post as many written questions as you can on to your notes after a lecture or a unit and a few days before an assessment, answer all of them preferably without looking at your notes (that way you will practice, test yourself and not spend too much time)
- Correct the mistakes on your tests/assignments after you get them back and try to help your classmates to correct theirs

4. Utilize your resources

It's understandable that sometimes the style of teaching that you are dealing with, doesn't suit you 100%, so you must utilise your materials as they will help you:

- Develop an ability to interpret the same information from different sources
- Learn additional information regarding your topic
- Practice your independent studying skills that will come in really useful

Also, a few days an assignment is due, give it to your teacher to proofread and you will definitely have a higher mark and your teacher will enjoy your motivation towards learning his subject

5. Review

You really don't have to make your reviewing process super boring. Make it entertaining and fulfilling:

- Practice the theories and techniques you've learned on your community, friends and family
- Every day or the day before an assessment (depends on the amount of info that you're given) read every single thing from your notes without putting in too much of brain work



The Best Of Luck!