Flashcard Studying

Hey, guys! I hope you are having a lovely pre-holiday season!

Today, I wanna address one of the very common studying methods - flashcards. Generally, flashcards are useful for certain things, such as vocabulary and diagrams, but actually, it can be used in some other ways as well. Here is everything I can suggest about flashcards:

1. Make Multiple Sets of Flashcards per Subject

As I said, they can be used to create diagrams and memorize vocabulary terms. Make sure you create these or any other possible sets for each of your subjects. This way your information will be very well organized while studying for a test or an exam.

2. Types of Things to Write on Flashcards:

- mind maps

- definitions
- equations
- question&answer
- colouring activity
- labelling activity

- timelines

3. Way of Writing

It should be short, clear, and in your own words. When you deal with the labelling or equations, or such, you don't have to think about the way you'd write it. However, if you are doing question/answer or definitions, make sure you you condense the information to a sentence or two, and rephrase it your own way. Rephrasing, by the way, is a wonderful study tool.

4. Little Techniques

- Often you may deal with lists of definitions that go under a certain topic; or you are doing labelling of a specific system. Since, let's say, diagrams is one set of my biology class flashcards, I should colour-code them, so that I won't be confused with the topic my diagrams go under. So, you either use the cards of different colours, or colour-code them yourself. There is a way to colour code that I prefer: colour the side of the flashcard, so that it would be recognisable as to which unit/topic it belongs to. Yellow ones, lets say are for the excretory system, and pink ones are for the circulatory:

- Highlight, or use different colours of pens to study from the flashcards. I would prefer highlight. Here is why: when you're making them, you develop and learn the information from the first time. When you study for a test, you learn it twice by highlighting whatever it is with a certain colour. Then, when it comes to the exam, you take a different colour of a highlighter and highlight everything left over to memorize. It dislike elimination of the info that you already know.
- You should try your best to make your cue cards aesthetically pleasing. This way, you'll enjoy the studying more :)

5. Being Organized: Accessories

- rings
- holders

- paperclips

6. Make Them Right Away

Some classes, like biology, might require a ridiculous amount of cue cards. But if you go home and do them after every class, it will only take you 10-15 minutes. You will be very thankful to yourself prior to the test, though, since all of your study tools will be prepared for use.

How to Ask a Question

Hey, guys! 

Today, I'd love to talk about how important it is to learn how to ask questions in the academic setting. Obviously, teachers are more accessible while you are at school, in comparison to their availability in the university/college, so you better know how to ask a specific, but a thorough question, which will fill in the gaps of your misunderstandings:

1. Make Sure you are Either Asking for a Favour of a Question

Often times, we say "I don't understand that" to the teacher. This is not a question. A more professional way to express that same idea is: "Could you explain this concept again, please"(favour) or to ask a specific question.

2. Figure Out What it is / Start From the Very Beginning

If you do not understand the material, you must figure out what exactly you're missing. Sometimes, something small can mess up your understanding of the entire concept. This is why it is crucial to start asking questions from the moment you understand that something is unclear. 

Also, if it is math/physics/other math-related subject, make sure to practice the problems you are uncomfortable with, to identify what's unclear on a more specific level.

3. Go Through the Material

In order to identify, which part of the information is confusing, go through that information again. It would be better if your will ask little questions to yourself while going through the material. 

4. Be Specific While Forming a Question

If you've identified the misunderstanding, come up with a question that will, you think, cover all of the answer. The question can be long, but let it not be confusing. 

In math-related subjects, it is very beneficial to ask for more examples, since it will help the teacher understand what is your problem. And then you could work together to solve it. 

5. What if I Don't Understand the ENTIRE THING?

Well, in this case, I suggest you start from the very beginning. Right after the problem arises, arrange a meeting with your teacher to discuss the material again. In the case of absolute misunderstanding, you won't get away with 1 question. During the meeting with your teacher, tell him/her that you are confused about the material and then ask "How/Where do I start?"; "What steps there are?"; "What should be my process of thinking?" etc. Ask something general, yet specific. 

Essay Writing

Good afternoon, sweeties.
I'm done with essays for the year, and according to my marks, I've done a good job mastering it. Today, I'd like to give you a few suggestions as to what to do with your essay to make sure it is professional. Consider doing an outline,a draft, and then the final copy, but here's what you have to follow:

1. Follow Structure

If you are given rubric, make sure you follow the structure of an essay the way your teacher wants it. Is it very strict on structure, or more/less free-flow? How many pages the teacher wants? What portion of an essay or criteria is graded the highest? 
Also, know your professor: learn if he/she wants you to have indents in the beginning of each paragraph, and learn if there's anything specific he/she likes/dislikes seeing in an essay. 

2. Quote as a Hook

The first sentence of an essay is called the hook. Its job is to intrigue the reader with the purpose of your essay. Even if your essay must be very formal, a very good idea would be to include a short, general quote outlining what your essay is about.

3. Formal, Persuasive Language with Proper Grammar

Obviously, no nouns in the formal essay. The persuasive language should exist though, clearly outlining your opinion.When using persuasion, avoid  words like "might, most likely, probably etc". These words are used if a person is unsure about his/her argument.You must be very confident when you are trying to convince the reader, as well as grammatically correct. Make sure you're not including any short forms, such as "there's" or "it's". 
If you like the transition words, such as "ultimately; additionally; similarly, etc", go ahead and use them. Don't overuse through, since they must not seem like the best thing in your essay! 

4. Short, but Thorough Sentences

If you are writing an essay, you have to imagine that you are trying to explain something to somebody. It has to be very clear. Each sentence you write has to be short, but thorough. Thus, it has to contain the answers to what, how and why.
Especially if you're writing a thesis, your sentence will be longer than usual, but it can't be run on. In thesis you start from a general idea and end with specific one outlining your arguments in a certain order. Your thesis also should contain the name of an author and the title of the book (most likely in italics) if you are working with some sort of creative piece. 

5. Quotes

You, obviously must try to tie a certain quote with your argument, but keep in mind that you can totally manipulate your quotes. You can either paraphrase them, or you could insert quote fragments into your point in order to explain your point better and to show that you actually know the text.  

6. Refer to Thesis and Explain in Analysis

When you're analysing your examples or quotes, you must refer them back to your thesis statement. This is done in order to show that the quote/example you chose actually represents what you're saying.
Using the quote fragments, analyse your quote very thoroughly. Potentially, think off some theories or just general life principles that fit the example to explain it better. If in class, for instance, you've learned a theory recently, try to see if the example somehow fits into its description.
Analysis should fundamentally answer questions such as what, how and why very thoroughly. 

6. Creative or Formal Title

Depending on the essay, make sure you satisfy the same format in your title. Your title shouldn't be long, although it must still contain the information on what you're writing about. 

6. Works Cited and MLA formatting 

The formatting, I figured, is huge in an essay. But, looking at it from a different perspective - it is easy marks. As long as you follow the MLA format and make a legitimate works cited page, you will keep a lot of those easy marks.

7. Reread and Edit

There's a lot to focus on while you're rereading. Not only you must check your formal writing techniques (no short forms, no nouns etc.), you also must go through the rubric and make sure you have everything it's asking for. Obviously, check spelling and grammar. 
If your professor or a tutor is willing to edit your essay, never lose that chance. You will learn a lot, as well as you will be pointed at your mistakes, what will make it easier to correct them. 
If it is not an option, I recommend waiting a day or two after you're done with your essay, and then going back and editing it. It will give you a fresh and objective look at your work!

University Applications: I Applied (Updated)

Hey, sweeties!

I've been waiting for this moment for the longest time!!!I applied!!! 
There were 7 program choices, and some of them included the choice of specialisation in a certain filed. Here, I'll list and explain all my choices in the order of priority.

1. McMaster: Health Sciences
The admission requirements are really tough in this program. I need to get a 90% academic average in grade 12 (which I have) as well as I need to submit 2 supplementary applications, which plays the main role in my successful admission.
This program will not only teach me sciences, but it also will teach medical ethics, medical history and include clinical experience. The program successfully prepares the medstudents-to-be to succeed on the MCAT as well as CASPER (medical ethics test) and on the interview(s).

2.Waterloo: Health Sciences, Co-op (Pre-Health Professions)
It would be wonderful to be exposed to the health care field. Waterloo has a gorgeous campus and offers co-op placements, which not only allow me to earn money, but also to gain priceless experience. Being in a health care setting, I will always stay motivated as to my career choice (Medicine) and collect valuable recommendation letter from my mentors.

3. McMaster: Kinesiology
I love Kinesiology, because it gives me the opportunity to study the human body on a bigger scale, rather than on the molecular only. Along with the basic sciences that I will take, I will also take courses such as human anatomy and physiology (with Med Students), Exercise Physiology, Health Psychology etc.. By taking courses which allow me to view the human body on a greater and a smaller scale, I will be much more motivated and prepared for med school. 

4. McMaster: Life Sciences: Biochemistry (BioMedical Research; Co-op) 
I would love to be enrolled in this program because it will provide an opportunity to work in the medical setting. Also, it undoubtably will prepare me for the MCAT, and maybe, provide clinical experience. Even though this program is based more on medical research, rather than all other medical aspects, it will teach me all fundamental skills about the program. As to the ethics and med-history, I'm sure I can take these courses as electives in my 3rd-4th year. 

5. Waterloo: Life Sciences, Co-op (Biochemistry)
Co-op is very valuable when studying sciences, since you get to see it applied. Also, practicing sciences will motivate me more to study my subjects because I get to see my progression in learning.  

6. UofT Mississauga: Life Science (Biology for Health Sciences)
In comparison to UofT St. George, the campus and audience is much smaller, although I still feel like I won't belong in this campus according to my feelings at the time I've been there. It is gorgeous and new, but I still feel like UofT will set really high standards and I won't be able to get to know any of my teachers until the last year. Also, there are no research facilities nor there are any hospitals around the campus, in contrast to McMaster and St. George campus.

 7. UofT St. George: Life Science (Human Biology: Health and Disease) 
UofT is just amazing for their program selection. For life sciences alone, there's way more than 15 programs to choose from. UofT is also located in the beautiful place, downtown Toronto, and it is surrounded by research centres and hospitals (for clinical exposure). The problem with UofT is an enormous amount of people per professor (2000:1) in the first year, which will cause issues in case I'll need clarification in a concept or I'll just want to get to know my professor. 


I still have time to change my priorities, but the program choice is definitely set in stone. 

Biology Study Tips

Hey guys!

I normally post general study tips, but today, and hopefully, from now on, I'll focus more on specific subjects. Today, we will start with Biology.
One of my courses now, is Biology. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and I have listed a few suggestions on how to earn a decent grade:

1. Vocabulary List

I highly suggest you start a vocabulary list from the beginning of the course. This way, you will have an easier time studying for your exam, and also, reviewing this material prior to a different course of biology.

2. Diagram List

Biology is really heavy with diagrams. Often, you are asked to recreate a diagram or explain it. In order to differentiate between them, have a diagram per flash card and its explanation on the back to quiz yourself later.

3. Flashcards

I personally don't like using flashcards for anything other than vocal and diagrams. But you could either write post-it notes or use flashcards for question and answer. Quizzing yourself will help you in the long run and will quickly determine what is it that you have to focus on the most.

4. Animations and Online Stimulations

If you are able to find a good animation or an online stimulation for the process you're learning, definitely use it. It will stimulate visual learning and I think, kinaesthetic learning as well. These types of learning styles will help you remember the information in the long run.
Try this website to help yourself: http://onlinelabs.in/biology

5. Textbooks

Textbooks are inevitably very useful in Biology. What it does, is that it creates an overall mental picture of a process because it is told in a paragraph manner. You should definitely highlight, write your own notes or use post its to reinforce information better in your brain.