Support+&+Organization+Tips

How to Stay Organized and On Task...Mentally & Physically!

=__**Studying for Midterms?!?**__=
 * 1) Study consistently so you //**don't have to cram at the last minute**//. Most students find it hard to be consistent in their studies, but if you go over material daily after you've completed a class, it's more likely to stay with you, and you won't have to panic right before the midterm.
 * 2) Try to //**make associations**// between the material you have to remember and things that you remember easily. For instance, if you're studying for a history test, try to make mental links and connections between various events on your test to help you remember them and perhaps narrow down correct answers.
 * 3) Ask someone to study with you so that you know the material thoroughly. Instead of studying with a friend, it might be helpful to have one of your //**parents quiz you on dates, names, definitions**// or other material from the midterm. They are __//**less likely to distract you**//__ than friends, and they will make sure prepare thoroughly.
 * 4) Get //**plenty of rest the night before**// a midterm. There is nothing worse than going to a midterm all sleepy and unable to think clearly. By getting a good night's rest ahead of time, you can cut down on the stress associated with a midterm.
 * 5) Wake up early and //**eat a good breakfast**//. By waking at least an hour or two before a test, you will be more alert and ready to think and less likely to oversleep. Breakfast will keep those annoying stomach growls away, and help you persevere through your midterm.
 * 6) **//__Eliminate all distractions__//** . Go somewhere where there is no TV or where no one will bother you, and yes this means no cell phone . Cell phones are nothing but distractions and will take away from your study time and trust me an hour or two will not kill you.
 * 7) Don't study for hours on end, it doesn't work . //__**Space out your time and study for 2 hours max at a time**__//, anything longer and studying will not be able to hold your full attention. After 2 hours take a break, you deserve it, during this time, maybe you can have a parent or older sibling help make a mini quiz off some of your notes you have taken, or from previous tests and quizzes.

=__Time Management Tips for Students__=

Organizing Your Life
Managing your time well is an important element of success — especially if you’re a student. If you set priorities that fit your needs and lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals. Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.

1. Make a To-Do List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
When you’re commuting on the bus or train, use the time to get some reading done.

3. It's Okay to Say No.
If your friend asks you to go to a movie on a Thursday night and you have an exam the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

4. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.

5. Review Your Notes Every Day.
Reviewing helps you reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study before a test. You'll also be ready if you get called on in class or have to take a pop quiz.

6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. Lack of sleep makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls or text messages are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you are only available at certain times of day and not to expect a response at other times.

8. Become a Taskmaster.
Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly. Figure out how much free time you have each week before you add any commitments.

9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.
Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it. Wasting an entire evening worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing is not productive, and can increase your stress.

10. Determine Your Priorities.
You can’t do everything at once. Establish the importance of each item. Then set realistic goals that are attainable. //College Board ®//

=Top Ten Test-Taking Tips for Students= Here are the top ten tips to success! 1. **Have a Positive Attitude** --> Approach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success. 2. **Make a Plan**--> The week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator if needed? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics. 3. **The Night Before**--> Cramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late! 4. **The Morning of the Test**--> Did you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up. 5. **Test Time**--> Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly. 6. **Manage Your Time**--> Scan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff. 7. **I'm Stuck!**--> Those tricky problems/concepts can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you don't lose points for wrong answers. 8. **Multiple-Choice Questions**--> The process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer. 9. **Neatness Counts**--> If your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully. 10. **I'm Done!**--> Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question).Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.