Latest Posts by decadentheartflower - Page 6
Busting those bad marks
Bad is of course a relative word here. Bad marks for you might actually be good marks for me!
So last semester i ended up with some okay marks, not my best moment. But this time I am going through some anxiety and trying to figure out what went wrong . This has not been an easy task. I did all that i could , at that time.
But, i have been wondering if “all that i can do” can be pushed beyond its limits. After all those “limits” were decided by me. So now, i am going all out. Pushing my boundaries to test myself. This time, this is my way of busting those bad marks. Whats yours?
If you freaky then own it
Uptown funk
08-01-2017;
for anyone writing a personal statement here’s some advice I collated from countless sheets I have been given over the last three years. This is all sound advice, as I have written three personal statements and all of which have gotten me unconditional’s :) Good luck guys!
Sunsets are divine. So is Fitzgerald. 💗
You must be prepared to work always without applause.
Ernest Hemingway (via mjpg)
yesterday I went to the most beautiful library
|| 27.07.2016 || writing some keywords & definitions! *:・ﾟ✧
Steve Jobs’ speech at Stanford University - June 2005
how to: stay focused // personal advice
I’ve got a lot of asks questioning me about what I do to stay focused, so here it is.
I don’t force anything. I put a song and start to read / write down as if I wasn’t even studying. If I keep saying to myself that I “MUST FOCUS” or “HAVE TO STOP PROCRASTINATING AND FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE MINUTE BY MINUTE”, that does not flow. It has to be a natural thing.
I do not impose limits. Personally, this business of “study such thing for this long and then look at the phone for five minutes and come back” does not work at all for me. Sometimes I’m the middle of the resume, stop, check my phone, and then come back. Sometimes limits can be an obstacle. How many times were you in the middle of studying and started thinking about your notifications? Do a favor for yourself, check it quickly and then come back. (Of course, you know yourself better than I do. You know you’re going to procrastinate and get even more distracted? Then don’t check.)
INTEREST. Man, if you’re studying as an obligation you already fucked up. It‘s important to create an interest for learning, not only a “must remember everything for the test!!!” because, guess what? You’re gonna forget the very next day. Just think of the happiness you will feel when you finally realize that you know the subject?
Yes, you CAN learn it. One of the most common situations I find myself in is “giving up” on a subject because I thought “oh my god I will not learn it !!” If you stop trying, then you won’t. Research, watch video class, read the school book, whatever. Just don’t stop.
Different methods. Can’t concentrate on reading now? Write. Can‘t write? Research. Not feeling like searching? Watch a video class. No? Read the material and then listen to it. As I said, just don’t stop.
Tried it all and still can’t focus? Newsflash, you have a human body that needs to be taken care of. REST, EAT and GET HYDRATED. Did it? Now try again.
PLEASE don’t hesitate to reblog other people’s study posts even if: •they don’t have a shit ton of notes (yet) •they are low quality •the lighting isn’t perfect •the setup isn’t perfectly aesthetic •the desk is messy •the subject of study isn’t your subject •the handwriting isn’t perfectly neat •the notes aren’t colorful •the stationery isn’t muji or staedtler or stabilo or any other popular brand
studying is studying no matter what it looks like and I think it’s important to encourage other students even if all we can do is just reblog their pictures.
I think it’s important to make people feel appreciated in the community even if they can’t afford expensive stationery or don’t have a perfect handwriting.
You’re all great and you can do whatever you’ve set your mind on💜
10 Angry College Tips For Incoming Freshmen
(I finished my freshman year this spring with a 4.0 GPA, an off-campus research internship, and three professors contacting me suggesting that I apply for a fulbright scholarship. These tips aren’t coming out of my ass.)
1. LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SAY THIS: YOU DO NOT NEED TO “GET INVOLVED” IN STUPID CLUBS IF YOU DON’T ENJOY THEM. Hear “get involved! :)” for the 1000th time and just barf in your mouth a little and move on. If you work hard and get good grades, and socialize with people on campus when you have free time (it comes more naturally than you think) YOU WILL. BE. FINE. Actually better than fine. You’ll have time to get a real job/internship, which by the way, is what the real world wants to see you prioritizing. Moral of the story: Only join clubs if they help your personality thrive and feel healthy. Don’t do them because you feel pressured.
2. DON’T TAKE SHIT FROM A N Y O N E. I know you’re trying to fit in and take the stance of trying to make everyone happy to make sure you’ll have plenty of friends. But you have to realize that you literally just met these people, and they just met you. If they create an uncomfortable environment for you that makes college harder to cope with, get them the fuck out of your life. Ain’t nobody got time for people’s high school-ass drama.
3. SKIP YOUR CLASSES SOMETIMES. If you really have your shit together, it won’t matter. Your school will say the amount of skips you can get away with before it harms your grade. Use. Them.
4. BECOME THE MASTER OF WRITING ESSAYS IN ONE NIGHT. You will have to. I’m telling you right the fuck now. And you can get an A, if you work your lil ass off. I’ve done it many times.
5. DON’T CARE FOR EVEN 1 SECOND WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU. If you wanna wear sweats and no makeup, do it. If you want to dress up and take time to put on makeup, do it. If you want to stay away from partying, do it. If you want to party, have a good ass time. If anyone has enough time to judge you, they need to be studying harder or getting a hobby. Make yourself comfortable and happy as fuck and enjoy your time in college worry-free.
6. BE THE ASSHOLE WITH A TABLET OR LAPTOP IN LECTURE. You won’t have time to copy it all down. You’ll be miserable. Just trust me. I know studies say its more effective to write stuff down for memory, but, write them out later or something. Learned that one the hard way.
7. DON’T REWRITE YOUR NOTES IF IT DOESN’T HELP YOU STUDY. If you know doing that doesn’t help you memorize, don’t do it, period. Or, if you have a collossal asston of notes (like I did) it isn’t even worth rewriting them all in the first place. I’ve fallen down that hole and lost motivation and time. Just reread them or make flashcards or whatever. Study for effectiveness, not aesthetic.
8. BE PREPARED FOR LAB TO GO THE “WHOLE TIME.” Yah, you’re gonna see 3 hours on that brand-shiny-new schedule of yours and be like there’s no way it’ll go that long, right? LOL about that. Just mentally brace yourself. Eat and drink beforehand for the love of god we don’t need hangry people handling chemicals.
9. COMMUTING DOESN’T MAKE YOU A LONER. Just. No. If you live close to campus, are comfortable with commuting, and know you’ll save yourself MAJOR debt by doing it, do it and don’t feel a fucking ounce of guilt about it. It’ll be some early mornings, but your fresh out of college broke ass will thank you, and you’ll use your time more effectively. (Plus you get a non grimy shower like??)
10. LOVE YOUR NEW FINE ASS SELF. College is a fresh start. Put energy into who you have always wanted to be. And don’t compromise that out of social anxiety and embarrassment. You’ll be happy and thank yourself if you step out of your comfort zone to be the person you’ve always had in mind.
If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.
unknown (via love-inspire-universally)
Getting back up
After having a really horrible semester last year, I wanted to write a post on dealing with bad days/weeks/months or even years.
If you are feeling like you are in a really bad phase, just take a deep breath and DONT pity yourself. Self pity kills. Instead think that this is just a bad phase and like all phases, this one will end and a new better one will begin.
1.Talk to your friends, or your parents or someone who understands and knows you.
2.Watch romcoms or comedy movies that will lift up your spirits.(One of my favourites is Begin Again).
3.Write posts about how you are feeling and what difficulties you are facing so that people who have gone through similar things can help you and give you advice.
4.Most importantly, dont give up on your studies and your goals. Go back to your teacher and ask for help. Ask friends. Watch videos. Look at previous question papers. Anything to help you get through that rough patch in a subject.
5.If you have a lot of backlog and lagging work, just drink a cup of coffee and get to work. Complete a major chunk of your backlog so that you feel good about yourself and get your spirits up.
6.I have realised that once I start disliking a subject, I procrastinate. I leave the work to the last possible moment and then (obviously) its not upto its mark. A vicious cycle.
7.Remember that stressing yourself about anything will not help. Neither will worry. Instead put that emotion in doing something productive. If there is nothing more that you can do about it then only rest easy.
After all, its a bad day, not a bad life. :)
Exam Tensions
My exams are starting from 18th (this Friday!) and I am tensed. I mean who wouldn’t be? I like to call them pre-exam jitters. But the most frustrating part about these exams is that they are gonna last a month! A full month. Although there is like a six days gap before phase 2.
Apart from the umcoming exams, I am really excited for the upcoming semester. I have big plans. First, to start the semester off really well. Staying focused and top of my to do list. Not depending on my professors ( a grave mistake) and also catching up on my reading.
Wish me luck!
How to write a bomb ass personal statement
I’ve had a few asks about how to write - as one of you put it - a bomb ass personal statement. I’m a bit reluctant to write this, seeing as I haven’t actually got an interview/offer yet! But I guess it might be helpful to those of you applying around now :)
HOW TO START
Bullet point what you want to include - I suggest listing out what you want to include. It’s a good idea to do this at the beginning, to make sure you don’t leave anything out; and it can help form the basic structure of your statement.
Do not start at the start - this is one of the most important things I learnt when writing mine. It is so hard to write that first sentence - so just leave it until the end, and begin writing with the actual content, something you’re more comfortable writing about.
When you do get down to writing that first sentence - do not start with a cheesy quote or the typical “I have always bee passionate about…” as these are things that can immediately put off an admissions tutor. Try and be original, or just simple: “I want to study X because…”
THE CONTENT
Just keep writing - don’t worry about the 4,000 character and 47 line limits. Literally just write, and keep going, even if you think what you’re writing is bad - just get all your ideas out there, and put down everything you would want to include. It’s so much easier to take things out rather than adding things in. My personal statement was around 8,000 characters at one point!`
Get the balance right - different unis want different things from personal statements, so check their websites to make sure you’re getting in what they want. You need to get the balance of intellectual curiosity/passion for the subject with your personal qualities and extra-curriculars.
Back up everything with evidence - don’t just say you are great at working in a team, give examples that demonstrate that you have worked well in successful teams in the past.What to include?
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Why you want to study that particular course
Why you are the right person to study the course
Extra things you have done to show commitment or interest about the course - volunteering, subscriptions to journals, further reading etc.
Any relevant work experience
Any relevant awards you’ve won (e.g. maths challenge or physics olympiad) or responsibilities within the school (e.g. prefect or house captain)
Demonstrate desirable skills for your course - problem solving, teamwork, leadership etc.
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
Cliches - like “Ever since I was born I have wanted to study…”
Quotes - this is a personal statement, so don’t start quoting other people! Plus way too many people do this to make it original.
Jokes - it may be that the person reading your statement has a very different sense of humour than you do.
Really long sentences - you want your personal statement to be as easy as possible to read, and long confusing sentences won’t help that.
Repetition - it’s such a short document, you don’t have space for this. Plus it gets boring!
Names of unis - the unis you apply to have no idea where else you have applied, so don’t name any of them in your statement.
THE ENDING
Do not end on a cheesy quote or joke. Just sum up why you’d be a great candidate and reinforce what you have told them throughout the main body of the statement - that you’re fabulous!
Once you have finished a draft you can start trying to cut down on the word count. Maybe ask a teacher to look at your spelling/grammar, and you can always get your friends’ opinions too, on what should come out, and what should be kept in. Make sure you don’t let other people have too much influence - it has to be a personal statement!
feel better masterpost
Have you been feeling upset or stressed lately? Well, make some tea and cuddle yourself up in bed. Here’s a few things that can help you brighten up your mood or keep your mind occupied: BASICS - in need of a compliment? here and here. - feel like everything is going wrong? hover here and here and here and here. - have a cute dog lick your screen - want a hug? - make a comfort box - a site designed to help talk you down from a stressful experience - the thoughts room - sort through something that’s been troubling you - self harm alternatives + here - reasons to stay alive - 28 tips to relax - 21 tips to keep yourself together when depressed - want to be inspired? watch this - When is the last time time you did absolutely nothing for 10 minutes? - 100 things to do when you’re upset - the only 7 things you can control in life - make everything OK - the dawn room - how to get motivated when you don’t feel like it - six ways to combat boredom - stress relief techniques - anxiety masterpost
SCHOOL - stressing over an exam? here’s a few tips - need help with focusing? here’s a few tips. - free online courses - study tips masterpost
GAMING - watch livestreams on twitch - psychological games - cute games calming games: • music catch 2 • fishing girl • take a walk • flow other: • draw a stickman and go on adventures! • tetris
MOVIES and TV Shows that’ll definitely cheer you up (hover title for description) - police academy (1984) & police academy 2 (1985) - ghostbusters (1984) - home alone (1990) - dumb and dumber (1994) - john tucker must die (2006) - the blind side (2009) - lots of disney movies - movies with queer ladies, woo! - all marvel movies - movies with great cinematography
- Bob’s burger - Drake & Josh - Adventure time
READING & STUFF - read any book + here - random wikipedia article + different wikipedia articles - random wikihow article - mythical/supernatural creatures - nice comics - best of craigslist - amazing fact generator + quizzes! - what is the best type of chocolate for baking? - like mythology and want to read a new book? recommendations here! - survive nature MUSIC & SOUNDS - rainymood - kinda like rainymood but let’s you mix different sounds - listen to wikipedia - orchestral reworks (8tracks playlist) - the nostalgia machine (pick a year and listen to your favourite childhood jams) COMFORT FOOD - easy & delicious nutella cookies (video) - other nutella recipes (masterpost) - macaroni and cheese in a cup - fruit salad (simple but yummy!) - chocolate chip cookie in a cup - american pancakes - regular pancakes or this recipe - the easiest chocolate cupcakes (also vegan!) - chocolate corn flakes (trust me- it tastes better than how it looks!) - jam drops - don’t know what to cook? DRINKS - 10 refreshing non-alcoholic drinks - fandom drinks (w/ alcohol) - 14 fruit-infused waters to drink instead of soda - simple nutella hot chocolate - the ultimate in seasonal drinking: how to make hot cocoa mix - what tea should you be drinking?
RANDOM - look at the galaxy - watch a dream - make sand designs - create your own forest - take personality test (MBTI) - watch some fun and interesting science videos - make your own scrapbook - splatter paint - pop bubblewrap - move your mouse to manipulate a line, like building a roller coaster while you ride it. - video of an adorable bulldog puppy - touching video - what kind of hungry are you? - send and recieve a postcard from a random spot in the world - give rice to people in need by answering some trivia - tone deaf test - football players singing - what colour is it? POSITIVITY BLOGS/SITES - positivedoodles - cheeerupbuttercup - emotionalbaggagecheck (a site where you write what troubles you anonymously, and people who choose to “carry your baggage” eventually send you a song and a personal note!)
so i finished my first year of college last month and thought i’d share things i learned and advice on entering and starting your first year
keep a planner
take advantage of student id discounts
try to go to class as much as possible
in cases that you don’t go, make sure you have a friend, or at least someone who will fill you in and give you notes, in each class
network as soon as you can and as often as you can
wait a week or two until you purchase your textbooks, people aren’t lying to you, they’re expensive as fuuuccckkk, you’ll want to wait for multiple reasons because in some cases you never even end up using the book, or your library has it and you can just borrow it for free
wear flip flops in the shower if you don’t have your own bathroom
speaking of, go to the bathroom before class
set multiple alarms
take advantage of as many opportunities that come your way as possible
MAKE CONNECTIONS
have a very, very open mind
watch your drink
watch your friend’s drinks too
never, ever, ever, ever, ever, under ANY circumstances, drive while intoxicated or get into a car with a driver who is
get to know your professors
do the extra credit, it’s rare
back up your files
if you take your laptop with you somewhere bring your charger as well
take the stairs, seriously, a little goes a long way
99.9999% of people don’t give a shit about what you were in high school
try to plan and work ahead
never travel alone late at night
don’t hesitate to ask for help—material that took a week to learn in high school can be taught in one lecture in a college class, no one will slow down for you or help you unless you speak up
participate in class
again, talk to your professors, it’s good to in general, and you never know how they can help you outside of class
if you have a problem with your roommate, if you’re not getting along with them, or it’s not working, do something about it ASAP
keep in touch with those you care about, don’t burn bridges
it’s ok if you don’t make friends immediately, it took me awhile to find people i could truly be satisfied with, sometimes it happens when you’re not looking
take this to heart: do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do before. the best things i did this past school year were things i never tried in high school, going on trips with people i didn’t know, who i now call some of the closest friends i have, and going on service work trips out of state
build up your gpa in the beginning by taking classes that are not as tough in your first semester, a gpa is harder to bring up than to knock down, tldr; start strong, start easy
grades matter, BUT, don’t sacrifice your health and well being for them
get enough sleep, you can, i did
don’t base your decisions off what other people would think but if something goes against your morals, stick with your morals
take care of yourself and your body, just because it’s free does not mean you have to eat it, college is the perfect time to make your physical health crash and burn but it is also the perfect time to start having a healthier one
take the time to check over assignments you’re submitting
ratemyprofessor.com is your bff, use it and reference it
sign up for a variety of activities and test out the water to see what you like most
early classes are not that bad
attend campus events
know what’s going on on campus, don’t be clueless in your own environment
get involved in clubs and groups that are associated with your major…but also stuff that isn’t
and if a group/organization that’s associated with your major, like for me PRSSA, has a membership fee, it’s probably worth it
explore your city, campus, downtown….
try to get an internship before it’s required
get a LinkedIn account
always keep an umbrella and a phone charger on hand
make friends with as many people as you can, but don’t “collect” friends, ya know?
go to job fairs/career fairs
it’s ok to stay in sometimes and just j chill
decorate and personalize your room
when preparing to register for classes, make a mock schedule first
find a mentor(s)
first impressions are a big fucking deal
you don’t have to put on a ball gown, but put an effort into the way you represent yourself
make a budget
The Full Potential Challenge
Ever wonder what your life would be like if you lived up to your full potential? Would your body be healthier? Your skin clearer? Bank account bigger? I think about these things all the time, and, judging my a previous post, you guys do to. Below is a chart designed to help all of us live up to our full potential. I’ve broken it down into time frames to help keep you from getting overwhelmed. Write the chart down and hang it someplace where you can see it all the time. I will be starting this challenge tomorrow, 9/8. I’ll check in with you guys every Sunday to track my progress. I have specific goals in mind for myself, and you guys should make some too! I really want to know how you guys are doing. Tag your progress posts with #sbfpc so I can track it and take a look. Let’s get to it!
EVERY MORNING
Stretch. First thing. Really give your body enough time to wake up. Touch your toes. Roll out your shoulders. Do not hit snooze!
Do your full skincare routine. I have mine detailed here, but do whatever works for you and your complexion. Be gentle and consistent.
Brush your teeth and floss. I used to be a big floss-skipper too, but you’d be amazed at how dig of a difference it makes. Rinse with a whitening mouthwash. I use one by Crest, and I notice a major difference in my teeth’s overall whiteness in just a few days.
Give yourself enough time to get ready. Whether you’re a wash-and-go kind of girl, or someone who spends an hour doing a full contouring routine before class (and either one is fine!), make sure you aren’t rushing. If you need to wake up a few minutes earlier than normal, so be it. Rushing sets an awful, stressed-out tone for the rest of the day. Allow yourself to be relaxed before taking on the day.
Eat something. I’m not going to say eat a big breakfast, because some people (myself included) just can’t eat in the morning. But you should eat, or at least bring a little something with you to work or school. If you can’t eat a full breakfast, grab a fruit! You won’t be as hungry come lunch time, making you less likely to gorge yourself.
Shower. You can do this at night, in the morning, whatever. Again, this is something you should allow some time for. I don’t wash my hair every day, but I do condition it every day (from the ears down). Scrub yourself with a delicious-smelling body wash. If you shave, make yourself as smooth as a dolphin, dude. If you don’t, then don’t and don’t ever ever ever let anyone make you feel bad or weird about it. When you get out of the shower, wrap yourself in a fluffy towel and totally slather your sexy self with lotion. Top to bottom. Do it as soon as you can post-shower so it can really sink in.
Put leave-in condition throughout your damp hair and comb it through.
Put on an outfit that makes you feel good! So important!
Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!
Take a look at your daily to-do list. Knock out the most pressing stuff first. Take pride when you cross things off your list.
Make your bed! Oh my god, make your bed. Do it. Do it. Do it.
EVERY AFTERNOON
Follow the “touch it once” approach. This is a truly life-changing thing. When a task is in front of you, no matter how big or small, just do it right then and there. How many times have you gotten a work email or homework assignment and thought, “Eh, I’ll do it later”? And then later never comes? Once something pops up, do it once. Squash it and be done. Cross things off your list and feel like a badass.
Try to go for a walk at lunch. Even one little lap around the block or campus will reenergize you like nobody’s business.
Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!
Be present. This is so hard for me too, but you have to make a major effort to be present in whatever you’re doing. Be engaged and plugged-in and just exist in the moment. Give 100 percent.
Be friendly to friends and strangers. A smile goes a long way.
Eat something. Eat what you packed for lunch (see below) and take a break from working while you do it. You need “you time”!
EVERY EVENING
Take your makeup off as soon as you’re in for the night. Wash your face with your full routine and let your skin have a break.
Workout. You can also do this in the morning. Whatever works for you. Make a great playlist and go hard af. Get your cardio in. Get your strength training in. Earn every freaking sweat bead forming on your forehead. Earn your shower!
Knock out your homework. Life is infinitely better you don’t have anything hanging over your head. Half the time, the energy and emotion you spent dreading/putting off your work is ten times worse than the work itself.
Make a list of what needs to be done tomorrow. It’ll set you up for success the next day, and you won’t forget anything!
Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!
Lay out your clothes for tomorrow. This will save you SO MUCH TIME in the morning omg I can’t even tell you how important this is.
Eat something great. And once you’ve decided to be done eating for the night, be done. Brush your teeth so you can’t eat again.
After brushing, do a whitening treatment. Whether it’s classic baking soda, a Crest white strip, or a laser. Do something. And floss! Retainers in too, ladies 0:)
Relax! Take a few hours to do what YOU want to do. Scroll through Tumblr, binge on some Netflix, FaceTime gossip with your friends, anything. Do whatever makes you happiest.
Shut the electronics off an hour before you want to go to bed. Put your phone on sleep mode. If you stare at the screen, it will keep you awake and alert and you won’t be able to fall asleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for weightless and general happiness lol
Do a quick sweep of your room and see if there’s anything you can put away real quick. A clean space is a happy space.
Crawl into your bed (aren’t you happy you took the time to make it?!) and read a book by lamplight for a while. When you start to feel sleepy, go to sleep. Don’t push it. You kicked ass today and you deserve rest.
EVERY WEEKEND
Do something with your friends. It just has to be one thing. Even if you’re just hanging out at the coffee shop, spending time with your squad will make you a better, happier person.
Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!
Do something just for you. Set your laptop up in the bathroom and watch a Netflix marathon while you take a bubble bath. Buy an old school bottle of Mr. Bubbles ($3 at Target!) and really just soak. Relax. Light a candle.
Do something creative. You can read a book, write, blog, draw, code, anything. It just has to be something that speaks to your passion.
Track your progress. Just do this once a week so it doesn’t become all-consuming. And remember that non-scale victories are just as important as shedding pounds.
Take the time to be grateful. Tell your friend how much you admire her taste in music. Mention to your mom how much you love her cooking and how happy you are that she takes care of you. Thank your teaching after an especially interesting lecture. When you do something awesome, take a moment to admire yourself. Be grateful for even the little things.
Anything I missed? Reblog + add yours! Don’t forget to tag your progress!
3 Study Methods You Should Use More Often
This was originally for an article writing assignment, but I thought “why not write something I can also post on my blog?” so here are three study methods that I haven’t seen a lot of in the studyblr community but are definitely worth mentioning.
The Leitner System
Flash cards have remained one of the most popular ways to study. Some people use them to memorize vocabulary, remember answers to specific questions, or even associate dates with events. Although the use of flash cards is convenient, their effectiveness has been reduced due to most people’s habits of prioritizing each card equally and therefore spending too much time memorizing the information on them.
The Leitner System, created by a German popularizer of science named Sebastian Leitner, is a more efficient method of studying that implements the concept of spaced repetition. All the cards start off in one pile. You would first scan through these cards, then test yourself. Each card you answer correctly goes to a second pile, while those you answer incorrectly should be revised then placed at the bottom of the pile. When you review the cards in the second pile and get them correct, they will be promoted to a third pile. An incorrect card will always get demoted to the first pile, even if they had previously been promoted to the last pile.
The reason why this method is so effective is that you end up reviewing the first pile of cards more frequently—the cards you don’t know very well. Some people choose to review their Stack 1 cards every day, Stack 2 cards every other day, Stack 3 cards once every three days, and so on.
Once all your cards have been promoted to the highest box, study them thoroughly and then start over. The continuous revision trains your speed so that you may reach fluency, which allows you to recall the information faster.
Timed Memorization
The name tells it all: you memorize a certain text within a time limit, normally around five to ten minutes depending on your fluency and memorization abilities. When the timer starts, you begin memorizing. When time is up, you flip to the next page, even if you haven’t finished the previous page yet. Continue until you’ve gone through all your material.
Timed memorization helps you to discipline yourself because your brain thinks that there’s no time for messing around; you have to do this here and now. Make sure to repeat the things you missed and revise everything frequently. This method is actually one of the most effective for cramming as it gives a better coverage than if you spend a whole half hour memorizing one subtopic.
The Memory Palace or Mind Palace
Sound familiar? In BBC’s Sherlock, the ‘highly functioning sociopath’ uses this method to remember vital information and facts. A mind palace is a systematic arrangement of information, each detail corresponding to a specific object in a familiar place. To ensure that you really remember everything, the objects have to appear shocking and conspicuous.
Here’s an example: if I wanted to memorize “crimson, 11, delight, petrichor (the smell after rain)”, aside from imagining Amy Pond or the Doctor saying it, I would first choose a place, let’s say my school. I’d imagine myself walking up to the front gate and seeing that the entire building has been painted the color of blood—crimson. The building would then rise as though it were lifted from the earth and crumble into rubble, controlled by Eleven, the character from Stranger Things. Now, since I can’t really picture delight specifically, I’d probably end up visualizing a colossal sign that simply reads “delight” posted in front of my school. As for petrichor, I’d imagine curves rising out of the puddles on the asphalt after a rainy night, a visual representation of the smell of the rain. Of course, these visualizations have been created to suit my memory. (I wouldn’t know if you watched Stranger Things.)
I used this method when memorizing case studies for geography, although I chose to visualize fictional places from television series and cartoons. Some people do opt to create artificial places, but these often become blurry and are easily forgotten.
As with any study method, repetition is vital to storing the information in your long-term memory. Visit your “palace” as often as you can. Soon enough, you’ll remember the data as well as you remember the place associated with the data.
So there you have it, three lesser known methods of studying that have proven to be immensely efficient. Now, there is no “correct” way to study, but there are methods that can ease your learning process.
09.27.2016 - 023/100 days of productivity
Somehow working. A bit overwhelmed by how much I have to do but watching Gilmore Girls motivates me to do better at school!
49/100 days of productivity + SUN 10.23.16 // 7:41am
theme of the week: chemistry. october sciences (4/4);;;; chemistry and me are like those characters in tv shows who start off as mortal enemies and then slowly become best friends +++ learning about collagen, vitamin c, and periodontal ligaments!
How to Get A 4.0 GPA
Hi guys! So this will officially be my first ever study masterpost. My grades have been going up this year, and I thought of sharing all of my tips and secrets to a 4.0 gpa. It’s definetly not easy, but if you work hard it will eventually happen.
Organization - Keep a separate binder/folder for each of your classes - Pencil Case- pens, pencils, highlighters, ruler, sticky notes, erasers - Macbook/iphone: make sure your devices are organized as well, and everything is easy for you to access - Start a bullet journal/planner to keep your life together. - Have notebooks for your lecture and reading notes - Make sure your handwriting is legible and nice. Practice makes perfect - Plan your outfits and organize your school bag the night before - Start homework/assignments 3 weeks early, don’t leave anything on the day of or the day before its due - Study for 5-7hrs everyday. But good grades aren’t everything. Have a blanced lifestyle, sleep for 8hrs, and go out with your friends.
Lectures - arrive 10/15m early - Go to every class - sit at the front or second row - I use onenotes to take notes, and will transfer them to notebook format. Do whatever format you like - Review your notes right after, or the next day
Readings - finish your readings before each lecture - i take notes from textbook using studyign method - try to understand, and if you can’t get it watch videos on youtube
Exams - Study 2/3 weeks before. - Create a list of topics you need to study - Review readings and lecture notes - Do make additional notes for the main topics Essays - Choose your topic - Create a rough outline and brainstorm ideas - Research, but make sure your arguments are stronger. Research is mainly used for evidence to support your own arguments. - Make sure your rough draft is concise enough - Use the refme app or easybib to keep track of your sources - Edit your essay- 2 times Other - Join the studyblr community. I have actually enjoyed studying, after creating a study blog. People are so nice. Highly recommend! - Don’t get discouraged by negative people. Don’t ever let anyone tell you “your not good enough”. - “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do”- Carl Jung - Don’t tell all of your plans and ambitions in detail to anyone, just show - Focus on your hobbies as well, like playing an instrument, youtube, makeup, reading, writing, and art - Study what you love. Have a great day! - Tara
How to be good at interviews:
I’m having next Wednesday my first professional interview (eeeeek) so I decided to share the research I’m doing. I googled all of this and chose the information I found most important, and organized it. I truly hope it’s helpful for someone out there :)
PLAN AND PRACTICE:
always do your homework: learn about the organization, its ideas and story
don’t necessarily memorize responses, but try to have a planned general strategy for answering common interview questions
practice in front of the mirror
be ready to briefly describe related experience
compare your qualifications to what the organization wants from you
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
“What’s your biggest weakness?” Think of a genuine issue you have as well as ways you have managed to work with/around it.
“What’s your biggest strengths?” Stand out from the crowd and don’t be afraid to speak about your strengths in an authentic and compelling way. See if your strengths align with the company’s needs.
“ Why do you want this job?”/ “Why should we hire you?” Stay focused on why your background makes you an ideal candidate and tell them how you are going to contribute to that department and that company.
“Tell me about yourself.” Don’t tell them your life story, instead discuss what your interests are relating to the job and why your background makes you a great candidate.
“Why did you leave your last job/position/school?” Do not go into details about your dissatisfaction, tell them that while you valued the experience and education you received, you felt that the time had come to seek outo a new opportunity, expand your skills and knowledge, and to find a company with wich you could grow. Try to put a positive spin on things. Be honest if you were fired but don’t trash your previous boss.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Be honest about what your greater aspirations are.
And much much much more (from your behaviour to work experiences, education, interests and motivation or problems and challeges you’ve faced previously), I would encourage you to try to write down some topics for each questions that work for you. Being prepared is everything.
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW:
sleep and eat well so you look rested and healthy on the big day
give yourself time to calm down/meditate/relax
don’t noodle around on your phone or electronic device while waiting - it may communicate boredom and frivolousness, maybe stick your notebook/notes
What to wear: normally it’s best to dress neutral, professionally/formal, not overly fashionable or trendy, and brightly colored clothing is bad. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle free, and make sure your image is very clean and neat.
What to bring: if revelant, extra copies of your resume on quality paper, a notepad or professional binder and pen, information you might need to complete an application.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
make eye contact
show courtesy to everyone during the interview, this means everyone from the reception staff to the interviewer herself
smile
have good posture
avoid fidgeting too much or playing with your hair/touching face
have a good handshake
don’t cross your arms over your chest
walk, act, talk with confidence
be comfortable and relaxed
choose the words you say
don’t place stuff on their desk
manage your reactions - facial and body expressions give clues on how you feel: project a positive image
show interest and enthusiasm
show warmth and personality - being personable is about getting the interviewer’s emotional side to like you and believe in you
don’t lie to make it seem like you know something you don’t. You probably won’t fool your interviewer, and admitting to not know something is much more impressive than lying
be honest
keep things simple and short, talk in 30-90 second chunks. Any less and you’re likely to seem unqualified; any more and your interviewer is likely to lose interest in what you’re saying
THINK OF QUESTIONS TO ASK: participating actively during the interview gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. Most of times it is more adequeate to ask in the end of the interview. But I feel like you really need to make sure your questions are adequate. Examples:
“What types of training opportunities do you offer?”
“What are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity?”
“Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?”
ALWAYS ask the “ When can I expect to hear back from you about the position?” question if the interviewer does not tell you.
Good questions are open-ended, and thus cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no.” Better questions are behavioral: they ask how things are done or have happened in the past, because current and past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
shake hands with the interviewer - try to invest some feeling into the handshake and pleasantries, even if you think you bombed the interview
hold your head high and keep your cool
your emotions are probably teetering at the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, but try to stay measured
project a cool confidence, not cockiness, and walk out of the interview with your head held high
SOMETHING TO ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND:
when you know in your heart and your gut that you bring to the table something just as valuable as a paycheck and maybe much more – your tremendous experience, intellect and instinct – you’ll carry yourself differently. You won’t trip over your words in an effort to please His Majesty or Her Highness, because you’ll see yourself and the interviewer as equals on a level playing field.
you are valuable and unique. You have something very special in you and you deserve to be given a chance. good luck!
100 days of productivity
hey guys! some of you may have noticed that lately I have been posting daily pictures with a concept called 100 days of productivity. at first, this was just a method I was using to keep myself on track, but after receiving multiple messages either asking permission to use the idea or asking to explain the idea, I’ve decided to make a post to explain this and hopefully get other blogs in on it!
what is it about?
the general idea of 100 days of productivity is to make sure that everyday you do something- anything productive. it embraces the concept that by chipping away at least a little bit of that big pile of work we all have every day, we can make huge changes for the future.
how can I join?
its simple! just post a picture everyday with which day it is out of 100 (ex: 3/100 days of productivity) and tag it as 100 days of productivity. keep this going for 100 days straight and see how much you’ve accomplished!!
help get the word out!!
reblog this post to help let other studyblrs know about this idea!! as I really would like this to get out there, I will be following many of the people I see using this tag!!
disclaimer: I am not claiming to be the first person to use this concept. I did not steal this idea from anyone and did come up with it on my own, but I have also been made aware that others have used this idea before!!
happy studying everyone!!
3.13.16+4:26pm // desk organization complete! whew, i am feeling much better now that everything is coming together.