As each day passes, we are only getting closer and closer to the season that everyone dreads: AP/Final Exam season. Luckily, I am a sophmore and am currently taking one AP class, in the area of world history. Literally, the only thing that has been on mind this whole time is that horrendous exam that I am taking. Unfortunately, my class has not been given ONE SINGLE LECTURE this entire year and have just been given a myriad of assignments. I know it may seem quite exaggerated, but it really isn't. Because of this, we are expected to cram a whole year's worth of college-level material in literally less than a month! However, whenever I have a test coming up (with the exception of geometry, I'm the worst) I use a variety of tricks to help me achieve the best grade I possibly can to the best of my indivual abilities. Before we continue, let me say one thing, and one thing only: It's just a test. Yes, I am aware that tests are truly significant and can make or break your grade. I feel as if everyone around me is so incredibly intelligent, whereas I am the only deficient person around. A lot of people act as if an exam is life or death, when really it isn't. I know I am probably ( no not probably, I really am) going to fail this AP exam, yet I am still binge-watching Crash Course videos on YouTube and highlight almost everything in my practice book. You may ask, why Kylee? Although I know I am going to fail, I would like to at least know that I gave it my all and worked to the hardest of my abilities. Whether we pass or fail, what really is important is if when we fall down, we get right back up and stand taller than the last time, metophorically speaking of course. Keep on reading to see some of the best study hacks out there!
1. Crash Course and Documentaries
1. Crash Course and Documentaries
For those of you who didn't know, there is a series on YouTube that is narrated by John and Hank Green that is dedicated to learning with various videos on US History, World History, Psychology, and so much more. Besides Crash Course, there is also a myriad of documentaries that you can find on Youtube that are solely based on any subject.
2. Establish Mental Associations
2. Establish Mental Associations
As complicated as it may sound, making a mental association is actually quite simple. When you are studying and find a complicated word or fact, remember something that may have a correlation to it. For example, last year I really struggled with biology and I came up with a simple mental association. What does a chromosome include at its centromere? Now think of Anna and Elsa from Frozen. What are they? Sisters which would lead you to the word sister chromatids. How many people are Anna and Elsa? Two, the same amount of identical chromosomes in sister chromatids. It may sound pretty idiotic at first, but in the long run, chances are you'll get a higher test score.
3. Jog Your Memory
3. Jog Your Memory
There are two methods to this study hack: either a certain flavour of gum or an unfamiliar scent. Studies have shown that our minds are more likely to remember a certain piece of information when something unfamilar is in our surroundings at the time such as an odd scent or gum flavour.
4. HIGHLIGHT EVERYTHING & INDEX CARDS
4. HIGHLIGHT EVERYTHING & INDEX CARDS
As obvious as this one may seem, highlighting key facts and summarization on index cards are crucial when it comes to studying. It is a known fact that your brain is more likely to absorb information when it highlighted in a bright and flamboyant color. Index cards are great because you are able to list numerous key facts on such small space.
5. Quizlet Live
5. Quizlet Live
Quizlet recently released a new feature called Quizlet Live, which is basically another version of Kahoot!. Quizlet Live is much more fun in the sense that you are shuffled into a group of 3 or 4 people and are supposed to help one another in finding the answers to various questions. Whiehever team finishes the round first with the most correct answers wins. Grab some friends, order some pizzas, and throw a Quizlet Live party! It may sound pretty lame, but it really will help you in achieving a higher test score.
6. Use Disciplinary Websites to Block Your Social Media
6. Use Disciplinary Websites to Block Your Social Media
Ages ago, we lived in a society without internet and teenagers were forced to go to the library, rather than scroll on the non-existent World Wide Web. While the internet has its benefits, it also has it downsides. It really is hard to study when you simply can't stop binge-watching 13 Reasons why or stalking someone's twitter handle, but it is vital to ignore these distractions in order to gain the test score you would like. Luckily, there are various websites online such as SelfControl or ColdTurkey that are used to block every social media website there is.
Lastly, best of luck! xoxoxo, Kylee
Lastly, best of luck! xoxoxo, Kylee