How To Better Your Overall High School Experience From A Recently Passed Out Student
No drama, absolutely no drama. Don't get into trouble, it stirs negative emotions which is a waste of time.
It's not high school musical. I seriously am saying this, you won't just have "problems" that can be solved by just working together. Not everyone would be willing to be your friend/solve problems etc. Be okay with that.
Catch up on homework/assignments/tests/projects. Everything is so much easier when you actually are doing the work on time. Don't pile your work up until it becomes a mountain you can't climb without breaking down.
Don't take everything as "I'll manage" or "it's easy". Newsflash? The really important topic that you thought you'd wing it by studying the day before is actually way more complex and harder. So, take your books and do sit and study.
Stay with positive people. Your friends determine your energy. The people you surround yourself with represent your energy and mindset. So, choose friends wisely. Have a good friend circle.
Sleep on time. This is honestly one of the things i had difficulty in following because sometimes there's too much to do and absolutely no time. But is still say this because it's not impossible. I made sure to sleep before 11 or 12. Max would be 12:30.
Do courses! Lots and lots of them. The reason why i suggest this is because it literally enhanced my experience and my learning journey. It also gives you better opportunities during college admissions and for job interviews.
Have an idea of what you want to do in college and choose subjects accordingly. If you just entered High School and are in a position where you have to choose your subjects. Sit back and think "What am i going to do in college?" (I live in a place where what subjects you pick in high school would only open up opportunities in those fields.)
Choose subjects wisely and make sure to have a variety of subjects. Like languages, practical based and memorization based so you have options and won't get easily bored.
Build career paths. How? I again recommend courses. Even online courses like Coursera and Edx can highly make you experienced in your desired field. It's a roadway for more opportunities.
Save! Even if it is a dollar. Save money for things that you don't know you need in the future. It might help you. More than you think it would.
Build habits. Good habits. Waking up early, reading, exercising. Anything really. And be consistent with it.
Read! When i say this. I mean it. Read Everything. Self help books, business books, finance, romance, fantasy, dystopian, fiction, biographies. You don't know how this makes you develop into a another category of improvement. If you don't like reading, listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
Explore. Seriously. Be open minded. Everything is interesting but you must make it interesting.
Extra curriculars are a must. I seriously mean it, i don't remember much about academic achievements but i do remember all the main events and awards from clubs and competitions. That also doesn't mean you join everything under the sun, something interests you. Join it. If it doesn't, then don't.
Even if your friends aren't passionate about improvement etc, you can be friends with them. It doesn't mean they're bad, it just means that your goals differ. You can still be friends with them.
Don't drag out fights between friends or anyone. There's nothing wrong with cutting off from fights, it saves a lot of energy
Always lend an ear to others, friend or not. People remember others who are good to them so be nice. It doesn't hurt much. If someone needs help. help them.
Have some network beyond school (from other schools if you go for extra competitions or anything) I found it extremely helpful
Don't party (not too much). Personally, i don't believe too much in FOMO. Like, everyone around me participates in every small event, parties and what not. The trick is to join things you actually want and not just because you think you'll miss out. If you join every party/event, you'll likely won't be able to differentiate between the things that actually matter because everything looks the same.
Don't drink. That's what I'll always say. It's actually pretty bad for you, not only can you result in a bad hangover on a Monday morning but also actually mess up your body from the inside.
Don't do relationships. (at least in my opinion, it's an invitation for unwanted drama from what I've seen with my friends. it's messy)
Speak up in class (It can be difficult, but you must do it from time to time, it will boost confidence). You don't have to answer every time really. I spent my entire life sitting silently knowing the answers to every question but I chose not to say it.
Explore your aesthetic. Literally.
Cut your hair, wear rings, go emo or goth or cheerleader style. Hell, mix them. No one cares. Even if they do, does it really matter?
Take mental health days. I literally had 3-4 days a month for just resting. My sister and I would take days off together to watch tv shows and movies.
Talk to freshers, sophomores, juniors and seniors. (Honestly, I really love when my juniors come and talk to me, it feels nice, and you'll actually help them. we seniors aren't that bad)
There's no such thing as not cool (except when you disrespect somebody).
Don't start fights, if you find yourself in one, apologize and move on. Unnecessary drama really.
And don't gossip/talk bad about anyone. Once, my friend literally asked me, "Don't you freaking hate anyone from the class?" and i just said, "Hating someone requires energy, i don't want to waste my time and energy on that. Even if i hate them, i don't really have to advertise it."
Get familiar with your circle.. Honestly, i am a very quiet person, I didn't start getting comfortable with my group until like 3 months into senior year. It took me 1 and a half years to get comfortable with them.
It is totally fine to have a small circle of friends. It's also okay to have a large circle of friends. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Don't back answer a teacher. Teachers have impressions and if you back answer. That definitely leaves a bad impression. And you don't want that.
Have a memory book or anything for the last day of high school (I didn't want to keep a book because you had to spend weeks giving it to everyone so when we had a high school party, I took one of my scarfs and made people sign it and write a short message)
Don't give in to peer pressure. Honestly, it's fine if you don't do or like something.
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Additional Posts:
Mistakes I made in my junior year that i don't want anyone else to repeat.
Mistakes I made in my senior year that I don't want anyone else to repeat
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Hope This Helps! :))
how to cram study for AP exams? π₯²
Hey dear Anon!
Thanks for the ask :)
How To Cram For Exams
Sleep. Hydration. Meals = Must
Snacking and hydration are a must. I recommend light snacking like nuts or fruits or some chocolates. I wouldn't go for heavy meals because they always make me feel sleepy.
Sleep is a must. Don't sacrifice your sleep for studying. During exams, 7β8 hours of sleep is a must. Don't stay awake after 12, you'll regret it. And sleep is different from breaks. You should not consider them the same.
Division Of Subjects
Every subject is learnt and graded differently. You canβt use the same study techniques for every subject you have. You have mostly 3 types of subjects:
Memorization based
Practical/Question based
Theory/Essay based
You use different study techniques for different subjects. Memorization based subjects require more revision. Practical/Question based subjects require more practice. Theory based subjects require you to learn how to format your information.
Read up more: Division Of Subjects
Note Skimming
First, take a topic. Try to remember 5 points, if you can't then just glance through it once. And then keep repeating the process until you know everything relevant for it. It works really well if you haven't picked up your textbooks in a while.
Practice Papers + Improvement Sheets
Create a fake exam environment. Sit on your desk with a timer, take a question paper and act as if you're actually writing the exam. Do this at least once and note everything. How much time you take to answer each question. What are your mistakes. Which section is your weakest. Note them down and most importantly, your overall improvements you should make.
For me, I did this for accounts, and it gave me so much clarity, especially the improvements. I used to go through this improvement sheet before my actual exam and I did not repeat even a single mistake again. The trick is to keep updating the sheet by adding improvements from your actual exams too.
Question Method
No matter how well you know your content, if you can't put it in words appropriately, then you won't get your grades.
Now, it's hard to remember every single thing, so here's a technique...
What? When? Who? Why? How? What's the use?
The basic information for any topic would be the answer to these questions. If you remember this and ca answer to it then you've prepared well enough.
If you want to read up more about it, check out: Question Method
Break It Down
Not your chapter. I mean the topic itself. Line by line if you have to. I did this exact thing for accounts whenever i had to do ratios. It was a pain. An unwanted pain. I couldn't understand anything. But i sat down one day and read every single line of the textbook for that topic. I made what i call "Line Visuals". This is simple.
You read a paragraph => You don't understand anything.
Read every line => Draw it
Understand the key terms used there
And then draw a single visual representation for that entire topic.
I'll guarantee you, you will understand it. Review it once a day for a week and then once a week.
Mnemonics + Story Method
Learn with these. It helps you to remember easily. Make catchy phrases and stories to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.
If you want to read more about it, check out: How To Study Using The "Story Method"
Teach What You Learn
You learn the most when you teach. I had taken my friends for this. Study and teach it to them. This helps because you have to have a clear understanding of the material first rather to teach them and you may end up with some important feedback. Your friends might ask a specific question you didn't know the answer to and now all of you are trying to perfect yourself with the material.
Random Testing + Book Testing
Random testing is what you do as the final blow. You randomly answer questions that you're thinking about the topic. Book testing is basically when you open any page of the textbook, see the topic and literally say everything relevant to it. You can even write it down.
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Hope This Helps :)
I love your blogs so much β‘ they're very motivational.
Heyy!
Thank you, I really appreciate that! :)
I'm in my "I don't know how but i will" era
I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. Honestly I just wanna sit back and cry. I have around 11 lessons for tomorrow's exam and let me tell you, it's not pleasant. T-T
Did 7+ hours of Business Studies
Completed Arabic Assignment
My brain is honestly fried. I have no idea what the hell I'm doing, i hope the exam is easy tomorrow :")
π Send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome. π πππ
Hi :)
Sorry for the late reply, thanks for this, really appreciate it! Right back to you <3
I don't know how people have such cute and aesthetic notes while mine look like they've been written by someone from another planet in another language
Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Major
Choosing your major is a pain, a real pain. It's the perfect time when every one, and I mean every one, decides that they should have a say in the matter when they literally don't.
Here are some questions to ask yourself which major you should choose. And I won't just cover general questions like "Is it tough?" or "Would I like it?"
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What could you talk about for hours without getting bored?
What is something that you do which makes you lose track of time while doing it?
What makes you feel alive and purposeful?
What do you enjoy working with? People? Words? Ideas? Or Systems?
What is a subject that comes to you easily?
What are the assignments that don't drain you?
What jobs are commonly associated with this major?
What do people who have this major actually do every day?
Can you talk to alumni or professors in this field and get their opinions?
Does this major offer flexibility to shift careers later in life?
Is this major aligned with who you are becoming or want to become?
Does this major offer room to grow and explore other interests
Could you combine two interests into a double major or minor?
Are you okay not having all the answers right now?
If everything changed tomorrow, would you still pursue it?
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I hope this really helps. I only included questions that I asked myself while choosing. But here's the tip. After you choose, there will be people who will want to change your mind and there will be times when you'd want to revaluate, so these questions would remind you what you thought when your head was clearer.
And I know this may look like hyping this particular topic a bit, but I'll be honest, I know many people who hate their majors but can't do anything about it. We'll spend at least 3 years with this, and I think it's better to feel that you chose this and actually like it rather than choosing something you hate and not liking it at all.
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Your pain (physical/mental/emotional) is valid even if nobody can see it
Your pain is valid even if you have no physical symptoms
Your pain is valid even if there is no physical injury
Your pain is valid even if others tell you it's not
Your pain is valid even if you do not have a life threatening disease
Your pain is valid even if you don't have a diagnosis
Your pain is valid even if you do have a diagnosis
Your pain is still valid even if nobody believes you
Your pain is still valid even if you are too "young" for the problem/issue
Your pain is valid even if the health care advisor/anybody tells you that it's in your head
Your pain is valid no matter what the conditions are
Your pain is valid.
Pain does not discriminate between age, gender, race, nationality etc. Just because you can't see pain, doesn't mean it's not there.
Do you think two weeks is enough for revisions for a math exam..?
Hey Anon! :D
I would say yeah, it's more than enough if you know how to manage your time and revise effectively. Personally, the time doesn't really matter much if you know how to revise well :)
How To Study Anything At 10x Speed
This is not a bs guide, these are some tips that have actually worked for me and they can work for you too. The thing is, it's fairly really easy. I have sometimes managed to prepare for a test before 15 mins by just reading through it. It's fascinating if you break it down.
Mindset Change
A mind set change is everything. If you think it is easy. The topic will be more bearable. If you think it's tough, it's going to be more tough. So, first thing is first. Be open. You are not dumb, you can easily understand everything if you just remove the concept of "It is too hard or boring"
I once heard that the subject isn't boring, you are bored. So, change your thought process. Start with, "I can handle this"
Break It Down
Not your chapter. I mean the topic itself. Line by line if you have to. I did this exact thing for accounts whenever i had to do ratios. It was a pain. An unwanted pain. I couldn't understand anything. But i sat down one day and read every single line of the textbook for that topic. I made what i call "Line Visuals". This is simple.
You read a paragraph => You don't understand anything.
Read every line => Draw it
Understand the key terms used there
And then draw a single visual representation for that entire topic.
I'll guarantee you, you will understand it. Review it once a day for a week and then once a week.
Story Method
People remember stories more than normal facts or random pieces of data. Stories allow you to link different facts together and make it easier for you to process.
The easiest way to do this is using "FTF" (First, Then, Finally).
First, the main character (you or anyone else you imagine) will start on a journey. That's scene one. You will need to associate some points to this scene. This will mostly include the overall concept. Basic understanding.
Then, the main character will face a problem. This will include all the major questions revolving around the topic.
Finally, the main character will find the answers. Let's break it down more.
What i love about this is that it can be used for sudden test/ pop quizzes because all you need to do is just remember the story.
If you want to read more about it, check out: How To Study Using The "Story Method"
Use Mnemonics
Learn with this. It helps you to remember easily. Make catchy phrases to remember points/facts. These are like the building blocks of studying anything. Stick small notes to your books writing the phrases beside the topic so the next time you want to revise it, it's easy.
Connect Similar Topic
Connect all your related subjects. Everything in school is somehow connected. I usually used to connect economics and business studies concepts. Sometimes even computers so... Connect them.
Active Recall
Active recall is like the number one tip i'd recommend. It's easy and most of you probably do it already. You just have to keep revising and testing yourself at the materials periodically. It's easy and effective.
Teach What You Learn
You learn the most when you teach. I had taken my friends for this. Study and teach it to them. This helps because you have to have a clear understanding of the material first rather to teach them and you may end up with some important feedback. Your friends might ask a specific question you didn't know the answer to and now all of you are trying to perfect yourself with the material.
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Additional Tips:
Tips for understanding complex topics
How To Self Study
Tips To Study Concept-Oriented Subjects
How To Study For Longer Hours
How To Study Multiple Subjects
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I hope it helps! :)
By the way, all of these tips are from my previous posts. But honestly this is what i do to actually study faster. It actually works for me and i hope it works for you too :)
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