Study Prof

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abstract
adjacent
alimentary
anachronism
anvil
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astral
awful
beguile
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School approacheth, and that right soon! Time to get organized and aggressive. Don’t make the mistake sooo many students make and wait until three weeks into the semester to get started. Here are some things every student should do (this means YOU)…

1. Get cracking. Mom ain’t looking over your shoulder (for most of us at least). Take responsibility for your studies. Be proactive. Make a todo list. Get a calendar. GET IT DONE before crunch time.
2. Get organized. Have a file for every class. That file should have space to take notes and pockets for collecting handouts. As soon as (more…)

Lifehacker.com has put together a very straightforward guide to taking superior notes using the Cornell Method.

How far in advance should I start studying for a test?

You should be studying for the test at the beginning of the semester.  Every time you read a text or take notes in class, be thinking, “how will this look on the test?”.  Here’s what an optimal study schedule will look like. Study those notes…

• After each class, study the notes for that class within fifteen minutes of walking out the door, maybe while walking (more…)

To become an excellent turnip you simply sit around and wait for someone to dump manure on you and water you from time to time. That makes for a great vegetable, but not a great student. So why do most students sit in class and wait for knowledge to be dumped on them?

To become an excellent hawk you roam far and wide with your eyes peeled for anything that looks tasty. When you see it, you dive on it, kill it, and take it home to the kids. That’s also–figuratively speaking–how to make a great scholar.

During a lecture or while reading a text, you are cruising, eyes peeled, (more…)

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Whether you’re stuck in the Outback and want to finally get that masters degree or you just want to snap up a few college credits from the comfort of your own potato-chip-covered couch, distance learning is easier and more acceptable than ever. For all things distance learning check out the Business Exchange’s distance learning topic thread.

Smiling at the right time can actually improve your grades!  So brush those choppers and start grinning. Here’s how …

1. Come to class a few minutes early to avoid being part of the herd.
2. Make eye contact with your professor as you walk in.
3. Smile warmly (Hint: imagine s/he’s your long lost cousin.  If you don’t like your cousin, imagine it’s your long lost cousin being attacked by rabid ocelots.) (more…)

In the past, I’ve talked about exactly when to study for each class you’re taking. Follow that schedule and you will spend less time to get better grades!

But don’t make the mistake of blindly following anyone’s schedules or methods (mine included). It’s all about strategery, people.

Not all classes are created equal.  Some classes you can cut that schedule in half and still get an A.  In other classes, you may have to double up. Treat your schedule like a strategy game; carefully decide where you will get the most payoff and act accordingly.

Example; I took a class in (more…)

Recently got this email from one of my GRE students…

Cody,

I just wanted to let you know that I took a GRE test today and I got an 1170 (150 points higher than ever before).  Even though I have to admit that due to time constraints, I was unable to study [any more after your class], I can say with a great deal of certainty that I was able to improve because you taught us such helpful test taking techniques for the GRE.  All credit is due to your help and God’s grace.  Thanks again for such a great course.

Thanks,
John N

I tutor people all over the world via special computer software. If you need help, shoot me an email at blair (at) studyprof  (dot) com.