How to CRAM for Your Exams.

Cramming for finals is NOT recommended but we are near the end of the semester and oops, you forgot to get these study sessions in. Here are some simple steps to help you cram for your exams.

1.      Eat healthy snacks while studying. If your stomach is growling at you to feed it, your brain will be focused more on your empty stomach than the actual learning part. Protein is recommended because it lasts longer and makes you feel fuller. Avoid caffeine and sugar if you can. They have a crash waiting at the end for you and you don’t want to crash right before an exam.

2.      Sleep! Yes, you need to sleep. It is better to know a little and remember it than to know all of it but not able to remember it. So set a time (and set the alarm!) for you to sleep, no matter how much or how little you think you learned.

3.      Find a place where you won’t be distracted. Make sure you are comfortable before starting. Do NOT have study buddies. They can be time drainers, especially if they are not focused on studying or too focused on one topic they are stuck on.

4.      Gather your materials you will need. This includes your notes, study guides, the syllabus, and your textbook. Organize your notes in the order of importance at the best of your knowledge or by the syllabus. Your syllabus is your best friend, especially if the professor points out the main concepts in it.

5.      Make a game plan. Figure out how much time you really have and use it wisely. Figure out what you think is worthy of your limited time to study on. Focus on main concepts and formulas you are less familiar with and make connections with those you do know. You won’t be able to learn everything so focus on material that will get you the most points on your exam.

6.      Write it down and recite it out loud! The more senses you use, the better you have a chance of retaining the information. Typing does NOT count as writing so get that pen and paper out!

7.      Take breaks. Your brain can handle so much before it will wander or shut down completely. You may not be studying as long as you’ll like but you will retain more information by studying in bursts. You can stretch, walk, or whatever you need to feel refreshed and ready to get back on task.

8.      Take a deep breath. You are doing the best you can in a short period of time to cram about 3 months’ worth of class material.

9.      Eat a wholesome breakfast before you take the exam. You will think better if you are not hungry.

     GOOD LUCK on your exams!

Great ideas for Summer vacation!

The finals are done or are almost being done. The sun is out and it is a beautiful day. There will be many more coming up soon. Your brain is scrambled from all the textbook reading, writing assignments, studying, and taking exams. You have a whole summer ahead of you and have no idea what to do with the time before fall semester starts again. The list below will give you some idea what you can do with your free time. The most relevant to school are on top of the list.

1.    Take an online class.

2.    Create new systems to help you success in your next year such as a way to keep your college papers organized.

3.    Get a head start on your fall classes.

4.    Take a fun class such as a dance, music, art, or photo class.

5.    Join a school or community club.

6.    Be a tourist in your own town. Take picture and document what you see.

7.    Get a funky haircut.

8.    Go camping.

9.    Build a personal website.

10.           Go to the gym.

11.           Have a bbq, bonfire, or a block party.

12.           Go to a museum or a play.

13.           Challenge one of your fears.

14.           Take a bus, train, or an airplane to a place you want to go or never been.

15.           Go to a festival such as a music or film festival.

16.           Read a book or listen to one.

17.           Try a new video game.

18.           Get a massage.

19.           Go to a sports game or play a sport.

20.           Volunteer.

21.           Take a bike ride or go for a walk.

22.           Try a new food either at a restaurant or cooking one.

23.           Go through your old stuff and donate what you don’t need.

This are some ideas that can keep you from being bored over the summer. If you can come up with other ideas, please let your fellow students know what they are by posting them below.

Questions, questions, YOU have the answer

So it’s near the end of the semester.  Some students are taking summer classes and others are not. These questions below will help you think about your future goals. Take a minute or two to think about them. Writing your answers down will help you sort out your thoughts and help you to see where you want to go from here.

1.  Were you as successful as you thought you would be or wanted to be? If not, what changes can you made to get the result you want?

2.  What have you learned this semester that will help you in the next semester?

3.  What will you do differently in the next semester?

4.  Are you on track to be where you want to be when you graduate? Why or why not?

5.  Is this the track you want to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, or even 20 years from now?

Now, go out and be the successful you want to be! You can do it!

How to Reduce Stress Before, During and After Finals

Final exams are stressful, whether you are a freshman or a senior. There is no point in denying it. It’s the very last test you’ll have for your class and sometimes, it can determine if you get that “A” versus a “B” or even determine if you pass or fail. That is a scary thought many students have and tend to stress out before and other students still stress out after the exams are done. Here are some tips on reducing stress:

·        Take a Deep Breath Exams do NOT define you as a person or as a student.

·        Eat healthy Pizza and soda are not the best choices for eating when your body and mind needs fuel. A few examples are fruits, vegetables, yogurt, seeds, nuts, and lean meats. Everybody and each body is different so you will need to figure out what works best for you. You don’t need to make a big chance in your diet. Take baby steps.

·        Cut back on caffeine, especially if you are using it to cram for exam. Caffeinated drinks usually have sugar and that can make you have a crash. You don’t want to have a crash during an exam. There are many other unpleasant side effect of too much caffeine.

·        Catch some Z’s If you have time to sneak in a 20 minute nap during the day. It can refresh you and help you focus. The best time to get your z’s is at night time. Relax at least 15 minutes (or for how long it takes for you to relax) before you go to bed. Set the mood for sleeping. Turn out or dim the light, listen to relaxing music, read a book, or whatever works to let your body know it’s about time to rest.

·        Get Moving! Sometimes, sleeping isn’t the answer. Exercising is a great way to get moving. There are many other physical activities that can help with de-stressing. Some people like yoga and others like Zumba. And don’t forget boxing for an aggression outlet.

·        Mediate Quiet time and deep breathing can do wonders to de-stress and get oxygen to the brain. If you can’t find a quiet space, use headphones with relaxing music and focus within.

·        Haha! Laugh! Laughing releases endorphins, which are nature’s happy hormones. If you can, watch a comedy show, a funny movie, or even a silly YouTube video to get you laughing.

·        Catch up with family and friends Take a visit with your family or hang out with your friends. If you can’t do that, try giving them a call or use other means such as Skype, Twitter, or Facebook. There are so many ways to contact those who matter the most. Don’t be a stranger!

·        Treat Yourself You have work hard to get to where you are now and you deserve to treat yourself. You can go out to eat or get a massage to relieve the tension. There are usually things at campus to help you de-stress. Check out the Moosebytes or check the bulletin boards!

·        Talk to Your Peer Mentor Don’t forget you have a resource here in Cornerstone or with counselors on campus! They are here to listen and help you get through the stressful times. Just call or send an email!

Don’t let the finals overpower you. Exams are just that, exams. If you work hard on grasping the material for the exam, you’ll do just fine! Just don’t forget to take a break or two to refresh yourself. A happy student does better than a miserable one. Good luck on these finals!

Juggling life – Finding a balance with school, work, family, and social life Part III

·         Time Management “Take 2”

Set a schedule for the week and get organized. Plan segments of time for important activities like studying, family, and exercise. Figure out what time is best for studying and where you study is just as important. Some students get to their homework as soon as they get home or some others wait until their children are sound asleep in bed.

·         Positive Reinforcement

Reward yourself. You should plan a reward for keeping to your schedule or completing your work before a deadline.

Remember, you are only human. If you are emotionally or physically drained, you won’t be able to perform at your best. Plan fun activities and a time to exercise to help you keep energize.

·         Know when you need help.

·         Support System “take 2”

Use you support system Let your family and friends know what your schedule is going to look so they know when not to disturb you and when to expect your full attention. With this schedule in mind, negotiate household duties.

·         Just say “No.”

Learn how to say no. Your main focus is your family, work, and school. These responsibilities are only temporary. Volunteering for new initiatives at work or assuming new family responsibilities may cause an imbalance in your life.

·         Finally, just have fun!

Make time for your family and friends. It can be as simple as watching a movie or reading nonacademic books.
Based on Stacey Higgins workshop presented on March 12, 2014

If you would like to know more information or have questions, please contact Stacey Higgins at stacey.higgins@maine.edu.

Juggling Life Part I Link
Juggling Life Part II Link