How to Make Summer Productive

By Marco A.

Summer is often regarded as a time to relax, sleep in, and be with friends and family. Recently, however, summer has become a time for many high schoolers to learn new things, improve college applications, and prepare for the future.

In reality, summer should be a combination of both relaxation and productivity. Summer is a time to relax and unwind after the stresses of the recent school year, and it is also a time in which students should seek ways to improve themselves. It is important to find the right combination of both, while not spending too much time on either.

Effective use of time, especially in the summer, has become increasingly important in college admissions. Many colleges seek to understand if their applicants make good use of their time. With that being said, here are five ways to make your summer more productive and beneficial:

1. Study for the SAT/ACT

Although this may not be the most popular option, it may be the most beneficial one. Either way you go, it's a good idea to study for these tests at some point. Many studies have shown that a significant amount of studying for the SAT or ACT correlates to significant score increases. I can personally attest to this, as my SAT score increased 200 points after studying during the summer. These score gains will be well worth your time when it comes to applying to college.

Furthermore, Many colleges report that besides GPA, standardized testing is the most important factor when considering admissions. This means that you should be putting significant time into these tests!  Additionally, there are many low cost options for study materials, including websites, books, and videos. A simple search for “how to self study for the SAT/ACT” results in millions of resources.

So not that you know you should study, why study in the summer? Well, summer is the time of year when most students do not have to worry about other classes, extracurriculars, or  homework. As a result, students can spend much of their free time on the SAT/ACT without detracting time from other important events.  

2. Volunteer or Get a Job

One of the things colleges love is volunteer work. However, this should be something more than just another thing you can list on your resume. Volunteering should involve something you are passionate about and want to help others with. Find this activity for you, and pursue it over the summer while you have time. If you are truly passionate about it, it guarantees to be a rewarding experience (so rewarding that it may even make a great college essay!). It is also important to make sure that while you do this, you keep track of how many hours you volunteer as it may be asked later on.

Getting a job can have both personal benefits as well as monetary ones. Work can help you gain experience in the professional world, a skill that colleges will appreciate. Also, working in a professional setting will teach you the value of hard work. This will give you much more respect for those who work everyday of the year. Finally, the money that comes from the job may come in handy later down the road.

3. Learn Something New

School may be out, but that does not mean the learning should end! With all the free time you now have on your hands, use it to learn something you have always wanted to know. Many websites such as Coursera and edX offer free classes on interesting topics from top universities. If you have ever wondered how to code a website, write great poetry, take breathtaking photos, or how chemistry affects cooking, the summer is the time to learn it do it. Not only will this be enjoyable, but it could also help you discover what you are passionate about. If you think you may be interested in being a journalist, taking a journalism class on edX could let you know if it’s the right fit for you. Furthermore, this will keep your brain active so you’re ready to learn when school starts up again in fall.

4. Take Some Time to Read

Reading can be extremely enjoyable and relaxing if you find a book you are passionate about. Time spent reading has also been shown as the best way to increase standardized test scores in reading. In order to do this, try to pick out books that you enjoy, but are also well written and respected.

Reading can also expose you to new ideas and can subsequently cause you to change your world outlook. As an added benefit, reading will keep you thinking throughout the summer months.

5. Discover What You Want to Do in Life

Although this may sound cliche, summer is the opportune time to find out what job you want to pursue, or what college you want to attend. Research the possible career fields you are thinking about, and the colleges you are interested in. Don’t hesitate to contact someone in these positions to ask them about their personal experience. More often than not, people are willing to help you learn more about their career field. If you are really interested in one, see if it's possible to spend a day on the job or if there are any related internships available. As far as college goes, try to figure out what each university wants to see in an applicant. Additionally, consider visiting a campus if you are interested.

Keep these 5 things in mind during the summer! They will be very helpful and beneficial in making it more productive. But remember that it is also important to relax over the summer, as we all need some down time. Don’t let any of these activities consume your whole summer! Be sure to enjoy it while you can.

The Logic Behind Math

By Charlotte P

Everyone must know how to compute with numbers (basic arithmetic), but once letters are introduced into math, many students start to zone out.

Why?

Because it seems to no longer apply to everyday life, and in a sense, it doesn’t. Few people other than mathematicians, financial analysts, or math teachers graph functions in their jobs. This also seems true for most mathematical skills learned above the level of basic algebra. So, why do people insist that math classes are important?

Math is used in successful occupations.

The 21st century marks the rise of STEM occupations, most of which require at least basic Calculus skills. Occupations in finance also require the knowledge of basic Calculus. Yet, this reason to study math is insufficient on its own because this only helps those who are actually skilled in mathematics. Such a skill can be derived from extensive study, but it is also related to a mere natural ability. Those without the predisposition to succeed in math might find this reason uninspiring.

Math deepens logic.

Remember those geometric proofs? That is only one example of how math relates to logic. In a geometric proof, you aim to prove a statement using given information and established rules. You must set out your logic in understandable steps in order to strengthen your argument. Such a skill is actually closely related to philosophy. In fact, it was developed by the philosopher René Descartes. If you remove the postulates and geometric data and substitute established axioms and given truths, you get a logical conclusion. Other examples involving logic are sequences, probability, and word problems. The logic skills learned in math class can be used to explain your arguments and persuade people in aspects of life outside of the math realm.

Math develops problem-solving abilities.

In math class, you learn that sometimes there is more than one way to solve a problem. Your job is to choose the easiest way. With every problem you practice, you are also practicing figuring out the most efficient method to solve a problem after mentally listing all the possible methods. This is how you solve problems in real life as well. Moreover, other courses do not provide as much problem-solving practice as the subject of mathematics.

Math provides a sense of accomplishment.

Students who eventually master a topic in math can feel pride because math can be difficult, and they were able to overcome the difficulties associated with it. Although not everyone is quick at math, a combination of teacher and student effort can guarantee success in a mathematics course. And because math can be a real challenge, there is a true sense accomplishment that comes with doing well in math.

So, in conclusion, math is not your enemy, but a friend and a trainer. And because doing well math is quite rewarding, don’t give up. Those who persevere can do well at mathematics and at life.

Study Methods

By Katie M.

There are many different methods that students use to study for tests and quizzes. Some of these include flashcards, practice problems, and reading over notes. But how do you know which method to use? You need to examine what you will be tested/quizzed on to find the answer to this question.

Memorization

Whenever you have to memorize vocab or formulas, flashcards are always a go-­to. The studying begins when you make your flashcards. Just writing down what you need to know helps you memorize it. Then, once your flashcards are made, you can quiz yourself. If you get stuck on a flashcard, don’t just forget about it. Put it back in the pile and come back to it until you get it right. In addition, don’t go over your flashcards only once. Start using them a couple days before your quiz or test. The morning of, it might be helpful to go over the flashcards one last time in case there are any stubborn cards that just didn’t stick in your memory before.

Another great thing about flashcards is that if you don’t have much time, you can make a Quizlet. Quizlet is an amazing tool to use. Not only does it speed up the flashcard process by allowing you to type rather than write, but it allows you to star cards you have answered incorrectly and test your knowledge in different ways, such as games, quizzes, or typing the answer in a box.

Math Problems

When studying for a math test, it’s always a good idea to work on some practice

problems before hand. Many teachers don’t assign all the problems in the textbook for each unit. You can use the problems they didn’t assign as practice. If your teacher has already assigned all the textbook problems, the internet is at your disposal. Simply google “practice problems” for the unit you’re on and plenty will come up.

So why waste the time doing all these practice problems? Well, more often than not, you’ll run across a problem you’re unfamiliar with or unable to solve. Working through these problems and giving them a solid effort will help you to remember how to do them on test day. Whenever you have to really think about something, it is more likely to stick in your memory. Completing practice problems will help you remember how to solve any types of problems you struggled with while studying.

Concepts

If you have to know a concept or theory for a test, you can do this by getting together a study group. Study groups are great for understanding concepts because they allow you to talk things out and gain a better understanding of the given idea. You and your study buddies can take turns trying to explain the concepts to each other. Once you do this, you’ll be sure to ace the concept on the test!

So What About Reading Notes?

In the past, many of you may have studied by simply reading over your notes. However, this is not always the most effective method of studying. While reading over your notes will help you refresh with some basic ideas and facts, it doesn’t help them stick. If you really want to remember what’s in your notes, try using some of the other methods mentioned above.

Note Taking Formats

By Elizabeth M.

There isn’t a “one size fits all” rule for taking notes. Everyone has a slightly different learning style, and the endless stream of words method may work for your best friend, but not for you. Listed below are a few alternative note-taking options that you might find helpful.

• Foldables

A lift-the-flap for secondary school students, foldables are useful when you need to quiz yourself on content, but you do not have anyone around to help you.

You can make foldables with any number of flaps and tabs with some scissors and a sheet of paper. The most basic foldables are folded once like a book, and 3-6 flaps are cut on one half of the paper. Tutorials and examples of more complex foldables can be found online if you want to test your creative side. Foldables are a very customizable way to organize your notes, but I would not recommend them for detailed notes since space is often very limited under the flaps of a foldable.

Your notes can be written on the inside of the flap. Write a key term or vocabulary word on the outside of the flap so you can test yourself on the related definitions and facts you may need to recall.

• Cornell Notes

I personally use Cornell Notes often, and I find that they are a great method for keeping the content I learn in class organized.

1. If you are using notebook paper, draw a dark horizontal line across the top line of the paper. You can also make Cornell Notes out of regular printer paper in a pinch. Just draw the horizontal line about an inch down from the top of the paper. The class and/or subject of the notes will be written on this line.
2. Draw another horizontal line 3-5 lines away from the bottom of the page. If you think you may use more than one sheet of paper, save this step for the last page of your notes. The summary of your notes will be written below this line.
3. Draw a vertical line about a hand's-width away from the left side of the paper, starting at the subject line and ending at the summary line. On the left hand side of this line, the main points/questions of the notes will be written. On the right hand side of the notes, the body of the notes will be written.

During the class, lecture, etc., you only need to write on the right hand side of the vertical line. After you finish writing the body of the notes, re-read your notes and identify the main points of the notes and write them in the left hand column. At the bottom of the page or set of notes, write a short summary of the most important facts in the body of your notes. Finding the most valuable parts of the body to write in the left hand side of the notes and the summary is an efficient way to analyze your notes.

• Flash Cards

I find flash cards to be one of the most effective studying tools. They break up your notes into smaller pieces by their very nature, making studying seem less overwhelming. It is an easy format for you to test yourself, and other people can quiz you without much hassle as well.

Flashcards work best with vocabulary and concepts with short descriptions and even sketches, drawings, and diagrams. You can make flashcards out of index cards, which I like because they are sturdy and have ample room. You can also cut pieces of printer paper into rectangles to make flash cards too.

If these strategies don’t work for you, think about modifying these techniques and other note-taking methods you already know and coming up with a style that works for you!

Studying for Tests

By Charlotte P

1. Take Notes and Review Them

More than half of your studying work is done in the classroom. Whether your teacher provides notes or not, take organized notes so you can review them later. These notes can be an outline, bubble map, t-chart, or any other organization structure, but keep them organized so you can review them later. Keep each subject’s notes separate, and make sure they are easy to read and review.

When you take notes, write down facts that your teacher emphasizes or writes on the board. Moreover, write in comprehensible short hand, and do not try to write every word of your teacher’s lecture or presentation. Practicing writing notes from your teachers’ lectures will prepare you for college lectures; learn to decide which facts are important and which aren’t.

At home, review your notes and perfect them. Add helpful diagrams and highlight important vocabulary words or key dates.

2. Plan Your Study Time

If you have several tests coming up on the same day, this is extremely important. Think about how much content will be covered on these tests and estimate how much time you need to devote to each test. A vocab test may need less studying time than a biology unit test or a U.S history test on the Civil War.

Consider “chunking” — breaking down large topics into smaller chunks — your test topics. Study each chunk each day before the test. Remember to review all that you have studied after each study session, however. If you have more than one test to study for, study for all of them a little each day.

Keep in mind that your mind will need a break when you study. Since most people can concentrate well for about 45 minutes, so give yourself some rest every 45 minutes.

3. Know the Type of Test You Will Take

Will your test contain multiple-choice? Math grid-ins? Free response? Essays? If you are not sure, ask your teacher for a breakdown of the test. For multiple-choice questions, focus on facts, such as dates or vocabulary words, as well as the basic applications of the facts. Find practice questions online and keep drilling. Math grid-ins are usually harder math problems; review the harder math problems from the content, and do some practice questions.

Free response and essay questions require a more thorough knowledge of important topics. Look at the sections of the notes that your teacher emphasized the most and has the most details. Your teacher probably gave clues as to what the free response or essay questions would be for the test. Also search for essay and free response questions and at least contemplate how you would answer those questions if they appeared on a test.

4. Do Not Procrastinate

This is easier said than done. It is tempting to put off studying till the last minute. The best way to battle procrastination is to stay organized. Write down the due dates of assignments and the dates of tests and quizzes. Plan out study sessions and homework sessions beforehand in order to not procrastinate and follow a schedule.

Also give yourself incentives for doing your work early or following your schedule, such as leaving time to hang out with friends, party, or watch a movie.

5. Start a Study Group

The positive aspect of a study group is that members can hold each other accountable for fulfilling their roles in the group and studying adequately for a test. The negative aspect is that friends can provide distraction instead of support. However, if you need others to push you to study, consider forming a study group.

Carefully choose the members of the study group as well as the location to meet. The members of your group should be familiar friends, but also known to be responsible and mindful of their academic performance. The location should be a place that encourages quiet study and not playful conversation, such as a library or a café.

Rewards of Studying

Despite feeling deprived of energy and social time, studying will raise your confidence for the test. Moreover, taking the full effort to study will have you perform your best on test day.

Acing the Class

By: Mai-Gao X.
Do you ever have a hard time staying up to date with your classes? Having trouble focusing on your work while playing games? The answer for your problems is right here! While playing games ur attentiveness is reduced to a small amount. If a student knows what he or she needs to do and can organize his or her time efficiently success will come to you. With my five step crash course you can set your goals to guide a path for success. These tips to success are important for acing the online and daily classes you have:

1. Stay focused: When a student stays focused he or she tends to get things done quicker, and understand what is going on.
2. Be responsible: Give up your shopping time or your gaming time to work on your class because it is WORTH IT!
3. Set time intervals: Once a student gets accustomed to his or her assignments, start setting a time period for him or her to finish their work
4. Be prepared ahead of time: If a student knows that he or she cannot get something done in time ask for extended time and try to catch up because once they are behind it gets harder and harder to catch up. Many students have encountered this problem.
   I take a class and I see other students struggling just to catch up and I see other students who just give up on it despite their grades.
5. Stay organized: Organize your things in a certain order. Write notes and reminders using sticky notes. Having everything ordered and labeled for you gets
   you to save time, accomplish everything, and find things easily.

There are many things that tutors stress to you, but the main guidelines that can keep your grades and attitude up are listed here.Be sure to understand that this is a statement not a fact. There are trillions of people out there that may think differently and tell you differently, but here are some tips to succeeding an online class

Three Steps to Success

Three Steps to Success

by Joanna W.

(Peer Tutor 2009-2010)

As an online high school student, the pressure of maintaining adequate grades is a hassle. Sometimes one feels as if they are limited for time due to a due date for completing the assignments required. Perhaps, one is found to be frequently frustrated by the assignment directions to the point that he/she feels irritated and/or overwhelmed a great deal of the time. With any class, no matter if it is face-to-face or online, one can take steps to relieve pressure from their academic work. Organizing assignments, taking short breaks between reading, and printing and/or highlighting information for study material, are helpful tips for any online student to gain higher grades in school.

Organization, Organization, Organization; with any teacher one speaks with, he or she will say that organization is key to success. Although, one doesn't have to become a neat-freak to be organized - by simply organizing one's assignment's within each unit, module, or chapter, one can find that it is much easier to complete necessary assignments within the time frame that they are due. The idea of setting aside an amount of time each day from the time that one is able to start a set of work until it is to be completed creates less stress and more time for leisure. As a result one can increase his or her grades for the reason that the person isn't rushing at the last minute to complete an assignment.

Besides organization, the act of taking short breaks between reading-time can create less stress and help one to understand the material better. If one were to read or study several chapters nonstop for hours on end, he or she would probably have a harder time comprehending the material at hand then if they were to take five to ten minutes for downtime. The idea of taking short breaks relieves one's brain from overloading. In addition, after a couple of minutes of free time, one can analyze the material already covered and self analyze if they understand what the meaning of the work is about. However, if one did not comprehend the information, then reread the material until it is understood. This is helpful to increase grades because the person isn't overwhelmed by reading nonstop. In addition, it gives time to back track to see what has been covered to make certain that the material is covered.

Although being organized and taking short breaks are significant tips for one to obtain higher grades, by printing and highlighting information for study material, one is more prepared for tests or quizzes. Whether in a virtual class or traditional, the act of preparing notes for study in preparation for major tests or quizzes are extremely helpful for those that are not good at memorizing information on his or her own. When online teachers make review sheets and notes available to their students, one should take the time to either print them and highlight/read the important information or study them from the computer. The material a teacher provides will be on the test or quiz. If one does not take this advantage, then he or she would not be prepared for the test, having a hard time when quiz or test day is here. The use of preparing notes is an extreme advantage to being ready for tests or quizzes and final result will be graded higher in these classes.

In conclusion, acts of making good grades for online or face-to-face classes are not difficult. Through simple tricks, grades are easily raised to satisfy any teacher or parent. Besides these helpful tips also take into account for motivation, a person succeeds by not being lazy. By organizing one's assignments day-by-day, taking short breaks in-between work, and printing and highlighting information for study material, one can be on the fast track to excellent grades in no time.