The wonderful week of caffeine, junk food, and sleep deprivation has come upon us. Yes, it is finals week. This is the time of the year where a lull falls over campus because everyone is either hidden away in the library or too tired to make a noise. It is tough to prepare for many exams at one time, especially because each professor administers a test that is different from other professors. Although each student typically prefers one format, such as multiple choice, true false, short answer, over another, most students have to take exams at some point in their lives that require all of the above. Here is a list of some tips for the different types of exams, so that you’re ready for whatever your professors throw your way this semester.

Multiple Choice:

1.       Start with eliminating the choices you know aren’t right. This will make the essay question seem much more easier to answer, and in the worst situation, it will make guessing much more likely to be correct.

2.       Stick with your first answer. Usually, though not always, if you are unsure about an answer to a question, your gut answer is correct. There have been many times where I have marked down an answer, went back and changed it, and got it wrong! Stick with your gut.

True/False:

3.       Make sure you read the entire sentence. If there is any part of the statement that is false, then the entire statement is false.

4.       Be very careful about the words “never,” and “always.” These are very dangerous words so be sure to be very certain about your answer.

Short answer:

5.       If you are unsure, always write anything that you know. You will have a greater chance of getting partial credit if you have at least something written down.

6.       Make sure to budget your time wisely. Keep your answers strictly related to exactly what the question is asking so that you don’t end up rambling on for one question.

College libraries are a different world.  It’s a place where students go to cram, meet with a study group, nap, pretend to study, or all of the above. No matter your reason for going to the library, there are a few little unspoken rules that all college students definitely appreciate. So here’s a little heads up for those of you who have never been to a college library, or for those college students who have thus far successfully avoided a trip to the library:

1.       There is an outside voice, an inside voice, and a silent-room-library-voice. How can you distinguish between the last two? If you’re getting a death glare from the person sitting across from you, take it down another notch.

2.       Seats next to the outlets are sacred. They are the most treasured spots in libraries because there are never enough of them. If you aren’t using the outlet, move to a different seat and you will seriously make someone’s day. No exaggeration.

3.       Make sure your headphones are plugged into your laptop before you proceed to blast your study music. Yes, this actually happens and it is often very embarrassing!

4.       Don’t ever leave your laptop or iPod unattended while you take a quick bathroom break or go to print something. It’s unfortunate, but some people have wandering eyes. 

5.       Clicky pens are meant to be clicked once to write, and once to put it away. Proceed to click your pen multiple times in 30 seconds at your own risk.

Just a few tips off the top of my head, but I assure you there are countless other etiquette rules. Feel free to share some of own!

It’s about midway through the semester, which means it’s almost time for Thanksgiving break and the holiday season, and… oh yeah, it also means that it’s midterm week. For most students, that translates into all-nighters, high amounts of caffeinated beverages, and Friday nights at the library. I can definitely empathize with all of you out there. It seems as if you will be studying forever and that it will never end. Did I mention the mountain of other homework piling up on the side? During these weeks it is so hard to remain positive, optimistic, and keep your focus and motivation high. But don’t give up! It’s overwhelming right now, but all your time and effort of studying will pay off in the end. Here are some of my own personal tips that I want to share with all of you for surviving midterm week:

Find a friend to be your study partner! There’s something comforting about not being the only one suffering through endless pages of notes. Even if you guys are studying different subjects, it’s nice to have someone to talk to during those occasional study breaks, which brings me to my next tip.

Take study breaks! There has been some research that shows that students who take occasional 10 minute breaks about every hour can focus longer and be more productive. Now, I don’t mean go watch 3 movies in between studying, but call a friend, grab a study snack, watch a quick YouTube video (Sneezing Baby Panda anybody?). Breaks will help you remain calm and sane J

Get some study snacks. I always find that I crave unhealthy food when I’m studying or stressed, so I go treat myself for studying. I mean, if you’re going to be miserable at a library all day, you might as well have something good to eat, right?

Everyone has their own study style and survival mechanisms for making it through midterms. Try to find what works best for you and your own study habits. Try to keep calm and stay positive and good luck on your exams!

How many of you are procrastinators? Unfortunately, I also tend to fall under the trap of  “I’ll take care of this later,” or  “I can do this homework assignment on Sunday since it’s not due until Monday morning.” Every student has been a procrastinator at some point on their life, whether it is by putting off laundry or studying for an exam. As an experienced procrastinator, I’ve been trying to work on improving that habit. Here are some of tips:

1) Set a schedule. Spend about ten minutes at the beginning of each week to map out your schedule. Write down all of your homework assignments that are due, any exams that you have, your work schedule, and any other extra activities. It’s important to set a time and due date for yourself to follow so that you can get everything done.

2) Take breaks. Sometimes it can be hard to study for an exam when it’s a week away. If you’re starting to lose motivation, take a five minute break to refresh your mind. Get up and stretch, or go grab a snack.

3) Reward yourself. If you finish a homework assignment two days before it’s due, treat yourself! Buy some ice cream, go for a run, or hang out with a friend for a little bit; anything to congratulate yourself for not procrastinating!

4) Set goals.  It can be overwhelming just thinking about all the assignments needed to be done.  Instead of thinking about the whole picture, right away, consider breaking down your assignments into multiple fragments that require a couples hours to complete. By completing smaller groups one at time you will eventually complete the entire picture without even knowing it.

5) Get some sleep! Sleep is crucial to perform at your peak.  If you come across a problem and cannot think how to solve it, even if your life depended on it, sleep on it! The following morning you will be refreshed and have a new perspective.

It’s a tough habit to break, and sometimes it’s inevitable that procrastination will happen. Just try to keep it in the back of your mind and try to get an earlier start whenever you can!

All you procrastinators check out this video! NOW…. Not Later!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqveb-R64ZM

Procrastinating is one of the most unnecessary stressful behaviors that can be avoided.  It turns an initially seamless task into a painful and daunting assignment.  Thankfully, you do not like to procrastinate and always get a head start on your assignment.  This behavior will take you a long way throughout your educational career and corporate career. 

By attempting and completing assignments ahead of time you allow yourself cushion room to approach the assignment in the utmost efficient and productive manner. As a result, you produce high-quality and intelligent work, which will reflect what you already know, your intelligence and competence of the material. 

• So congrats! You are already on the path to success. As long as you maintain this habit you can expect to approach any task that comes your way with ease, composure, and aptitude. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpwkzb—Jwo&feature=related

Hello everyone! I’m Anna from Studentboat. I want to share that I am extremely passionate about education! Education is the key to the future and everyone deserves to have an education if they want it. The very idea of education has different meanings for different people. Some people see it as a mandatory part of life, while others sees it as a time to socialize and meet other people. Another view on education is a way to get a job. As I was growing up, I was taught that education is an opportunity.

op·por·tu·ni·ty noun \ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē, -ˈtyü-\ : a good chance for advancement or progress
Merriam-Webster Dictionary

For my birthday, I received educational computer games (reading, math, science) that were “fun” ways to learn. Before I went out to play with the neighborhood kids, I had to finish my multiplication flash cards. My parents explained to me that school was important because it was how I would be able to make a difference in the world.

“I would be able to make a difference in the world”

Take a look at what these kids in the Philippines are doing and how Education is stopping violence and SAVING LIVES!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2009/03/05/heroes.penaflorida.three.cnn

It’s amazing what the power of education can have on a person’s life, and in this case, it was almost a matter of life and death. Everyone deserves an education and this CNN Hero made sure that those kids had that opportunity. Well, here at Studentboat, we also believe that everyone deserves an education, regardless of any financial situation.