ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
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Get plenty of sleep. It’s often tempting to work late – don’t do it, it’s counter-productive. Basically the brain works by processing your work and day-time experiences – shifting them to your long-term memory while you sleep. However most of this takes place in the last 2 hours of your rest – after your first 5 hours or so. Therefore, if you work until 2 am and get up at 7 am you’ll lose a lot of that previous day’s study – plus you’ll probably be tired the next day.
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In a test or exam, always look through the whole test before you start writing. This helps your brain process the whole task it has to do. In a long exam, read the questions carefully, figuring out which ones you’ll do first. You shouldn’t necessarily start at Q1 but pick those questions where you are confident of getting marks. In short tests or quizzes, you may not have much time, so in these and in Multiple Choice tests, make yourself move on to another question as soon as you get the feeling that it’s not working out, don’t delay. Fill in gaps later, if you get the time.
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Be aware that College applications are made early on so make an effort to get on well with your teachers. The period September to January of your final year is critical. The staff will be making academic judgements about you which could influence your offers. So if teachers make suggestions about projects or homework, take them onboard to show them you respect their opinions.
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If you find that you’re getting stressed, try to figure out exactly the reason why. Often, young people believe that they are in a situation that they can’t change but usually parents and teachers will be flexible if you talk to them. In any case, explaining your point of view will probably make you feel better. Sleep and exercise are both good for relieving stress. Remember, your main job at school is to enjoy it, not to be weighed down by it!