Do all papers on word processor (laser type printer) Apearance will always improve grade. Never turn in something handwritten. If you have to hand write it, do it very neatly. Take the time. Tip: Use an erasable pen for "blue books." It makes it much neater; (computer word processors are available for free at libraries, use them! See Pastor Dieleman or me if you need to buy a computer!).

Sit toward the front of class. It helps you pay attention and concentrate, especially in large classes and lecture forums. The teacher or professor will remember you; but not if you are in the back!

If your concentration slips, crouch forward and it will increase your concentration. And, stretch! Stretch often.

Do not go to class a sloppy mess. (If you do, sit in back.) Having a good attendance is very important. Tip: Do not miss first and last part of class. If you leave early, you will miss valuable information, or opportunity to talk to the teacher.

NOTES, TEXT, READINGS, and etc. Then, play it back while driving, or at the mall, or anywhere, with a "Walk-Man". You can do this with your notes, study material, information you have to memorize, even terms and words for science or a foreign language, or math formulas. This is one of the best ways to study!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tape your class lectures and play it back and use it to clean up your notes where you missed stuff. (We all miss around 70% of what is said!!)

Do Not Highlight with a yellow marker it causes you to skip important stuff especially with a large book. Instead, only mark the stuff you do not know and go over that. You can also photocopy books and cut them up like 3x5 cards and highlight material you do not know and keep going over it. Do this along with listening to yourself on the Walk-Man with the notes and texts!!!

Tip: How to use 3x5 Cards. Study in short periods i.e. 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then go on to something else. Then do it again 5 to 10 minutes and so on. (Human mind has a short attention learning span.) Take breaks, carry cards around with you and do this throughout the day at different times. (Sitting in a library for 4 hours vs. spending 5 to 10 minute segments 10 times a day is much more efficient and you will grasp it better!

College Tip: Check out professors before you take class. Most colleges have a "list that tells all." Select a good professor especially when you have several to choose from. Ask other students, etc.

Eat Right. Take Supplements and Breathe Deeply.

Do not eat heavily before tests. The herb "Ginkgo Biloba" will increase memory as well as "Phosphaphetal Choline."

College Tip: Take tough courses like Business Law or Accounting or Physics from a community college and the credit will transfer but not the grade. (Check with academic advisor.)

Get to know your academic advisor well so they know you personally. (Choose a good one.) Not developing this vital relationship might make your 4 plus years nearly worthless!!!

Stuff always comes up; from illness to activities. If you procrastinate, you will lose (especially if the professor follows the book). Human nature tells us by reading the book early; you will be much more interested than if you wait until late in the semester.

Write down questions and answers. Practice taking self-tests while reading. (This is how teachers/professors prepare tests).

Tip: Try reading the answers, then think of questions for them (i.e. play Jeopardy). This works great in math and science.

Mandatory: That is "do it!" Pick something you enjoy and make it fun. If your grade is wobbly, the extra credit will make the difference.

College Tip: Find old exams to study off of. Ask the professor for them.

Tip: Study under a bright light (i.e. by a window or a halogen lamp. Read with your legs elevated (blood rushes to head).

With math problems, do not get caught up in essay questions. Focus on the formula not on the question itself.

Guess and place a dot and come back to it. Use the test time, do not rush yourself. Sometimes at end of tests, teacher/professor will give clues and explain questions better. Use your "hunches." A hunch is more powerful than you think.

Go to the library and check out term papers that are A’s for that class to get a feel on how to write a good one. Or, ask your teacher for a couple. DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO CHEAT!!!

You can Study it over and over and over, OR you may find it much, much faster and easier to tape yourself and continually play it back,{Remember the BIG TIP!} while you read and say it out loud!! . Use memorizing techniques like making up stories to help you remember, or tie what you are learning to something else as a synonym.

Study at Times your biological clock is active i.e. if you are a morning person, study in the morning more than in the evening. (Take your temperature every hour on the hour throughout the day and chart it. Do this 2 or 3 times in a week and chart the times your temperature is highest and study hardest at those times.)

Think Positive and affirm yourself. A negative attitude will get you just that...a negative grade and a positive attitude will....

Wishing You Blessings in Your Studies,

Richard J. Krejcir