This month

Study Habits

• Feature —Making use of helpful study techniques
• It's a fact —10 tips for taking tests
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Making use of helpful study techniques

Use a pattern when you read
When you read your textbook, take advantage of the organization. Read the table of contents for your assignment first, then read the introduction and conclusion. Next, read the core assignment, paying attention to sidebars, items in bold, and other items. Go over the review questions at the end of each section.

Outline, outline, outline
Looking at a textbook's page can be intimidating. The hundreds of letters, words, and punctuation marks can overwhelm you. Relax. Think of it as a map. Take a sheet of paper and "sketch" the map by creating an outline of your reading. Arrange your outline in tiers, and soon you'll have your "map" to a better grade.

Rewrite your notes
After taking class notes, rewrite them as soon as possible. Fill in any blanks you have, and prepare a separate sheet of paper of the items you don't understand and your questions. Meet with your teacher before or after class, and see if he or she can help you.

Memorize with mnemonics
Mnemonics are a way to memorize complex items. The trick is to take something complicated (like a list of state capitals or the essential elements in chemistry) and create silly sentences, words, or phrases that prompt you for the answers.

For example, the first 20 essential elements can be recalled by memorizing this silly sentence: "Howard Hughes Liked Being a Billionaire, but he Could Not Often Fly Near Nebraska, so he Made an Amazing Super Plane Sturdy enough to Carry him Across Kentucky and Connecticut." This mnemonic represents the elements hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon, sodium (Na), magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium (K), and calcium.

Study in groups
Gather a small group of classmates and commit to studying together. When you study in groups, you can answer each other's questions, share memorization tips, and challenge each other for answers.

Use flash cards
Flash cards are great for reinforcing information, but only if there are fewer than 100 terms. If you try to use too many, you'll just be overwhelmed.

Review and practice
If your teacher offers practice sessions or review periods for big exams, take advantage. If there's more than one, take advantage. In fact, take advantage of every opportunity you have to go over complicated material. If you repeat the information over and over, it will soon become second nature.

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It's a Fact

10 tips for taking tests

1. Read the instructions carefully.
2. Read the entire test through before starting.
3. Answer the easiest questions first, then the ones with the highest point value.
4. Keep busy. If you get stuck on a question, come back to it later.
5. If you aren't sure how to answer a question fully, try to answer at least part of it.
6. Need to guess on a multiple-choice test? First, eliminate the answers you know are wrong. Then take a guess.
7. On an essay test, take a moment to plan your writing.
8. Keep it neat. If your teacher can't read your writing, you might lose points.
9. Don't waste time doing things for which you will not receive credit, such as rewriting test questions.
10. Leave time at the end to look over your work.

Source: infoplease Homework Center, Study Skills (www.infoplease.com/homework/studyskills4.html#tips)

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen

Here are hints for surviving the last month of school:

• Start preparing now for final exams.
• Try to schedule more study breaks to keep your mind and attitude positive and fresh.
• Focus on finishing the year on a good note.
• Study with friends to make your work more enjoyable.
• Plan a special weekend activity to reward yourself for a week of hard work.

For sophomores

Now is the time to start thinking about life after high school. Here are some exciting options for high school graduates:

• Higher education — Some students attend a career or vocational college for specific training. Others choose a two-year college, while still others enroll in a four-year college.
• Service groups — A few students may follow unique opportunities, including traveling around the world or joining a service group such as AmeriCorp.
• The armed services — With service in the military, a young adult receives career advisement, training, and financial assistance to help pay for a college education.
• The work force — Some students go to work to save money for college. Other students aren't sure about their future plans, so they choose to work until they have made concrete decisions.

For juniors

If you're a junior enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, you are getting close to AP exam dates. Here are a few reminders about preparing for these exams:

• Follow the test preparation suggestions provided by your AP instructor.
• Attend additional test review sessions recommended by your teacher.
• Start studying now. A small amount of preparation daily is more effective than last-minute cramming.
• You may want to purchase commercially produced AP review books. To save money, check with used bookstores or public libraries.
• Organize a study group with your AP classmates.

For seniors

Here are some reminders about college summer orientation programs:

• As always, carefully read all information provided by the college.
• Try to attend the earliest session available. You may have a better selection of course offerings and class meeting times.
• Consider taking tests (e.g., CLEP, departmental, etc.) offered during orientation. Discuss the available tests with your high school teachers and counselor to decide which may be most appropriate.
• Return your orientation reservations promptly. Orientation sessions tend to fill very quickly.

For parents

Help your senior by reviewing these reminders about college summer orientation programs:

• As always, carefully read all information provided by the college.
• Encourage your senior to attend the earliest session available for a better selection of course offerings and class meeting times.
• Have your senior consider taking tests (e.g., CLEP, departmental, etc.) offered during orientation. To determine which tests may be most appropriate for your child, have your senior visit with teachers and the high school counselor.
• Provide any fees required for orientation or tests.
• Remind your senior to return orientation reservations to the colleges promptly. Orientation sessions tend to fill very quickly.

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Take notice

Important dates

Mark down these dates.

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web Site(www.collegeboard.com) or call (609) 771-7600.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web Site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

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