Bolded by Erin

Bolded by Erin - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

Everyone has their own study methods. One way to study will not be effective for everyone. Throughout high school, I did not know how to study, and taking others' advice was simply not working for me. As a senior, I have finally figured out a way to study that works for me. First, I take notes. Usually, it is a required homework assignment to take notes on one or a few chapters in a textbook. However, even if it is not assigned, I will take notes on a chapter that we may be going over in class. Taking notes during a lecture also helps, even if the notes are illegible to anyone but myself. If the teacher repeats any subject or specific topic, I will underline it.

After taking notes, if they are from the textbook, I will go back through the chapter or section and write down all the words in bold and their definitions. If there are no words in bold, I will search for any vocabulary words that may be listed for that chapter. I will always go back into the chapter and read the first sentence of every paragraph, to get an idea of the subject matter again. If the notes are from a lecture, I will go back through and try to decipher my chicken scratch. Then, I will make sure I really understand everything he or she said, and especially anything he or she repeated or emphasized.

This note-taking method works for me with every subject except for math. With math, I go through a different procedure. When the teacher assigns homework, I do it wholly every time. Then, the next day during class when she goes over it, I will mark which ones I got wrong, write down the correct answer, and ask questions. When it comes to studying later, I will go back into the book and redo the problems I got wrong, do any that were not assigned for homework as extra practice, and if necessary I will also do given Chapter Review questions in a different section of the book.

In short, to study, I have to repeatedly drill the information into my brain. When it comes to vocabulary, whether it be English definitions or Spanish translations, I use flash cards. My brain interprets and holds information with constant stimulation. If I see something, say something, or hear something enough times, it will stick.

These studying methods I have developed have benefit me in so many ways. I am now much more efficient, and I have much greater success in my academic achievement. My 3.73 GPA can prove how helpful my studying methods are. However, as I said before, these methods do not work for everyone and may seem tedious to others. It all depends on how you learn, and how your brain interprets information. Those blessed with a photographic memory may be able to reread their notes and be able to instantly recall that information. However, for myself it takes much more time, and effort to truly lock the information in my brain.