Memorization Is Key by Haley

Memorization Is Key by Haley - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

A high grade point average is a top priority in my life. However, obtaining good grades requires a tremendous amount of work. Since junior high, I have learned quite a few techniques for studying. Yet, one certain study method has been useful to me for many years.

As my science teacher handed out the six page review for our upcoming exams, my head spun in and out of this reality I thought had been a dream. Pinching my arm to see if this was truly real, I realized sadly that it was. I flipped through the white pages inked with black letters, gazing over the questions. When I reached the final page I saw there was one-hundred questions total. The questions were an assortment of true and false, matching, and multiple choice. Leaning forward in my chair, I took a closer look. To my relief all of the answer choices had been circled. A sigh of relief escaped my lips. I knew I could ace this test with hard work and determination.

When I arrived home that afternoon I hurried to complete my chores. Once my chores were finished I grabbed my study guide and a blank slip of notebook paper. I then dove onto my twin-sized bed, and read the first question in my head. When I read the answer, I repeated the answer in my head over and over again. After repeating the answer, I slid the blank paper over the answer and read the question. I did this for every set of questions on each page. Once I had finished a page, I would go back to the top and see if I still remembered the answers. Most of the answers I remembered. However, if there was one or more questions I did not remember, then I went over the page again with this method.

Spending two hours studying and I was as confident as could be. This study technique had worked so well that I made a hundred on the test. To this day I continue to use this method. While my way to study may be somewhat time-consuming, it definitely pays off in the end.