Something that Sticks by Rachel

Something that Sticks by Rachel - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

Over many years, I have used and forgotten many studying techniques such as printing off and reading notes I already have, highlighting in different colors based off certain topics, and even pretending to teach to people to allow me to remember, and while these all may work for others, they have not made a remarkable difference to me and my hopes for better grades on tests, quizzes and homework. Recently, however, I have taken up the study trick of re-writing key points in my notes that I’ve picked up from class or even just thinking of something important while watching television. There is a certain way that I write my notes, and there are many ways to make it fun. From my personal point of view I have seen, with this study method, remarkable improvements in my performance.

When I re-write my notes or key points, I will take a standard piece of printer paper and cut it into four squares, and, based off certain topics, I will re-write my notes as I learn the material and re-read them every night until the test. It keeps me on my toes during class and gets me more than prepared for the tests!
Sometimes, notes can be boring and seem uninteresting; however, the way I do my notes make it super fun. I know, it’s hard to believe, but I make studying fun! On my flashcards, I use colored pencils, colored highlighters (mostly pink) and sometimes even stickers to make looking and studying so fun and easygoing. I always have a motivation too: if I am having a hard time concentrating, I will take some of my favorite snacks like cheese sticks or crackers or even candy sometimes, and until I reach my studying goal, I cannot eat it. I ask my parents to withhold it from me so that I can genuinely stick to it.

Between the last few months to now, with this new studying trick that I’ve learned, my grades have had a noticeable improvement. Before this, I would get high B’s to low A’s on my quizzes, but since starting this, my grades are now from mid to high A’s! I was so proud of myself the first time I got a grade like this because it has always been a struggle for me.

While many techniques are around and may work for certain people when it comes to studying, I have decided to continue using my new flash card method. It has helped improve my education performance, and it has made studying so much more fun instead of coming home and putting off my homework until nine at night.