Q&A for How to Be a Successful Student

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  • Question
    How many hours should I study?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    How can I understand difficult concepts as a student?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try to break it down into steps. For example, if you are studying a physics problem, break down the problem into segments. Most people can understand something intellectually if it is broken down into a step process you can follow each time.
  • Question
    How can I be a more motivated student?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Aside from your classes, what do you love? Think about what you are passionate about. Take that answer and try to see how your classes are relevant to that. For example, let's say you love history but don't like math. In terms of history, where do you think humans would be if they never figured out math? Try to wrap what you like into all of your subjects like that.
  • Question
    Is doing revision in morning likely to be successful?
    Community Answer
    Doing revision in the morning is the best, as you have just woken up from a long break and you are likely to feel energetic and refreshed. This will help you to pay more attention and concentrate more clearly on your studies. However, not everyone is a morning person and your preferred time for studying can vary as you age––you need to work this out for yourself, throughout life.
  • Question
    How can I study without anyone laughing?
    Community Answer
    Studying is not supposed to be funny, if someone laughs at you for studying then maybe they're just immature and not with the program. Remember the reason you're studying is that you can have a successful life. Laugh even harder back at them because you know that education is needed for every person in this day and age. Let them fail, while you achieve your goal.
  • Question
    How do I clear my mind if I get bad results?
    Community Answer
    Don't worry, think about how you can revise and do better next time. Learn from your mistakes, that is the true key to being successful and clearing your mind of clutter.
  • Question
    Is there a way that I can learn to be focused when I study?
    Community Answer
    Try to take breaks while studying, especially if you are studying for more than two hours. This will allow your mind to refresh itself. The break does not have to be long: 5 to 10 minutes will be plenty.
  • Question
    How can I stop wasting time on social media like Facebook?
    Community Answer
    Turn off all your devices and your internet. It should help you to focus more. If you really need to use the net, block all social media and focus only on doing research and revision.
  • Question
    What can I do if I don't understand what I'm studying?
    Community Answer
    You could ask a teacher, parent, or guardian about whatever you're having trouble with. They could explain it in a way that you can understand. You can also try signing up for tutoring classes instead.
  • Question
    How can I study more for exams?
    Community Answer
    Put a piece of chocolate at the end of each paragraph, and when you have read the entire paragraph, eat the chocolate and process all the information you plan on retaining. Tip: Don't stay up late studying. That only makes absorbing information a lot harder.
  • Question
    How can I avoid bad friends in school, like bully friends?
    Community Answer
    You should not talk to them. Don't give them any responses even if you are interested in their stuff.
  • Question
    How do I minimize distractions in class?
    Community Answer
    Try sitting near the teacher and away from students who may distract you.
  • Question
    We can't choose our own seats in the classroom. How do I sit at first bench?
    Community Answer
    Get there early or have a friend get there early and save a seat for you. You could also tell the teacher you are a little near-sighted and have trouble seeing the board from far away, he/she might move your seat closer.
  • Question
    How can I reduce the stress before the exam?
    Community Answer
    Just take it easy. Do your best, and understand that it was the best you could do. No reason to stress about it.
  • Question
    How do I know which questions are to be asked in the classroom?
    Community Answer
    Ask questions when more clarification is needed and when you think it would be beneficial to yourself or the students for it to be asked.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have family problems on the exam day?
    Community Answer
    Tell your exam teacher as soon as you find out - that way, he or she can help you figure it out, or reschedule your exams for another time.
  • Question
    I have family problems that distract me from studying. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Take a sheet of paper and write down everything that is worrying you. It does not need to be structured, just write it all down as it comes. When you are finished, put the sheet of paper to the side and tell yourself "I'll come back to this later when I have finished my studies for today".
  • Question
    How I can wake up early in the morning?
    Community Answer
    First, make sure you're going to bed early - plan to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Then, download an app that can find the best time for you to wake up based on the time you go to bed. That way you can ensure you're waking up at a point in your sleep cycle that will allow for restfulness and alertness during the day.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have failed a particular subject many times?
    Community Answer
    Think about why you keep failing. Work with your teacher or get a tutor, make a study plan and learn from your mistakes.
  • Question
    When I am in class, I fall to asleep. How I can stop this?
    Community Answer
    Bring a cup of coffee to sip on, and take notes, instead of just listening.
  • Question
    How can I improve my mental ability?
    Community Answer
    You can play memory games, use memory techniques, do brain exercises, eat brain food and get better sleep.
  • Question
    How I can improve my math speed? I'll solve 2 questions where my friends will solve 3 or 4 questions.
    Community Answer
    Try to practice more on the subject and try setting the timer while doing sums. If you improve, give yourself a small treat.
  • Question
    What should I do if my friend asks me to cheat on an exam with her and I don't want to?
    Community Answer
    Tell her that it would violate your values and beliefs to cheat. Tell her that you value her friendship, but you value your own integrity, too, and if you cheat, you cannot look yourself in the face with respect. You will be ashamed if you act against your convictions and if you cheat, you will never forget it for the rest of your life. You will always think back of when you failed yourself by putting friendship over what is right.
  • Question
    I love to learn but I have a problem. When I read something I lay down and go to sleep. How do I avoid this?
    LucyzZz
    Community Answer
    Don't lay down. Find a cozy chair or beanbag to read in. It may be hard to avoid laying down if it's a routine for you, but baby steps are important.
  • Question
    Is it good to be a success?
    Community Answer
    It is important to be successful, but success it is not everything you should try to be. Being a good, caring human and being a well rounded student is also very important.
  • Question
    What if I am bad in certain subjects?
    Community Answer
    Then you need to spend extra time working on those subjects. Take careful notes in class and ask your teacher when you don't understand something. You can also get a tutor to help you.
  • Question
    I feel like giving up because studies seems to be too hard. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    If you're having trouble, ask for help. See if your parents will hire a tutor, ask your teacher(s) if they can meet with you before or after class, and/or see if a classmate would be available to help.
  • Question
    How long should a break be?
    Community Answer
    10 - 15 minutes is a good length. If you have a lot of material to get through, you may have to cut it down to 5 (but be sure not to skip them entirely, breaks are an important part of effective studying).
  • Question
    I have a fear a math. I was a topper once, but due to math, I'm lacking. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Just work extra hard at math, and get a tutor if need be.
  • Question
    Can I study in a working place?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your ability to stay focused in busy places. If you get distracted easily then it's better to study in a quiet library or room.
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