Not all of us were born with sky-high IQs like Albert Einstein or Alexander Graham Bell. But with the convenience, innovations and discoveries this modern century has made available for us; we are not doing ourselves justice to say we are ill-equipped in acing those exams in school.
In this millennium, someone who has earned the venerated title of a "Straight-A Student" no longer gets dragged into the vortex of the stereotypical bespectacled dorks who spends excessive amount time in the library and only in the library. Even experts agree that a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the key to getting your hands on those revered A's.
You don't need to be an alchemist to concoct a perfect elixir to hydrate your brainpower. There is no secret ingredient. The key is to play on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Not all of us are blessed with eidetic memory, thus take notes during class. You don't have to copy word for word jot it down in a system that works for you. Raise your hand when you have questions. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher to repeat something you have difficulty understanding.
Know yourself. Work in a place and in a method that best suit you. Just because another student can maximize his brain power while his iPod is blaring heavy metal songs from the background doesn't mean it can work for everyone. Others will find the thumping of the speakers convincingly distracting and vertiginous, while others will find it hard to utilize their memorization potential if their favorite song is not playing through the funnel of their ears.
Ask yourself under what category of learner you are. Do you find yourself learning faster when you're in a study group, or do you find the presence of others distracting? Regardless of which category you're in, improvise. If you prefer to study alone and you find yourself having difficulty with memorizing, try something foolproof like mnemonics. This system will help you make the most out of your memorization competence. Whereas if you're more comfortable in a group, make flashcards and take turns into answering the questions etched on these cards.
Know the things that sidetrack you. Among the common enemies that entice students to procrastinate are television, internet and mobile phones. Exorcise these demons by studying in a place where there is no television, or if there is, pull the plug. Same goes with the internet. If you find yourself tempted to call or text a friend to discuss the Superbowl or the latest chick flick, which you yourself know will delay your work, turn your phone off. These discussions can wait until lunch time the next day.
Exercise or take a walk before long-hours of study sessions. It will help you relax and it kills anxiety. An active body equates to an active mind.
No one can work in an empty stomach. By feeding your stomach, you're also feeding your brains. Have a balanced meal. Don't overeat as this will make you feel light-headed and before you know it, you're getting some zzzz's on your bed without so much as opening the first page of your book. Avoid soda, candies and gum. Drink a cup of joe for short-term memorization or eat a bowl of blueberries for long-term. If you have a sweet tooth, have a bar of dark chocolate. Experts have proven that these little babies help improve mood.
Don't cram. Allot a specific number of minutes to study for a certain subject. Always read notes the morning before the exam.
Lastly and most importantly, get enough sleep. Lack of sleep means decrease of memory, concentration and brain potential.
Follow all these and you will pass your exams with flying colors, which ultimately will give you the title of a Straight A student.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6269244
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