I currently use my homework assignments to help me study. In each class I take notes as we go over the curriculum. I also have access to all my homework well before it is due, so I open it early and look at the concepts being covered. Before answering questions, I review the concepts. If there is something that I am having trouble with when using my notes then I look for information whether it is from tutoring videos or extra articles provided by teachers. 

I may not have a perfect grade, but I like to think I am doing well in chemistry. I struggled with chemistry in high school, so I’ve worked extra hard to do well in the class in college. Through my usual methods of studying, creating a study group with people in my class, and attending help sessions, I have maintained A’s on my assignments and an 85% on my first class. I am hoping to improve on that, but it is the best grade I’ve received on a chemistry test. 

One class I noticed myself struggling in was American Past because it was easy to fall behind. Many of the things we go over in class can be hard to interpret, so I plan to take more thorough notes on our textbook chapters. I don’t have an exact amount of time, but I do plan on spending at least a few hours a week really reading and writing about our chapters. This will help me ensure that I’m truly grasping the information and I can follow along easier in class. Taking more extensive notes on our chapters rather than historical speeches or art will prevent me from being confused about what was happening; I’ve found that speeches and paintings are harder to understand because they come from an individual’s perspective rather than just facts. 

In preparation for exams, I use the outline of what the exam will be on and go over each topic separately. I don’t do it all in one sitting, I usually do 45 minutes on and 15 minutes off. I haven’t taken full advantage of all the resources available to me, but I have been using study rooms with a group of friends in our LLC and attending review sessions. Later in the semester, I will be making use of the tutoring programs for my chemistry class. I’ve had a fairly easy time maintaining my motivation to study because I’ve made it so my studying style is unique to me. Whenever I am confused about something I reach out to my study group or online tutoring resources, if that doesn’t work I would move to an actual ODU tutor next. I am not currently confused about anything, but if something comes up I have a network of people I can reach out to including my RA’s and our peer mentor Ashley. 

One thing that helped me for my exam was reaching out to people who understood the concepts I struggled with so that could hear it from new people and see if that helps me understand. One thing that didn’t help was leaving out one topic from the chapter that wasn’t on the actual test questions, but it was a part of the extra credit so I could have used it for even more extra credit points. The only questions I struggled with were those on was the orbital part of electron configurations. I honestly was unsure of which orbital structures were what, which is just my own failure to review certain things with my study group. I have since figured it out, and know now that reaching out to other people helps as well. 

The academic tips I am most likely to implement are those related to presentations. Though it doesn’t directly affect how I understand the material, being able to confidently present will help not only me but my classmates. Outside of class, I plan to utilize the tutoring resources available on campus to keep up with the curriculum I’m learning in class.