everynook-and-cranny

[everynook-and-cranny]

hi everyone! since the holidays are over for most of us, i thought i’d make an inspirational and motivational masterpost all about notes! upgrading your notes by changing the layout, adding doodles, banners, using sticky notes, changing your handwriting etc. motivates me personally to study! 

out with the sloppy last minute notes and in with the new!

handwriting

how to write in cursive

some fonts to try out

how to improve your handwriting

note taking systems

study methods summed up

stationery to make it all happen

sticker printables to jazz it up

notes

how to take lecture notes

how to annotate books

taking notes from a textbook - studyign

note taking system - theorganisedstudent

note taking system - emmastudies

another note taking system - academicmind

another note taking system - wonderfullifee

the 2 notebook method

note taking with highlighters and post its

pretty timelines

note taking printables

plot summary with sticky notes

20 uses of sticky notes

colour code your notes

method with columns 

the cornell note taking system

the cornell note taking system using onenote

in class notes

another in class note taking format

what are sketchnotes?

online whiteboard

flashcards

how to make flashcards

another how to make flashcards

an example

another example (with sticky notes)

and another example (biology)

8 ways to improve your flashcards

make  and test flashcards online

alternative to flashcards - studyign

print onto flashcards

mindmaps

how to mindmap (1)

how to mindmap (2)

some examples

apps

notability

banners

simple banner

more banners

it’s a banner party over here

banners (shown how to draw in gifs)

illustrate your notes

how to illustrate your notes - reviseordie

sketchnote tips (banners, lettering, doodles)

more sketchnote tips

even more sketchnote tips

how to make your notes pretty - theorganisedstudent

how to make your notes pretty - studyspoinspo

how to make your notes pretty - booksflowersandtea

what is visual note taking?

a visual alphabet

note taking printables

dot grid 

note outline printables

lined cornell method printable

grid cornell method printable

hope you all had a good rest and are ready for a new year of studying!

xoxo lou

[everynook-and-cranny]

I’m back ❤️ I’m officially done with high school (to the class of 2020, we made it through the wackiest senior year ever imagined). I’m very grateful for all the time I am spending with my family especially because I am moving hours away to attend college at UC Berkeley #gobears 💙💛

[everynook-and-cranny]

Last Minute ACT Prep Tips!

Last night on twitter, admittedly founder Jess Brondo shared her last minute tips and tricks for prepping for the ACT. In case you missed it, we’re sharing the tips here so you can be prepared for the next testing date. We’ve also shared SAT help if that test is better for you. 

Tip 1:  NEVER EVER omit a question on the ACT. You do NOT lose points for questions you get wrong (the way you do on the SAT) so always take a chance and guess

Tip 2:  Make sure you bring up a concession in your essay (aka you want to ADDRESS the other side of the argument and prove why it is flawed)

Tip 3: The math section is 60 questions in 60 minutes; however do NOT plan for 1 min for EACH question. Save extra time for the last 10 questions (they’re really hard) and do the first twenty faster.

Tip 4: Make sure you are looking at the right chart/table on the science section. We can’t tell you how many students make careless mistakes by looking at the wrong table.

Tip 5: The ACT tests you on punctuation, so make sure you know that a semi-colon (;) MUST come between 2 FULL sentences. If it is separating two fragments, it is wrong.

Tip 6:  Also, the ACT likes to trap students with commas. Think of a comma as a 2 second pause and literally read the sentence that way. If it sounds super awkward, you don’t need a comma.

Tip 7: Starting a sentence with “Because�� is totally fine. Your teachers might have said otherwise, but it is completely fine on the ACT as long as it is a full sentence.

Tip 8: Example of a correct sentence starting with because: Because I like running, I decided to train for the marathon.

Tip 9: Make sure you memorize all of your geometry formulas; the ACT does NOT give a formula list like the SAT.

As always, let us know if you have any more questions by sending us an email to help@admitted.ly. Best of luck!

Join our little community at Admittedly  and make sure to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter and instagram for more tips, tricks, and contests. 

[everynook-and-cranny]

ACT Tips, Tricks and Strategies

GENERAL TIPS:

ANSWER EVERYTHING. ACT doesn’t penalize you for wrong answers. I repeat, THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS. You’ve got nothing to lose, so guess if you don’t know it! 

If the proctor gives the 5 minute warning and you’re not finished, go through and mark an answer for all of the remaining questions. Then go back and figure out all of the questions you have time for and change the answer if needed. This way, you aren’t stuck with blank questions when time is up. 

Watch the clock! Time is key. 

Write in the test booklet. Mark what you are trying to find, underline stuff, mark on the graphs, etc. 

Science

You have roughly 5 mins for each passage

The last question for each passage is always the hardest 

If you don’t know it, don’t spend too much time on it. Move on. 

There are 3 types of passages:

Data Representation (there are roughly 3-4 per test)

questions based on a diagram, table, picture, etc.

Research Summary (2-4 per test)

presents the results of experiments and asks you to compare the results

questions over results/method of research

Conflicting viewpoints

different viewpoints on the same issue

compare/contrast the viewpoints

Don’t read the passages first. Look at the questions and graphs. Most of the passages are designed to slow you down, and you can answer the questions without them. If you feel like you need to read the passage after looking at the questions, go for it. 

Exception: Passages with no graphs/tables where they ask you to examine different views (conflicting viewpoint passages)

Ignore fancy science words

Math: 

60 questions, 60 minutes

There are different ways to approach questions-

you can use multiple choice strategies like estimation, use the answers provided and work the question backwards or guess and check

If you don’t know it, guess and move on. You have one minute for each problem, and if a problem is taking up too much time mark an answer and circle the question to come back to if you have time. 

The math test covers: 

pre-algebra 

elementary algebra (Algebra 1 stuff)

intermediate algebra/coordinate geometry (algebra 2)

plane geometry

trigonometry 

Review the topics before the test and do practice problems. There are tons of resources online, just search the topic you struggle with. 

English

1/5 of answers are “no change”

This is English, NOT reading. Don’t waste your time reading the passages, go to the underlined portions and read the sentences around them if you need context. 

Exception: questions that ask about paragraph order, order of sentences, main idea, etc. 

When all answers mean the same thing, choose the shortest one. (Omit needless words, Strunk and White #17)

If you have an “omit” question (where they underline a phrase and ask you if it should be deleted) read it without the underlined portion first and see if it makes sense. 

It helps if you know the Strunk and White rules

REMEMBER: 

For sentence boundaries, use . : ; 

To set off clauses inside sentences, use , - or ( )

If you see theses words, ACT is asking for a specific example from the test

example

illustrate

demonstrate

describe

show

If you read the words LEAST, NOT, or EXCEPT in a question circle it so you don’t miss it!

If you see a YES or NO question look at the NO options first

If you see a KEEP or DELETE question look at the KEEP options first

When you have three answer choices that mean the same thing, always choose the old man out.

The most common correct answer concerning punctuation is the one with no punctuation (ACT irony) If in doubt, leave it out.

READING

4 passages

Literature

Social Sciences

Humanities

Natural Sciences

You have 35 minutes to read 4 passages and answer 40 questions, so you get roughly 8.5 minutes per passage.

Depending on your target score, preview the test and pick the hardest passage to leave out. (Not recommended if you’re going for high twenties or anywhere in the 30s… you have to do them all) If you’re going for a higher score, leave the most difficult passage until last. 

Skim the questions and circle key words before you read, take note of questions that reference specific lines in the text (I put the number of the question by that line)

This is helpful, but make sure you’re doing this quickly! It is meant to save time but it’s not worth it if it takes you too long. I would do this on a practice ACT first to make sure it will work for you. 

Most correct answers are paraphrases of the text. 

Be careful if a question uses exact words from the text because in most cases the meaning has been changed and they are trying to trap you.

Questions containing always, all, never and other absolutes are usually a trap because they mean that there can be no exceptions.

Circle contrast words. (However, but, despite, yet, therefore, nonetheless)

ACT doesn’t care about your opinion– if you disagree with the passage, you just have to move past it! 

WRITING

30 minute essay

You are provided with a prompt that presents an issue and two points of view. You are supposed to write on your position. 

ACT graders look for 

how you articulate your opinion

how well you maintain focus on the topic

how you organize your essay

your use of standard english

In your intro, make sure you

take a clear position

paraphrase the argument

give the argument broader context

have your thesis as the last sentence

Body paragraphs 

Have good transitions and topic sentences

develop your ideas logically and fully

make sure you stay focused on the issue

use specific examples

Explain the weaknesses/limitations of these positions

Counter argument

Good topic sentence

Give a specific example, relate it to your argument.

How is the view you picked better than this one? (”The other view says this, however, …”) 

Conclusion

Clear transition (”In conclusion…”)

summarize the ideas clearly

Overall, make sure you have varied sentence structure, strong word choice, and as little spelling/mechanical errors as possible. 

[everynook-and-cranny]

My Guide to Reading Books

Hey guys! So, I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration to create some type of master-post kinda thing to help you guys read your books, mostly for classes but it doesn’t really matter I guess. So I’ll share a few tips I have and yeah! Let’s gooo

Tip #1 Listen to the audio: This is super helpful for me, especially when tackling intense books, that I don’t quite understand on my own. It’s like in school, when the teacher is reading, and it makes a little more sense than when you read it alone. For most books, you can find free audios online. This can also help you differentiate between who is speaking, and the tone of the characters voice. 

Tip #2 Highlight Highlight Highlightttt: Another important tip that I cannot stress enough is to highlight throughout the chapter, I usually use 4 different colors when doing this. 

Pink: Character Descriptions

Yellow: Important Quotes

Green: Plot Points

Purple: Symbols 

This will help you go back to certain chapters, and be able to pick things about, especially if you have to use the book for writing. 

Tip #3 Questions after each chapter: I had to do this for class, which helps with discussions. If you have questions during the chapter, right them down in the book as you go, or on a post-it and put it near the part where you thought of the the question. Then you can go back when you find the answer, and analyze the pieces you found. 

Tip #4 Write down all the symbols you find: After each chapter, write down all the symbols you find, or the ones you think are most important. This will help you, 1000000%, especially during discussions and essays. You won’t be scrabbling to find your quotes on the spot. It also might be good to write down the page where you found the quote. 

Tip #5 Research the chapter titles: This is such a good way to understand books, if your book has chapter titles. Research whatever the chapter title is. For example, in The Scarlet Letter, one of the chapter titles is “The Leech”, so out of curiosity I researched leeches and their characteristics, and wrote them down next to the title. Later in the book, the character Hester, says something relating to the characteristics of a leech, and I used that prompt for apart of my IB presentation. 

If you have any other tips, let me know! I’d love to further my readings. <3 

[everynook-and-cranny]

I said I would do a little post with tips for revision as a thank you for 300 followers! ~ Xx

1. Just do it - if you’re anything like me, you complain more about revision and exams than actually revising. Pull yourself together and get started! Woo!

2. Start with a clear working space - but don’t spend hours tidying up your desk/study area. I simply place the folders and papers on my bed/ to the side and get started.

3. Write and rewrite notes - these don’t have to look good, they just have to become more and more condensed and concise. By the end of it, having a few key words can prompt the rest of the information in your brain!

4. Posters - make a poster per topic, each subtopic a different colour. Flipboard paper is ideal for this and can be really cheap! Then you can hang them up on walls, this can help you associate a topic with an area of a room.

5. Breaks - what works well for me is working for 45 minutes and then have a 15 minute break. However, don’t go on your phone! If it’s nice outside go for a short walk/ run. Stretch, draw, write - it doesn’t matter as long as you stick to your break times and you leave your seat/ room.

6. Association - have any quotes/ steps to memorise? Take an object (one you can visualise in your head or you can take into the exam) and for each phrase, associate it to a part of the object. Go around the object in the same specific order each time. Eventually, if you are stuck in the exam, visualise/ look at the object and you’ll be able to recall the quotes/ steps. Check out this video if you’re confuse!

6. Memorise a generic introduction - If you are doing subjects such as English, you’ll probably have to write an exam on books you have studied. Write out and memorise a generic introduction incase you blank out on the exam! Check out the post I made about this!

7. Stairs - This is great for memorising statistics. Take post it notes, on one side write the key words of the stat, on the other side write the stat/ numerical value that goes with it. Place a post it note per stair and start at the bottom. Read out the key words and say the stat that goes with it. Each time you get it right, move up a stair. If you get one wrong, back to the bottom!

8. Keep focused - If you’re having trouble focusing, try moving room. If you can’t, try a different revision method. If you’re not being productive at all, go for a walk, listen to some music, comeback and try again.

9. Past Papers - This is the best revision method for maths, do as many past papers as you can, highlight questions you can’t answer and ask teachers/friends for their insight. Once you’re comfortable with the topics, time yourself and grade it afterwards.

10. Read the textbook - I do this when I’m unsure about a topic. Highlight keywords in one colour, the definition of said key words in an other and additional information in yet another colour.

Remember that if you try your best, that’s all people can ask for! ~ Xx

[everynook-and-cranny]

Long time, no post! But I’m back and in my second year of IB!! Cue the sleepless nights and caffeine kicks 😫😫

[everynook-and-cranny]

How to make/use revision cards effectively;

1) Include diagrams as well as words. Go check out the Picture Superiority Effect which shows that people remember imagery better than words, and pictures alongside descriptive text works best.

2) Write one question per card. If your write multiple facts on a card then you mistake recognition for recall. Basically you recognise the fact but don’t necessarily remember it. But if you’re faced with one question and one answer then you’re brain can’t divert from the truth- either you remembered it this time or didn’t.

3) Break complex concepts into multiple questions. Pretty self explanatory and for the same reason as above, you don’t want gaps in your memory because you’re able to recollect parts of a concept and therefore think you know it all.

4) Practice using words in context. If you need to remember the definition of a word, ask yourself the definition and then ask yourself another question, define this word in the context of…

5) Say your answers out loud while asking self questions. You just remember stuff way better if you have to announce it- and if someone tests you they can make sure you don’t half-heartedly revise an answer.

6) Make your own rather than stealing someone elses or using a programme- you can personalise them and even the act of writing them out will help your recollection.

7) Learn in both directions. Switch between answer, question, question, answer. This strengthens your understanding and ability to remember a fact.

[everynook-and-cranny]

Packing lists

Failproof guide to packing by @staticsandstationery

Things people don’t realise they need at college by @lazuli-studies

Campus stuff 101 by @polcry

Before college

How to prepare for school year by @kimtented

Back to school tips by @hufflepuffwannabe

College tours: what to expect & ask by @howtogrowthefuckup

What I wish I’d known before university by @optomstudies

First-time college student advice by @lampurple

General

Things I’ve learned since I started college by @studyburst

First day of class by @honeststudying

University orientation by @psytudying

Things I wish I’d known in my first year of university by @succulentstudy

Uni tips-first year by @holleberrystudies

Why I nearly failed my first year of college/university-and what to do instead by @fromquantumfluctuations

What I wish someone told me going into college by @tiny-personal-university-thing

Things I learnt in college by @yourtenderlight

Psa for college freshman by @dynamic-study

What I learned from university by @biopsychs

Uni hacks by @b-uwu-ng

How to win at college by @doinbetter

How to prepare for college by @httpsstudy

Community college by @universi-tea

How to make the most of your college campus visit by @studywithanu

Guides

An honest guide to college

The overachiever’s guide to college by @idlestudy

Guide on preparing for college by @myberkeleyadventure

Tips

Tips for incoming college freshmen by @naomireads

Useful college tips by @b0nie-studies

College tips that don’t suck by @legallychic

Tips for success in college by @studyelement

Tips for surviving college by @annafreuds

Random college tips by @determinationandcaffeine

University tips by @studyingbrains

University tips by @creative-studying

Essays

How to write college essays by @caesarstudies

College essay masterpost by @genericappblrurl

Lectures

How to take notes in college

Lectures by @orangeblossomstudies

Adapting to uni studying

What to do when you miss class by @evergrace

Exams

Things I learned studying for exams in college by @letsget-downtobusiness

New SAT everything you need to know

Interviews/Applications

How to be good at interviews by @marias-studyblr

Questions to know for interviews by @solustudies

College interviews by @cyberstudies

How to approach a competitive university

Financial aid process for students in need by @jennysjournals

College comparison & application checklists by @science-is-golden

Smol college apps tips by @365text

Eintsein’s guide to college application by @eintsein

Textbooks

College advice part 5 buying textbooks

College textbook lifehacks by @ohcamada

Free textbooks sites by @thearialligraphyproject

Save money on textbooks by @academla

How I spent $34 to purchase $1000+ worth of school supplies for college by @drinktea-studymore

Safety

Personal safety on campus

Selfcare

Morning habits worth starting by @night-studying

Maximise your sleeping time

Credits to flaticon for the graduation hat icon!

To see my other masterposts

masterpost for note taking

[everynook-and-cranny]

i think im funny

[everynook-and-cranny]

The 5 Best Revisions Methods I Want to Start Using

Hi, guys! Whilst planning my next few months to do well on my final exams, I started researching and found a few great study techniques that are a bit underrated. Thus, I compiled a post with information about each one and all the materials you need to put them to use. These are most useful if you’ve already studied the material and are now starting to revise.

A. Feynman Technique

This method was coined by Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman. This system works by writing down everything you remember about the topic you’re currently revising in a blank piece of paper. When you get stuck, go back to your study materials. The gaps in your knowledge should be blatant after you finish. Review and simplify. Keep repeating until you know for certain that there’s nothing left out and you’ve successfully learned the topic. :-)

For this method you will need:

Blank piece of paper

Pen/Pencil

B. Spaced Repetition

This method has been gaining traction for the past few years but it still doesn’t get the recognition it should. It’s fairly simple. It consists of time intervals between study sessions, which allows you store information better in your long-term memory. While there aren’t set times for when to do your next revision session, I’d recommend the one by Piotr Wozniak:

First repetition: 1 day

Second repetition: 7 days

Third repetition: 16 days

Fourth repetition: 35 days

This method can be used both through an analog system and a digital one. 

One of the simplest techniques to implement spaced repetition while using paper flashcards is the Leitner system. First, you decide how many boxes you need for your system. Each of your boxes represents a different study time interval:

Every flashcard starts out in Box 1. When you get a flashcard right, it passes to the next box. If you get a card wrong, it goes back to Box 1 – even if it was on Box 4. This makes sure you are constantly reviewing the materials. Remember to devise a calendar with the dates and boxes you need to revise each day. 

For this method you will need:

Boxes or simply different colored rubbers to differentiate the piles

Flashcards

Pen/Pencil

If however, you prefer a digital method, Anki is the best option for you. It is available online, on both Windows & Mac and there’s also an incredible practical app. It uses the spaced repetition method while taking the trouble of having to hand write hundreds of flashcards and remembering when to study each one.

Simply create an account, then a deck in which you’ll add your flashcards. The app and website allow you to add images and/or sounds to the flashcards. Customize them all you want. Once you’ve finished, save them and check the app every day to revise the flashcards of the day.

For this method you will need:

Anki app (iOS, Android) and/or website

C. Past Papers

I’ve been guilty in the past for not using this method. I got so caught up in my perfectionism that I didn’t even want to try. I learned, though, that getting things wrong is not a sign of failure and that persisting until you get it right is the real strength (and discipline) you ought to have. Do not let your procrastination and/or perfectionism prevent you from learning your weaknesses on a topic and not reach the grade you were hoping for.

Time yourself while taking the test and then correct your answers with a different colored pencil/pen so you can differentiate between correct and wrong answers.

For this method you will need:

Past papers

Pen/Pencil

D. Teach someone

This method is really helpful if you have oral assessments and/or your professor uses the Socratic method in class. You can practice your speech and knowledge all at the same time. Find someone who’s willing to listen to you talk about the topic you’re studying. Even if no one’s willing, you can still explain the matter to an object in the house. Don’t get embarrassed by this! While speaking, you’re organising your thoughts and only when explaining to someone else can you really assess your knowledge.

For this method you will need:

Your voice

Someone/Something who loves you very much

E. Proper sleep & exercise

Yes, I know, these aren’t revisions methods. But as helpful as the previous systems were, they won’t work if you aren’t sane in body and spirit. It’s incredibly important that you rest. Teenagers (13 to 17 years old) ought to sleep from 8 to 10 hours every day, while young adults (18 to 25) only need 7 to 9. You should also get fresh air and exercise. This helps with mental alertness, concentration, an efficient memory and a positive mood. Stay hydrated throughout the day. & please, don’t skip meals! 

For this method you will need:

Proper sleep (x, x, x, x, x)

Exercise (x, x, x)

Healthy diet (x, x, x, x)

[everynook-and-cranny]

every appearance of Steve Rogers in the MCU

Captain America: The First Avenger

The Avengers

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Captain America: Civil War

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Avengers: Infinity War

[everynook-and-cranny]

Hey loves!

I’ve been thinking about my application process and how I though I had done my research before hand, but how the process took me for a complete loop. I know some of you guys are applying to college this fall (woot,woot!) and I thought I’d share some of the misconceptions I had about the college process that could help out some of you babies joining appblr’19, don’t say I never gave ya’ anything!

The process stops after you apply: I’m sorry to break it to ya’, but you know how after long night of essay writing and college research you silently whisper to yourself that it will all be over in a couple of weeks? whelp you would be dead wrong. This process is for the long haul. Be prepared to sign financial declarations and school documents til your fingers bleed after you officially applied. Oh and don’t forget those oh so fun moment when the school didn’t get a document you thought you sent in. Just know that after January there still gonna be work to do.

College is expensive but the application process, not so much: if you’re like me, you budgeted for the application process and also if you’re like me you went way over budget. Those unexpected fees will smack you straight in the face like nobody’s business, so you might wanna hold off on all those treat yo’ self moments until after you’ve secured the bag!

You can prepare for rejection: inevitably during the college process you will face rejection (this can increase and decrease by the amount of selective schools you apply to) and we all like to pretend that we aren’t prone to it or the famous excuse of “pshhhh i didn’t want to go their either way” (we all know that person who claims they knew they were gonna get rejected but did it for fun). The point is there’s  no way you can prepare yourself for the hit to yourself worth when you get that rejection and THAT’S PERFECTLY OK, itS ok to aim for something and not get it. The key to getting through the college application is not to be immune to rejection, ITS TO LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH THESE SITUATIONS IN A HEALTHY WAY!!

Having a big or small college list matters: we’ve all experienced seeing people at our schools apply to either a large amount of school or a very selective amount, and there are endless debate as to why which is more effective, but my thing is your list is complete shit if you wouldn’t want to attend want to attend every school on your list.  IF THERE’S ONE THING I WOULD TELL EVERYONE APPLYING TO COLLEGE, IS TO REALLY TAKE THE TIME TO CREATE A LIST WHERE YOU WOULD COULD END UP ON ANY SCHOOL ON THAT LIST AND BE FINE. This is easier said than done, but just know its not the size of your list but the quality of schools on it (P.s this does not mean all Ivies, widen your horizons!)

You will get to visit all the schools you’re considering: this may be an international student thing but I know alot students ended up not getting to visit their top choices (or any of their schools at all). Especially if you’re applying to schools that maybe far away, get comfortable with those investigative skills BECAUSE YOU WILL NEED TO DECIDE OF YOU LIKE THE SCHOOL ON LIMITED EVIDENCE.

Your essay is the most important part of your application: *super controversial one* but for every youtuber you watch with perfects score that tell you that their essays got them into *insert ivy here*, tell them to go take a hike. Now hear me out, the essay is a great opportunity to set yourself apart and squeeze yourself through the door but make no mistake, those stats matter. The essay is essential a marker for candidates with similar stats for that school. In my opinion the application is like a pie INVOLVEMENT AND STATS MAKE UP 70 PERCENT AND THE ESSAY IS THE OTHER 30. So try your best to get as much of that 70 percent as you can and then worry about that 30.

Ok so admit you were guilty of at least one of these (and if you’re not, you’re a lucky bitch). I’m sure there are plenty more misconception we all have about the apps process and you���ll probably discover some of your own, but ultimately this process isn’t everything and it should be one of those things where it’s what happens in the end that matter most. To my oldies but goodies, good luck on your college journeys, and to my newbies: buckle up it’s gonna be a tough year but it’ll be worth it, I  think.

-Georgia

[everynook-and-cranny]

Space Asks

Comet- What are you currently frustrated about?

Black Hole- What are you most afraid of? 

Galaxy- Do you have any nicknames? What are they? 

Star- What song(s) do you feel describes you?

Moon- Are you currently reading any books? If so, what book(s)?

Planets- If you could go anywhere, where would you go? 

Mercury- Describe your aesthetic. 

Venus- What’s your favorite tv show? 

Earth- If you could be anyone else for a day, who would you want to be?

Mars- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change? 

Jupiter- If you had to pick one color to use for an entire week, what color would you choose? 

Saturn- How far would you go for those you care about? 

Uranus- What would you say is your greatest achievement? 

Neptune- Describe yourself in one sentence. 

Pluto- If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would you meet? 

Constellations- If you could have one talent, what would you want it to be? (can be magical or not)

Asteroid- When you die, what do you want to be done with your body?

Aquarius- What’s a topic you enjoy learning about? 

Aquila- Do you prefer to read books or watch movies?

Aries- What is something you enjoy doing?

Auriga- If you had to pick one villain from any media, who would you rather have to face and why?

Bootes- If you could have any animal, wild or not, fake or not, which would you want?

Cancer- How do you want to be remembered? 

Canis Major- How many friends do you have? 

Capricornus- What’s a song lyric that you relate to? 

Cassiopeia- What’s your favorite quote? 

Cygnus- If you could go back to any time period for a couple days, when/where would you want to go?

Gemini- Do you have any siblings? How many?

Leo- If you could change the way any movie was made, which movie would you change?

Libra- If you could talk to your past self, what would you tell yourself?

Lyra- Would you rather be feared or loved?

Orion- What’s your favorite type of weather?

Pegasus- What’s your favorite music genre? 

Perseus- What’s your favorite movie genre?

Pisces- Describe someone you love without saying their name.

Sagittarius- What do you do when you don’t feel well? What do you eat/drink? 

Scorpius- If you had to pick someone to betray you, who would you pick?

Taurus- What makes you feel comfortable?

Ursa Major- If you had to pick any job to have, what job would you want? 

Virgo- What do you value the most- artistic ability/creativity, musical ability, athletic ability, intellect, or work ethic?

Neutron- Are you more of a leader or a follower?

Supernova- How do you feel about yourself? 

Supergiant- What’s something you like about yourself? 

Red Giant- Would you get into a debate/argument with someone if you heard them saying something you disagree with or know to be wrong, or would you stay silent?

Red Dwarf- What’s your favorite smell? What smell makes you feel most comfortable? 

Protostar- Give a random fact about yourself.  

[everynook-and-cranny]

I’m now an incoming freshman heading off to college this fall. I’m very happy to say that I survived the college application and acceptance process. Here are some tips/advice I have for high school seniors applying to college in the U.S. Best of luck to anyone applying this fall! Feel free to drop an ask if you need advice. 

Some schools use Common App, others don’t. Visit the college’s official website. If you search them on the Common App and they’re not there, chances are you’ll have to go to another website to apply. 

Avoid asking friends to look over your essay. You might feel tempted to ask them for advice. You’re better off asking a teacher for critiques. They’re professionals, and they can help you get your essay in the right direction. I suggest asking English teachers because they’re great when it comes to grammatical errors and the like. 

For the Common App essay, keep brainstorming. Keep writing. Keep editing.  I cannot stress this enough. If you feel that your essay isn’t working, toss it out. Don’t waste your time writing something that doesn’t reflect who you are. 

Avoid reading other people’s essays. There’s a reason why their prose and topic works for them. Your essay is meant to reflect who you are as an individual. Reading their essays will not help you in writing yours. There’s no formula. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to write about an accomplishment or the time you won something. Don’t write it for them, write it for you. 

START EARLY ON ESSAYS. This is not an essay you can write the night before. A majority of colleges view your essay as one of the main factors in your acceptance. This is not something to blow off or take lightly. You need to spend at least a few weeks or more to craft your essay. 

Schools will require ADDITIONAL ESSAYS. Check the Common App or an alternative website for these additional essays. They’re often called “supplemental essays.” Make sure you get these extra essays looked over as well!

Recommendations. Some colleges require none. Others ask for as many as 3. Most applications ask for a rec from a counselor and teacher. The Common App gives you the option of getting a rec from a non-academic teacher like a coach. 

Some teachers get swamped with several requests for a recommendation. Start asking within the first few weeks of school. 

The teachers you’re getting recs from should know you very well, they should be familiar with your success as a student and as an overall person. 

If you’re planning on asking, the best way to go is by seeing the teacher in person. It’s more genuine and direct. Send an email as last resort. 

Own a planner or notebook to keep track of deadlines and tasks. I suggest getting a mini notebook just for college applications. In the notebook, I would write down: deadlines, essays that need to be edited/looked over, colleges you’re applying to, transcripts that need to be sent, etc. Check off tasks when you get them done. Use the calendar for deadlines. 

Work on applications during the weekday. It sounds hectic, believe me, but you’ll save yourself the stress. Work on application related tasks every night, whether it’s editing a paragraph of your essay or sending in those AP scores. That way, you can be efficient during the weekday and weekend.

DEADLINES ARE DIFFERENT FOR EARLY ACTION, EARLY DECISION, and REGULAR DECISION APPLICANTS. KEEP TRACK OF THESE DEADLINES.

Early decision: If you apply early and you get in, you’re automatically binded to that school. You must attend and decline all your other applications to other schools. 

Early action: If you apply early and you get in, you don’t have to worry about applying later on. You are not binded to that school. 

Regular decision: You apply at the normal deadline. They notify you later than the early applicants. You are not binded to any schools. 

Do your research about your colleges, their test score policies, which AP test scores they accept, etc. Your best bet is visiting the college’s official website and/or checking the requirements on Common App. Write these down because colleges ask for different requirements.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, counselor, Google, a college representative, family, and your friends. They are your greatest assets. I pretty much got the best help from asking my friends because they had older siblings who went through the college app process.

Avoid College Confidential. Enough said.

Don’t hold back, and don’t give up. I never would have imagined getting into my dream school but I did. You’d be surprised at what you’re capable of as long as you stay true to yourself and work hard.

Senior year will take a lot of your time away from friends and family. Make sure to keep in touch with them frequently! Take breaks. Please do not prioritize school before your mental health. Your health is more important.

Your test scores are just a number. It does not define your actual intelligence nor does it define your value as a human being. Your scores may not be within the range of the school but it doesn’t mean you won’t get in because of it. That being said, you should still try and study for them. You have the option of taking the ACT/SAT again in senior year. 

Your activities and extracurriculars are really important. Colleges want to see what you’re passionate about when you’re not a student in the classroom. They will ask you to list what clubs or activities you’ve been involved in since entering high school. Leadership positions and volunteer hours are wonderful additions.

It can get stressful and frustrating, so make sure you space out all the tasks you have to get done. Remember to take breaks, have fun, and relax once in a while. A clear, relaxed mind works better than a mind under severe stress and lack of sleep. 

Senioritis is real. You sometimes have to step back and punch senioritis in the face. Even the best students fall prey to this contagious disease. Colleges DO look at your second semester grades, don’t let them slip. Start strong, finish strong. 

Senior year is said to be one of the best years of your life. Sure it’s gonna get tough in the beginning but once you’re done, you’re ready to go off to college before you know it. 

Good luck and have a wonderful year! 

[everynook-and-cranny]

for all IB students!

i’m currently gathering online resources to add everything into a big resources masterpost for ib students!

if you have any website/link to pdf files or anything you find useful for your subject, please send it to me so i can add them :-) it can be of any subject!

you can also reblog to spread the word ✨

[everynook-and-cranny]

welcome to the international baccalaureate network!

this is a network for all international baccalaureate diploma candidates, current , prospective, former, to talk and give advice and basically help us not suffer as much… you’ll be able to talk to studyblrs in your graduate class, share interests and make new friends :”) 

𝓇𝓊𝓁𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒿𝑜𝒾𝓃

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