NOTEOLOGY

I only “redo” my notes for AP US History, where I combine everything from my lecture notes, textbook, and prep book into one comprehensive set of notes. For that class, I take lecture notes on loose-leaf in a binder (that’s what my teacher requires) and take my final set of notes in a notebook. I’ve also heard of special notebooks where you can take out and rearrange the pages like a binder, so you could look into that. :)

I’m fairly sure I have, but it was too long ago for me to remember any of the specifics, if you’re looking for help. Sorry.

I don’t use color-coding in my notes. I know some people have really complex systems but personally I’ve found that that just makes my notes look cluttered without helping me memorize the information better. Normally I randomly pick one colored pen or highlighter and use it to mark vocabulary words and information I’m having trouble memorizing.

As I mentioned in my FAQ, generally, Cornell notes, mind maps, and flashcards tend to help for non-technical subjects (ex: language, history, biology), while solving practice problems and coming up with proofs are good for technical subjects (ex: math, physics, chemistry). But obviously there are intersections between technical and non-technical subjects, so take these guidelines with a grain of salt.

Oh my gosh, I’m so happy that I was able to inspire you to start a journal! And even happier after reading about how journaling has already improved your life. :)

(for anyone curious, here is my post about journaling and here is @bubblybabe‘s post about her journaling journey)

Thank you for this message! Honestly I hesitated to start this blog because I was worried that nobody would pay attention to someone without expensive stationery and aesthetically pleasing photos, so I’m really glad to hear that people enjoy the research and time I put into my advice. :)

As for starting a new semester, I found this post by @hexaneandheels that says it better than I could have. I also think a new semester is the perfect time to use my time management strategies and active learning techniques.

Happy holidays and have a wonderful semester!

Holding off on naps until you break this super tired/oversleeping cycle sounds like a good idea. Try to stay awake after school by exercising, going outside, drinking cold water, and/or taking a shower. If you resist the urge to sleep until nighttime, your sleep schedule will reset itself within a week or so and you should probably be able to go back to short naps after school, if necessary. You could also use a holiday break or extended time off school to gradually shift your sleep schedule back to normal hours.

I don’t have any experience with ADD, sorry! I found this article that might help though and if any of my followers have advice, please reblog/reply to this post!

Thank you! I’d love to hear back from you about your improvement in the future!

But a basic account on Dropbox is free? You only need to pay if you want to upgrade to more storage. I’ve uploaded and downloaded many files to Dropbox without ever spending money. I’ll look into this though and if anyone else is having issues with getting the PDF from this post without paying, please let me know!

I don’t personally make mind maps for chemistry because my classes are focused more on calculations and practice problems than memorizable concepts. But other people definitely do and there are some topics where I can see mind maps being really useful-- the evolution of the atomic model, for instance. Overall, adapt your methods depending on your class and your needs, and in when doubt, just try it out. :)

(this is the previous ask that’s being referred to, if anyone’s curious)

Depends on what time you have to get up in the morning, how much work you have, and how early you’re physically capable of falling asleep. I should also clarify that I didn’t mean you should do all of your studying in the morning. Many students are getting 4+ hours of work per day by high school, and switching sleep schedules that drastically simply isn’t realistic for the vast majority of people (but if that works for you, go ahead!). What I’d probably do instead is split up my work between the morning and evening— maybe do the easier or more urgent things in the evening.

But to answer your question, going to bed at 8-9 and waking up at 4-5 could probably be achievable if you absolutely don’t have the energy to study much at night.

Thank you! Best of luck in studying to you as well!!

I answered a previous ask about motivation here. As for depression, medication and/or therapy are the most effective options. I’ve found from personal experience that exercising, eating healthily, and spending time outdoors can help to a certain extent, but there’s really nothing I can say that will be a substitute for professional help.

Check my online classes tag.

Here’s a breakdown of my studying process.

Motivation is different for everyone. I get the impression that a lot of studyblrs study hard because they love using cute stationery, making pretty notes, and what have you. Some people love the act of studying itself. I, on the other hand, can confidently say that I hate school. I’m passionate about learning, to be sure— I love expanding my mind and holding discussions and coming to new conclusions. But when it comes to taking notes and memorizing vocabulary and filling out worksheets and preparing for tests, I’d rather be doing almost anything else. I personally study hard so I can leave my desk as soon as possible and start doing things I actually enjoy without having to worry about my grades. I see studying as a means to an end. I memorize vocabulary (which I hate) to read more literature (which I love). I study all the Revolutionary War battles (which bores me) to gain a better understanding of history and expand my worldview (which excites me). I push myself to get the best grades I can (which is sometimes painful) to set myself up for success in college, grad school, and beyond (which I really want).

But at the end of the day, although it’s good to be excited about school, motivation is too fleeting and unreliable to make you a good student. When things inevitably get tough, neither cute notebooks nor dreams of a college acceptance letter are going to keep you motivated enough to continue working. Motivation can be the push that gets you in the water, but only discipline, determination, and a strong work ethic will keep you swimming. I highly recommend this answered ask about discipline and forming habits that will stick.

I also want to mention that if you feel like the “spiraling down” may be caused by something bigger than a lack of motivation or discipline, it’s worth talking to your doctor to see if you have depression. People often dismiss symptoms of mental illness as signs of laziness, and that’s absolutely not true. Make sure to take good care of your mental health!

Good luck!!

Use active studying techniques and manage your time wisely.