Many college students will be taking their first exams in the next couple weeks as they get further into the semester. For freshmen and all college students alike, here are some helpful study tips to make it through your exams. Let’s begin:

1. Create Mnemonics: Mnemonics are devices that help you memorize key concepts, formulas, and definitions. For example: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally is a mnemonic. This mnemonic stands for a math formula which is, parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Creating your own or using an original mnemonic will help you to better memorize the information that will be on your exams.
2. Make a Study Guide: Some professors will give you a study guide for their exams, others may not- either way it is a great study tool. By browsing through your notes, textbook, and any handouts and writing down any information that may be on the test you are better preparing yourself. Writing down information will help you memorize it faster.
3. Make Flash Cards: Flash cards are a great way to memorize vocabulary and formulas. They are easy to carry around and you can study from them at any time because they are so small.
4. Quiz Yourself: By making a mock quiz you can figure out how much of the material you know and what areas you need to prepare for more.
5. Set Time Goals: Setting time goals will help you to stay on track especially if you have a busy schedule. You will be more productive if you are organized and have goals to achieve under a certain time period.
6. Remember to Take Breaks: Your brain needs to relax every so often! Take breaks to help relieve some stress from studying. You can confuse yourself and get frustrated if you study too much!
7. Don’t Study Alone: Studying with other people can be a lot easier! However, it is not for everyone if you are someone who cannot concentrate when you are around others. For those that can study with others, it helps because you can share information with each other and quiz one another on the material that will be covered on the exam.
8. Study during the Week: Studying a little each day during the week will help to relieve the stress of cramming the studying in on the weekend. It will help to retain more information if you study days in advance for an exam. Also, the night before the exam, you will not have to study as much.
9. Schedule Time for Studying: If you have time in between classes, study! Study before and after your classes as well, the more time you plan for studying, the more prepared you will be for the exam.
10. Get a lot of Sleep: The more sleep you get the more alert and focused you will be. Do not go to sleep too late and do not sleep in too much. Try to create a consistent sleep schedule that correlates with your regular schedule.
11. Relax: Don’t stress out! If you begin to stress out, it will be harder to focus and regain composure in order to study. Stay confident and positive about studying.

Follow these tips in order to do well on exams. Good luck to everyone taking exams soon! If you need advice or more information on studying for an exam visit the College Now Greater Cleveland Resource Center or call us (216-241-5587).  Also, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive more information on college study tips.

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College is a lot of fun, and it’s amazing how quickly four years can fly by.  With the cost of college increasing every year, it is more important than ever for students to get in and get out in four years. The sooner college students are able to find a career in the work world, the better. Here are some helpful tips on how to graduate from college within four years!

One: Choose Your Major in a Timely Manner: Go into college with an idea of what you would like to major in. During the summer before college, take personality and job quizzes to help you get an idea of what you may like to study. Be attentive in all of your core classes so you can analyze what captures your attention and what you are good at. The sooner you choose your major; you can complete your core courses and focus on the courses that pertain to your major.

Two: Choose Double Majors, Minors, and Study Abroad Carefully: More than one major, a minor, and studying abroad are, in many cases, good things to do; however, they can often greatly slow down your momentum towards getting out of college in four years. If the core coursework at a college is more intensive, then it is probably best to not double major or add a minor. Also, when studying abroad, it may be best to see if the courses being offered during that semester can fulfill any requirement in the core classes or your major classes that you need.

Three: Get a Good College Advisor: Your college advisor should be able to offer you advice and help you navigate the challenges of college. A college advisor is like a doctor or a dentist; you should have frequent check-ups with them. You should meet with your college advisor at least once a semester. Anytime you have questions about a course or any other type of concerns about college, it is in your best interest to email them immediately. Also, if your advisor is not exactly what you want, you are always able to switch to someone that will help you out more. A good advisor will:

•  Be knowledgeable about the classes you need to graduate.
•  Be knowledgeable about your specific major and its requirements.
•  Be knowledgeable about internships and campus opportunities related to your major and interests.
•  Make you feel comfortable.
•  Be willing to meet with you at least once a semester, and more often if necessary.
•  Show interest and concern about you as a student.

Four: Know Your Requirements: It is essential that you know what requirements need to be fulfilled in order to graduate. It is not enough to ask your advisor questions and rely on them helping you through college. You need to be able to help yourself. Mostcolleges have a book which is sometimes called a bulletin that outlines each major, the courses that need to be taken to complete that major as well as courses that will fulfill the core requirements. As a college student, you need to know this book like the back of your hand. The better you understand this book, the more prepared you will be throughout your college career.

Five: Do Well in Your Classes: It is in your best interest to try your hardest not to fail any courses or continuously drop classes as well. Failing classes will lower your GPA, and most colleges will not allow you to continue on or graduate if you do not meet the college’s minimum GPA. If you are struggling in a course, get help from the professor or the tutors in the particular department – ASAP.

Six: Transfer Credits: Students transfer schools for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes your first college choice does not work out and you need to transfer. Sometimes, students enroll in a community college to get core coursework out of the way.  It is important to know that while transferring is always a possibility, it can also be a difficult task. Your most important goal when transferring schools  is having as many credits possible transfer to your new college. If the credits from a previous college do not transfer, it will make it very hard to graduate in four years. Look into all possible college options before making the decision to transfer. Make sure the college you choose will accept most of your credits. Once you arrive at your new college, immediately go see your advisor to plan out the rest of your college career.

Seven: Summer School: Between transferring or having to drop a course due to not wanting to get a bad grade, summer school is always an option. Sometimes summer school is cheaper, sometimes it is not. Summer school goes at a fast pace to get the work that is done in a semester done within a few weeks. However, you get more personalized attention from the professor. Also, if the credits will transfer, you can take summer classes at a different college or university that may have the courses you need at a cheaper price.

These tips will help you to graduate within four years. The faster you graduate, the better your chances of moving onto graduate school, your career, or whatever your goals may be. It is challenging to finish in four years, but if you are focused and dedicated to your school work and your future, you will survive!

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One of the most crucial steps to getting to college is taking the SAT & ACT. The better you do on the SAT & ACT, the greater chance of having multiple college options. Wouldn’t you like to be able to get into any college you desire?  However you decide to prep for the SAT/ACT is up to you. In case you do not know how or where to start prepping here are some helpful course books that will help prepare you for the tests and help you gain knowledge in each area of the SAT/ACT. Let’s take a look at the books!

For SAT:

1. NOVA’S SAT Prep Course Book: This book contains portions for each section of the SAT including math, reading comprehension, and writing. The math portion reviews all math concepts that can be found on the SAT as well as new concepts from Algebra II. The reading comprehension section helps increase your ability to know where the reading section’s questions will be derived from. The writing section includes techniques, proper grammar, writing styles, rhetoric, and punctuation. Not only is this book thorough but it is not costly! The book is only $21.95, for that price it is worth a try.  One of the testimonials from a student was helpful and inspiring, “This book is awesome. It has a 4000 word list, classification of the questions, and info you need to know to ace the test. Everybody who’s serious about getting a good score on the SAT should buy the book!!!”
2. Up Your Score (2011-2012 edition): The Underground Guide to the SAT: Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT is a profound preparation book because it was written by five students that scored perfect scores on the SAT. It is a relatable book that helps students to focus because it captures their attention with examples that are funny and easy ways to remember words, math problems, proper punctuation, and grammar. One testimonial said, “A “must-have” test preparation supplement for anyone whose educational future is dependent on their performance on the SAT.” This is a bold yet reassuring statement as to why this book should be purchased. Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT can be found on Amazon and Half by EBay for prices as little as $8. That is a deal!
3. Barron’s SAT: Barron’s SAT prep has many distinguishable qualities. This prep book has practices exams that can be timed or untimed. In addition, you can create customized practice exams! Creating customized practice exams can help one figure out the areas in which one is struggling. You can get instant test scores and receive solutions and full explanations on the correct answers. The book has a vocabulary list of 3,500 words which will help with the essay portion of the SAT. A student that used the Barron’s SAT said this about the practice book, “The practice tests are harder than normal, and it will teach you something that you can use beyond just the SAT.” This is reassuring and helps encourage others to buy the book. Barron’s SAT can be found on web sites on Amazon for as little at $11!

For ACT:

1. The Real ACT Prep Guide: The Real ACT Prep Guide is from the maker of the ACT. This is impressive and encourages students to want to buy the book. The book contains five practice tests that were used in the past ACTs. There are also optional writing portions. For each right and wrong answer there is an explanation. In addition, there is valuable information on how the Writing Test is scored. Also, there is helpful advice on how to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for the day of the test. The Real ACT Prep Guide can range in price from $25-$45 at book stores and web sites. This book is worth it according to one student. “The Real ACT Prep Guide allowed me to work at my own pace, whenever I wanted to, 24/7. Most importantly the “retired” practice test questions have given me a major confidence boost for the upcoming ACT.” This prep guide is a must have to conquering the ACT!
2. Cracking the ACT: Cracking the ACT by the Princeton Review has many valuable aspects as to why it is a great prep book. Like The Real ACT Prep Guide it has three full-length practice tests. It gives details on how to write a great essay if you are taking the optional writing portion of the tests. Also, it helps turn difficult math problem into easy math in a few simple steps. The price of Cracking the ACT is excellent on Amazon ranging from $10-$20. One testimonial said this about Cracking the ACT, “This is a great book to get familiar with the content with. It has great strategies and content that help instill confidence in yourself. I recommend that you get this book for an overall/basic look into the ACT.” It is important to have confidence while taking the ACT, it helps build a better attitude and score.
3. Dissecting the ACT 2.0: This prep book was written by someone who scored a perfect score the ACT. This book has practice tests as well as identifies beneficial knowledge that is essential for getting a high score on the ACT. Dissecting the ACT 2.0 outsold many of the most popular ACT prep books. All of the reviews on Dissecting the ACT 2.0 highly recommend this book. One review in particular was phenomenal. “Going through the book is like having your own perfect scoring tutor. The original version of the book was excellent, but the second version is even better. It has many new strategies, and it analyzes the new official practice test from the ACT. This book is worth getting even if you have the first edition, since it is essentially a different book.” To top off the great reviews, the book can be found on Amazon for $8. What a great offer and opportunity to get the best possible score on the ACT!

Preparation for the SAT/ACT is essential to getting into the college of your dreams. Hard work and practice helps to increase your score! If you have questions or want more information on ways to prepare for the SAT/ACT please contact College Now Greater Cleveland’s Resource Center (216-241-5587) or visit us in downtown Cleveland at Public Square! Also, “like” us on Facebook or “follow” us on Twitter to receive helpful information about getting to college!

Welcome Back: College & High School Students!

The summer went by extremely fast, which means your future is right around the corner. Whether you are already in college and starting as a freshman or a junior or senior in high school, now is the time to get some essential tasks done.

Let’s start off with our new college students, what are you doing so far to make sure your college career is on the right track?  Here are some tips to start the school year off right and continue on a successful path.

Conquering College:

- Meet with your college advisor frequently. If you are ever confused about any of your courses or what classes you may want to take next semester, email your advisor. Your advisor is there to help you figure out what career path you want to take and what classes work best for your busy schedule. They will become one of your most useful tools in college, absorb their advice!

- Join an organization or club that you have an interest in. The best way to make friends and obtain more skills and hobbies is to join some type of organization or club. Each college has tons of organizations you can immerse yourself in. Some organizations and clubs are educational which can help you to determine a career you may like to pursue, while others can be recreational and help you to relieve stress after a long day of classes.

- Make a friend in each class. By making a friend in each class you will have someone to rely on when you are sick and need the notes from a class you missed. In addition, if you do not understand an assignment that is given in class, you can always contact a friend in your class; maybe they will understand the assignment. Having someone to relate to from an educational standpoint will also make you feel more comfortable in your classes.

- Do not overload yourself with work. Everyone at some point needs a break. Relax sometimes! After you are done with each assignment, walk away from it, stretch, get some food, call a friend, and then after thirty minutes or so, come back to your assignments and review them. You catch more errors and are able to perfect your work if you give yourself breaks in between.

- Do not leave ALL your assignments until the deadline! This is the most important tip of all. Never, ever leave all of your assignments for the last minute. Not only are you putting more pressure on yourself but also you will not be able to do your best work because you are rushing. Who wants to write a five, ten, or fifteen page paper at 3am? No one. Once you receive an assignment, start brainstorming, and do a little work on the assignment each day. This way when the deadline for the assignment arrives, it will be completed ahead of time and be perfected. This will allow you to get fantastic grades and reduce a ton of stress. In addition, it will leave you for more free time to hang out with all of your new college friends as well as join in on activities that you will enjoy.

Have a great year, stay focused, and never give up! A successful freshman year is important, as it sets the pace for the years ahead. Make this year count in a positive manner! Good luck!

If you have any questions about your freshman year or need advice, please feel free to call the College Now Resource Center at (216) 241-5587. Also, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get more tips on how to survive the first year of college!

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Have you ever heard of this saying high school juniors? It means that success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort.  To prepare for college, now is the time to start registering for the ACT and SAT. You may think it is a little early, but there are plenty of reasons why you should start registering early. Here are five good ones:

First, registering early means you can start preparing early by using helpful practice books and tests. They are a great resource!

Second, if you register early and do not do well the first time, you can take it again. According to the ACT website, among students who took the ACT more than once:

-       57% increased their Composite score

-       21% had no change in their Composite score

-       22% decreased their Composite score

Also, PrepMe.com says, “The advantage of taking it again is that your composite score cannot possibly go down since colleges will add up your highest scores from each section to arrive at your composite score.” No matter what, it is always worth a second chance to see if you can score better, you never know what can happen!

Third, if you take the ACT and SAT as early as possible and are satisfied with your scores, you can start sending the scores and other information to the colleges you want to apply to! The faster you get all this information in, the better because you can start narrowing down and finding the college of your choice!

Fourth, if you take the ACT and SAT early you will know what to expect if you have to take them over.

Fifth, taking the ACT and SAT early can allow you free time at the end of your high school career to enjoy yourself because you will have taken the tests and submitted them to your selected colleges in a timely manner. In conclusion, that means you can finally relax!

If you have questions about registering or preparing for the ACT/SAT, visit the College Now advisor in your school or call the College Now Resource Center at (216) 241-5587. In order to receive more information on why it is important to take the ACT/SAT early, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Picking the Perfect College:

High school seniors, how do you know what college is right for you? When looking into colleges, ask yourself these questions to narrow down your options:

Do I want stay close to home or far away?
If I want to go to a college that is far away, can I handle being away from my family for a long period of time?
If I stay close to home, will I want to commute or stay on campus?
What career choices interest me right now?
Do the schools I am looking into have the major I want?
Do the schools I am looking at provide me with internship opportunities and connections to alumni?
Do I want to participate in sports in college?
Do I want to participate in a sorority/fraternity in college?
What organizations and clubs are at the colleges I am looking into?
Do I want a private or public education?
What is the difference between a private and public education?
Do I want to be in small classroom setting?
Do I want to be in a large classroom setting?

These questions are vital to picking the right college for you. Make sure the college that you accept is perfect for you and that you love it. Your college experience will be memorable and enjoyable if you pick somewhere that fits you. This helps you to stay focused and happy during this educational endeavor.

College Now advisors are here to help you find the right college for you.  Visit the College Now advisor in your school or stop in to the College Now Resource Center in Downtown Cleveland for help with your college search. A great way to figure out more ways to find the perfect college for you is to “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.