studydirty

How to Raise your GPA: College Essay Editing

2010-10-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

Let's Get This Party Started Right ...

Howdy Ho. Glad to be back, this time with another "How to Raise Your GPA" article focusing on College Essay Editing. If there is one thing worse than writing an essay, it's the horrible process we all like to call editing. Going back through your words, after spending so much time on just creating them, is like pulling out teeth without the nova caine, or something like that.

As an English major, I understand the importance of a good essay. What I didn't used to know is that editing and revising, spending the time to go over your work, is 70% of the process. It is almost more important than the creation itself (although you need the first draft to be able to come up with a second).

Any, here is a list of tips to make the revision process easier. I will, in the next few months, provide more articles on writing and getting good grades. If you're interested, I suggest subscribing to my HubPages article feed right here, or you can check out all my other articles here, or you can follow me by clicking on that little thing over there to the right that says "follow".

In addition, make sure to check out the resources and links below. There are great sites that help analyze your essay, offer more detailed explanations of comma splices, and of course, my recommended book by Scott Young on how to Learn More, Study Less .

As always, I love comments and questions, so don't be afraid to ask.

Head on over to "How to Raise your GPA: College Essay Editing" for the full article and all the great tips.

For more on raising your gpa, check out my article series on How to Raise Your GPA

How to Raise Your GPA: The Comma is Cool

2010-10-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Comma Is Cool

The series continues. Yep, it is time for another "How to Raise Your GPA" article (which, by the way, I am having a blast writing). This time we take on the elusive and very, very scary COMMA. Those little rugrats that, in my opinion, seperate the wheat from the chaff. So, sit back, and enjoy. Also, make sure to check out the other Raise your GPA articles by click here.

Now, I know what you're thinking - I absolutely hate the rules, the silly songs, and most importantly, I am afraid of the semi colon. Don't worry. These tips are easy, common sense, and you already know them, you just may not know how to state it in writing.

Let's go on with that a bit. Most educated people, especially those who read, understand the conventions of English. Although you may not know what a gerund is (a form of a verb that ends in -ing and operates as a noun in a sentence, as in "Thinking can be painful), it doesn't matter. You know how to use them properly, and that's the only thing that really counts.

How does the Comma Increase My GPA

You may be asking how this applies to a better GPA. First off, it will increase your grades on written assignments. Although the rubric probably doesn't have a "comma points" section, proper use of punctuation will increase the sophistication of your sentences, and your overall prose style. Second, it leaves a good impression on your professor (or teacher or graduate assistant). If those who are doing the grading realize you're knowledgeable of conventional grammar rules, you'll easily stand out amongst most other students.

Remember, the art of writing is a constant process, so if you don't get these tips immediately, don't worry. Getting good at anything comes with practice, and in this case, with writing a ton of essays. I actually completed 21 essays last semester. I don't know what I was thinking, but I did.

Good luck.

For the entire article, including all the tips, head on over to "How to Raise Your GPA: The Comma is Cool"

And for more on raising your GPA, head on over to "Raise Your GPA Article Series"

How to Write an Essay in MLA Format

2010-09-23T10:50:00.000-04:00

A Little Bit to Begin With ...

In my experience college professors, high school teachers, and the like, enjoy a well written essay, with quotations, and proper citations. You shouldn’t be afraid of essays – they are your friend, your confidant, and most importantly, your key to good grades.

Learning how to write an essay in MLA format is an important part of college success. The skills you learn in basic composition courses will benefit you throughout your college years, especially if you are majoring in a humanities field, or if you plan on attending Graduate school or education beyond your bachelor’s degree.

Keep in mind, this article is just the tip of the MLA iceberg – to truly get a grasp on how to use MLA you will need to practice, as in writing a lot of papers, and explore other sources. At the end of this article are great links to great places around the world wide web. You should also consider picking up some of the books and software that I have sprinkled in this article.

To see more tips on MLA Writing, click on "How to Write an Essay in MLA Format"

And to read more on getting better grades, click on "How to Raise your GPA" Article series

How to Raise Your GPA: Three Note Taking Strategies

2010-09-02T10:46:00.000-04:00

How to Raise Your GPA with 3 Note-Taking Strategies

So, in my opinion, the real key to learning, whether in school or for your own edification, is to find various systems that work, and then use them. After many years in college, and a variety of experiments on different ways to learn, I have found a few things to share and advocate. I plan on writing a whole series of hubs on better study techniques, and how to raise your GPA, so if you're interested, please click on follow me. And, as always, I love comments and fan mail, so don't hesitate to hit me up.

In this article I have included three of the methods I use on a daily basis (at least when I'm attending school). Make sure to check out the various links and resources I have included, as well as the book Learn More, Study Less, by Scott Young. I purchased the book when it first came out and find it a great way to get started on increasing your GPA, in college or high school.

See all 5 photos

The Cornell Method

Quite possibly my favorite method of notes, especially in classes that are intensive on details, dates, etc. I typically use this method in history courses that are heavy on information. The idea is that the paper has three sections - the notes section, a "cue" section, and then a summary section. You can see an example to the right of the this blurb. You can tailor any of the steps to suit your needs, but typically, this is how to use the Cornell Method:

Notes section: take your typical notes here. Attempt not to take them down verbatim, but allow yourself to synthesize the information - to basically create your own words from what you're learning.
Cue section: This is basically the margin. You place cue words that give you a bit of understanding as to what is in the notes section. I also add questions to this side, with the answer basically being in the notes section.
Summary: At the end of each page, write a three sentence summary. It is key to summarize in your own words. It allows you to create your own words, and have your own level of understanding.

Tips

Cover up the "notes" side. Use the cue to asks questions, see if you can answer them, and check your answers
Commit to review the summary section every day. You will become very much aware of the material (remember, this isn't your only review of notes, just something in addition to your exam prep strategies)

Links / Resources

PDF Example with Notes on How to Use this Method HERE
Custom Cornell Note Generator HERE
Great Article from LifeHacker.com on this Method HERE

Read the FULL ARTICLE - "How to Raise Your GPA: Three Note Taking Strategies"

Read other HOW TO RAISE YOUR GPA articles

Sell You College Textbooks Online

2010-08-05T10:39:00.000-04:00

Sell Some Books, Make Some Cash

Yep. It’s that time again. Students are finding quarters under the futon, taking back all those bottles from the closet, and of course, selling back their books. Now the traditional way to do this would be to:

1. Walk slowly, almost defeated, to the campus book store

2. Hand them your books

3. Get offered $3 on your $80 Biology text OR

4. Hear those horrible words “we’re not buying this back right now”

I know. It is one of the saddest things in the world, but that’s how it goes. In my personal experience, from this morning actually, I refused to offer my books to the bookstore and went searching for online gold. Here’s what I’ve found.

NOTE: I offer up a few things to assist you in your decisions. First, I list what they offered on a “test” textbook, in this case Human Genetics by Ricki Lewis (ISBN: 978-0073525273). Second, I will let you know their reliability and trustworthiness best on their Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Finally, I will offer up their timeline for payment, method of that payment, and whether or not shipping is free. Hope you enjoy.

NOTE NOTE: All these companies require the book to be in good condition, allowing for highlights and margin notes, but not missing pages or beat up covers. I suggest you check their requirements before sending you books in. For the most part, the company will not send your book back to you if it is deficient in any way.

View "Sell You Textbooks Online" for a complete list of tips, links, and tricks.

How to Buy Cheap Textbooks for College

2010-08-04T10:38:00.002-04:00

College Text Book Time

It’s that time again. Time for textbookbuying, and in some cases, time to shell out some big bucks, making it hard to be that sad, sad creature we all call a college student. But Wait! Don’t despair! I am here! (Sorry, had to, as I am both a poet and lover of Superheroes).

Quick Fact: The average student textbook, based on a review of major publishers, is $131.44. Yuck!

Anyway, while at community college, I used to shell out full price, at the student bookstore, for new textbooks. My financial aid, including grants and loans, easily covered the costs for tuition and books, and I didn’t feel I needed to be that savvy. Then something happened. I don’t exactly know what, but I think it was the need to buy a new car. Now my income and expenses took on a whole new meaning, and I needed to shave as much as possible. So, I started doing research. I am happy to admit that I’ve been “off” the new books for years, and haven’t had one relapse. All it takes is a little planning, a little cash before financial aid rolls in, and a little bit of faith in the internet.

Most of the tips below are from real experience, and not just regurgitated facts from the internet. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ll make it clear what sites I’ve had success or problems with, as well as resources I have yet to try, but feel they deserve a mention.

Have fun and good luck with school this year.

Facts that may make you cringe …

· Most edition changes are not substantial, but allow for the publisher to charge more for the text book

· The bundling of CD-ROMs and other media allow the publisher to charge a lot more for the book (and most likely you don’t need that baloney for your class anyway). PERSONAL NOTE: I have taken only once course where I needed the extra CD’s and junk – Spanish.

· Not all professor’s are aware of what a text book costs, nor do they make the final decision in what books are required for the program

· Textbooks are more expensive than other books to produce. The added pictures, color pages, detailed facts, etc., cost cash to make.

· Older editions are always cheaper than the new ones, and most of the time, at least in my experience; the older edition is just as fine. A TIP: most of the time your school’s library will have some of your textbooks on reserve. If your older edition is missing an article, or devastingly important graph, you can always check it out at the library.

(Much of the above information came from an article by Charlotte Allen ofMindingTheCampus.com. The original article is posted HERE. )

View "How to Buy Cheap Textbooks for College" including sites to save you some hard earned (or slightly stolen) cash!

How to Write an Essay in MLA Format

2010-06-15T20:15:00.000-04:00

A Little Bit to Begin With ...

Check out the full article at How to Write an Essay in MLA Format

How to Raise Your GPA - 14 Quick Tips

2010-05-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

First off, make sure to check out my article How to Raise Your GPA. It has details on three different note taking techniques, along with examples, links, resources, and a suggested book.

Second, make sure to check out these tips below. They are easy, quick, and usually no-brainers to assist in your college notes.

Come prepared
Make sure to come prepared to the class
Read any and all assignments (or at least scan through them)
Use a nice journal - nice books for note taking equals a higher quality of note
Same thing with nicer pens - find one that works and use it
Be neat, Be quick
Be concise - you don't want to write down every word verbatim
Come up with your own common sense abbreviations (like w/o for without, b/c for because)
Listen for words like important, critical, essential, etc. - make sure to note these as your teacher is making a point to make it important
Listen for repeated concepts - those are most likely more important than others
If possible, list page numbers, etc., that refer to your text - that way, when reviewing your notes, you can reference the appropriate textbooks
I like to rewrite my notes - I actually transfer them from my journal to MS OneNote
When rewriting notes, reword them as well. Synthesize the material into your own words and understanding
Review your notes daily - takes a few minutes, but pays off in a big way come test time

Check out the full article on How to Raise your GPA with 3 Note Taking Techniques

For a great list of products, books, and more, check out my Weebly page HERE

Persuasive Writing Techniques (and tips on MLA formating)

2010-05-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

One of the toughest aspects of essay writing is figuring out the angle you wish to take on the subject. Out of all the different types of essays out there, I love persuasive ones. It gives you the opportunity to be passionate about your subject, while also learning how to use logic to convince others.

Here are a few techniques to help you along your way.

Repetition: A good writer will tell you that repeating your point, in a good and positive way, is key to getting your reader to agree with you. You need to make your point in different ways, but continue to make it. Utilize examples, stories, quotes, and of course, in your conclusion.

Reasons Why: Your reader is more likely to side with your argument if you give them a reason. That is the key to successful persuasive writing.

Consistency: If you get your reader to agree with someone early on, it will be easier to walk them through the rest of the way. Make sure you are consistent in your writing and your logic.

Social Proof: Use examples of what other people think, from statistics and polls, to quotes from everyday, normal people.

Comparisons: Make sure to use metaphors, similes, and analogies. These tools allow the reader to connect your ideas with ones they already have in their minds. These are the best friends a writer can have.

Agitate and Solve: First, identify the problem and relate it to your audience. Second, agitate them and show them your solution will solve the problem.

For more study tips, head on over to www.StudyDirty.com

Also, if you’re looking for a great guide on how to write an essay in MLA format head on over to here

And quick introduction help, for essays, are over here

Get Better Grades Now - Easy Tips

2010-05-12T16:38:00.000-04:00

After years in school, after many years out of school, I have researched as many different techniques as possible to get better grades. In all honesty, it is not as hard as you might think. First off, you need to commit to those grades, even in the classes/courses you hate. Secondly, you have to be willing to not only learn your coursework, but also learn “how to learn” through books, blogs, and hopefully, this article. Finally, you have to give yourself a break. No one should overdue things – This process of improving your grades is a long journey. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen sooner than you think. And, the great part is, the improvement will compound on itself, like a giant snowball gaining momentum and size.

So, here is a quick list of basic tricks to get better grades. These are the types of actions you need to make habitual. They are easy to do, just not as easy to do every day.

1. Attend all classes
2. Take notes, but also listen to what is being said
3. Use pen and paper if at all possible (it allows you to think before you write, not just type what the teacher is saying verbatim)
4. Schedule study time for yourself
5. Buy a planner, use the planner
6. Don’t spend too much time figuring out a system for doing something – just do it
7. Learn the library is a great friend, your room is a possible enemy, and the shower is where some of your best essay angles are from
8. If you have the chance, do office hours with your professor, but only if you have a valid question or need
9. Explore note taking techniques, especially the Cornell Method
10. Google “memorization techniques” and learn different systems to aid your memory
11. Spend 30 minutes per week to map out the next week
12. Read something funny, witty, or entertaining
13. Take a break once in a while, but not for 3 days

For more information, and other great tips, check out these links - hub & article

10 overused words in writing

2010-05-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

From a great site - Wednesdays and Fridays - check it out


10 Overused Words in Writing
All words are good words. Some, however, are overused without adding value to what you write. As a result, they reduce the readers’ interest, make text seem redundant, and cause the writer to appear amateurish. We have created a list of 10 overused words, based on the documents we have edited over the last 5 years. We don’t recommend that you remove these words from your writing. Instead, we recommend that you become aware of how often you use them and that you revise your documents to limit their use. 1. There When writers are not sure about the subjects of their sentences, they will often use this word as the subject. This results in weak writing. (For advice on correcting this problem, see our article “Where Is There?”) Example: “There was no one at home.” This can be revised as “No one was at home.” 2. You Writers often use this word when referring to general or reoccurring situations. “You” rarely refers to the reader and should be avoided. Example: “Our grandmother was nice. She always gave you candy.” This can be revised as “Our grandmother was nice. She always gave us candy.” 3. If Although “if” is a fine word, it is overused by writers trying to describe options and thought processes. Example: “If she took the bus, she wouldn’t have time to stop by the grocery store.” This can be revised as “Taking the bus would leave her too little time to stop by the grocery store.” 4. When Readers realize that actions can occur at the same time, which is what the word “when” indicates. Thus, “when” is usually unnecessary. Example: “When she opened the door, she saw blood on the floor.” This can be revised as “She opened the door and saw the blood on the floor.” Some writers use “when” to describe actions that cannot occur at the same time, as in “When she woke up, she made coffee.” Actually, she first wakes up and then makes the coffee. This can be revised as “She woke up and made the coffee.” 5. As We once worked on a book in which the author used this word repeatedly to describe the timing of actions, often 3 or 4 times in one paragraph. Example: “He was shouting ‘Follow me!’ as he ran down the road.” This can be revised as “He ran down the road shouting ‘Follow me!’ ” 6. Very Mark Twain made this comment about using “very”: “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you're inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” “Very” is a crutch for finding the right word to describe what you mean to say. Find the right word. Example: “He was very old.” This can be revised as “He was ancient.” Also, in this example, you can simply write, “He was old,” and then provide text to further explain what you mean by “old.” For example, you could write, “He was old. He walked hesitantly, knowing that his brittle bones would surely break were he to stumble over an unseen obstacle.” 7. Really Generally, this word can be removed without changing the meaning of a sentence. Anything that is true is also really true. Example: “He was really nervous about speaking in public.” This can be revised as “He was nervous about speaking in public.” To show a greater degree, use a different word, as in “He was panicky about speaking in public” or “Public speaking scared him.” 8. Am/Is/Are/Was/Were (“to be” verbs) Action verbs are always preferable to state-of-being verbs. Use words that describe the action occurring. Rather than saying what something/someone is, show the reader what something/someone does. Example: “I am envious of her success.” This can be revised as “I envy her success.” Example: “She was dressed in leather chaps and a flannel shirt.” This can be revised as “She wore leather chaps and a flannel shirt.” 9. So See #7. “So” is also overused as a conjunction. Example: “Her face was inches from his own, so he leaned forward and kissed her.” This can be revised as “Her face was inches from his own. He leaned forward and kissed her.” 10. Because This word is overused to provide explanations. To fix this, use the word “and” with action verbs. Example: “He wanted to go to the fair because his friends would be there.” This can be revised as “He wanted to go to the fair and meet with his friends.” Example: “I want to leave because I am tired.” This can be revised as “I’m tired and want to leave.”

The 4D Method - from CalNewport.com

2010-05-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

This post is taken from CalNewport.com, a great site for study tips and tricks. Go ahead and take a look at his awesome ideas at www.CalNewport.com.

Winding Down into Chaos

Here at MIT we’re rapidly approaching the worst part of the semester: the last 2 - 4 weeks. Just when I think I have everything under control — my autopilot is humming along, my fixed schedule is keeping my stress low, GTDCS is herding my little tasks — the end of the semester looms and threatens to destabilize my whole world. I know that my work load is about to spike as all my large projects become due simultaneously and every class initiates their own scramble to tie up all the loose ends.

I’m sure this experience sounds familiar.

Worry Not, I Have, as Always, a System to Help

I thought I might share with you the cobbled-together collection of big-picture strategies that help me navigate the end of semester crunch. I call it the 4D method because each of its four components — after some linguistic wrangling — starts with the letter ‘D’. The end of semester will remain hectic. But the four D’s will help you maintain your sanity.

The 4D Method

The method consists of four general strategies:

DROPIn preparation for the increased load: drop or defer every activity or obligation you reasonably can. Early in the term, when life seems tame and under control, it’s easy to start initiating projects and agreeing to participate in events and activities. Then things get busy. Now is the time to undue that optimistic obligating in preparation for the battle to follow. Be ruthless.
DASHMany small obligations in your life resist dropping. Maybe you owe an article to a campus publication. Maybe you’re supposed to present the readings in an upcoming class. Before you transition into full on scramble mode, focus on dashing through as many of these remaining small obligations as possible. Purge the small and urgent off the face of your to-do list. Be a relentless completion machine — clearing your plate of the little things that might later gunk up the wheels of progress during the critical weeks ahead. Do this even if it means you are finishing small tasks well before they are due (the horror!)
DENYIf someone tries to rope you into a new obligation, give them one of only two answers: “no” or “after the semester ends.” Stick to this. No matter how small or how tempting it is to offer up your time. For now, you need to keep things simple.
DIVIDEOnce your schedule is cleared of the small stuff, start dividing up the final days of the semester between your major projects and obligations. Put aside, for example, an entire weekend just for studying for a given class. Maybe Monday and Tuesday will be for finishing the rough draft of your research paper and Wednesday for studying for another class and Thursday to polish the paper. These finalizing work pushes require a good consistent block of non-distracted time. Don’t let them muddle all together.

Clear Schedule, Clear Mind

The philosophy behind the 4D method can be summarized: simplify, simplify, simplify. You want your entire working life during the final weeks of the semester to be just about the major things you have to finish. You want to provide these major final projects uninterrupted blocks of concentration — unhindered by mosquito tasks sucking dry the life blood of your focus. The 4D method will get you there.

Keep in mind, however, this does not replace the ESS Philosophy — you still need to start major projects early. But even projects that have been thoroughly pulverized typically require major pushes at the end to finish them off. Combine this with the other big tasks that loom around this time of the term — test studying, final problem sets, class presentations — and even the most conscientious student will have her hands full. Let the 4D’s guide you home.