paper | Steph

My Pre-Test Routine

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Stephanie

This last week and a half has been intense … to say the least. I had 3 midterms and 2 huge papers, and basically I studied for every spare moment that I had. So, to give you an idea of how (some) college students study, I thought I would share my process with you.

Writing Papers –

When I am writing papers, I really don’t like stopping to look something up or to see how to cite something correctly. This is a serious problem when I am writing my big internship papers, because I am usually citing from about 5 or 6 books for one paper. Hence this studying spread:

My studying area...

I also love being able to lay everything out together, so I either work from the floor or from the futon (in “bed” mode of course). I do prefer working from the futon, because it doubles as study/nap space, and then you don’t feel like you are sitting on the floor either … because you aren’t. But I do like being able to sit down and finish the bulk of the paper all in one sitting (a very rough draft of course) and then leave it for a bit before I come back to edit it again. This takes a long time (I spent about 8-10 hours at least on each of my papers this last week), but it gets the job done, which is all that matters … right?

Studying for Tests –

Studying for tests is where my habits get really strange. Like any other normal person, I review the chapters, then work on the study guide (if you are given one). Depending on how much time I have, I might work through the study guide twice, once in electronic format (copy & pasting a lot of information from class powerpoints), and then once again by making notecards.

My very cluttered screen, while compiling a study guide...

Usually I don’t have time for both, so I just make notecards. Then, I take my notecards, I go to the Bathroom, and I talk to myself.

I know, I know … it’s weird. But, it helps me explain the concepts well, which is really helpful when it comes to the essay portion of my tests, because I can truly walk myself through everything, since I had a conversation with myself about it the night before. Trust me, it works!

Check back tomorrow for a blog about my post-test and paper routine … I like it much more than what I do before a test, just as a heads up.

Also, for more information about a great resource that Butler provides students looking for help with their academics, check out the Learning Resource Center.

Tagged: learning, learning resource center, paper, routine, studying, test, writing, writing papers | 1 Comment

Where did the semester go???

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Stephanie

Last night…I looked at my iCal….big mistake. I was talking to my parents about what is going on for the next month or so…and I realized that basically, the semester is over. And, unfortunately, I won’t be able to sleep for more than 5 hours a night until the semester is over. I’m probably over exaggerating as usual there…but really…I’m somewhat freaking out. Here is why…

I have a HUGE paper due at the end of April, and I have decided what general topic I will be using, but I need to narrow it down. And I hate making decisions.
I have a couple tests in the next two weeks….just thinking about tests makes me nervous.
Spring has arrived, and with that has come busy weekends….every weekend. There are banquets, philanthropy events, formals, Spring Sports Spectacular, and Easter….and somehow I need to find a way to do all of that…plus study and relax.
My sister is getting married in 4 months….and there is much to be done. Planning a bridal shower….or better yet…finding a date that works for the bridal shower…is going to be rather intense.
It is the middle of March….and I’m not sure what I’m doing with my summer yet. And I hate uncertainty more than the average person.

But, even though I’m not sure how I will handle all of this just yet, and I don’t know how it will all work out, I am just going to remind myself that I am on Spring Break for now….and I will decide how to make everything in my life work out…one step at a time. Plus….it is spring….and I’m at home….which means that we have an abundance of baby calves right now….which always makes the world better.