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Personal Development Skills for College Students: Why They Matter and How to Develop Them

Professional Development Skills for College Students: Why They Matter and How to Develop Them

College is a time of growth and self-discovery. While students are busy studying for exams and participating in extracurricular activities, it’s important to also focus on professional development skills. These skills can help students succeed in their academic and personal lives, build strong relationships, and improve their overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore why professional development skills matter and how college students can develop them.

Why Professional Development Skills Matter

Professional development skills refer to the abilities and traits that help individuals grow and improve. These skills are not only important for personal growth but also for professional success. Here are some reasons why professional development skills matter for individuals:

  1. Improved Self-Awareness

Personal development skills help students become more self-aware. This means understanding their strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. By developing self-awareness, students can make better decisions and find more fulfillment in their lives.

  1. Better Communication

By developing communication skills, students can improve their relationships with peers, professors, and future employers.

  1. Goal Setting and Time Management

College students have a lot on their plates, from coursework to extracurricular activities. By developing goal-setting and time-management skills, students can prioritize their tasks and make the most of their time.

  1. Adaptability and Resilience

Life is unpredictable, and students will inevitably face challenges and setbacks. By developing adaptability and resilience, students can bounce back from setbacks and overcome obstacles.

How to Develop Professional Development Skills

Developing skills takes time and effort. One way to do that is by taking advantage of online training courses. Professional development online training courses are designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from leadership skills to technical skills.

These courses off a wide range of benefits for college students, including:

  1. Flexibility

Professional development online training courses are designed to be flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is especially important for college students who may have busy class schedules or part-time jobs. With online courses, students can fit in their development training around their other commitments.

  1. Cost-Effective

Online training courses are often more cost-effective than traditional in-person courses. This is because there are no travel costs or expenses associated with renting physical spaces. Additionally, many online courses offer discounts or scholarships for students, making them an affordable option for those on a tight budget.

  1. Wide Range of Topics

Online training courses cover a wide range of topics, from leadership skills to technical skills. This allows students to choose courses that align with their personal interests and career goals. By taking courses in areas that interest them, students can develop skills that will make them more competitive in the job market.

  1. Access to Expert Instructors

Online training courses are often taught by experts in their respective fields. This means that students have access to instructors who have real-world experience and can provide valuable insights and advice. Additionally, many courses offer one-on-one coaching or mentorship opportunities, giving students personalized attention and guidance.

  1. Career Advancement Opportunities

By taking online training courses, college students can enhance their resumes and make themselves more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, some courses offer certifications or credentials that can help students stand out in a crowded job market. These courses can also provide networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with professionals in their desired field.

In conclusion, professional development skills are crucial for college students who want to succeed in their professional lives. Professional development online training courses offer a cost-effective, flexible, and wide-ranging way for students to develop these skills. By taking advantage of these courses, students can enhance their resumes, make themselves more competitive in the job market, and gain valuable insights and advice from expert instructors.

SEE ALSO: eLearning for Career Development: How Online Education Can Boost Your Career Prospects

Beginning a Real Estate Career While in College

Beginning a Real Estate Career While in College

A real estate job is an excellent choice for any college student. If you have a real estate license, you’ll be able to collaborate with experts and begin a career while finishing your course of study.

In this blog, we’ll go over how to use your education to set yourself up for career success. We’ll also show you how to enjoy working as a part-time realtor while you’re still studying.

How to Start a Career as a Realtor as a Student

You need to be at least 18 years old to become a licensed real estate agent. Therefore, you can apply from your first year of college. There are multiple factors to consider before applying, however.

Firstly, you must have a strong work ethic to study and work as a realtor simultaneously. Age might pose an issue in some cases, considering that people can doubt the abilities of realtors in their early twenties. On the other hand, younger generations are well-versed in social media and marketing tools.

Social media management and online presence are key factors in selling properties, as today most people spend hours online and marketing is crucial for any business. Moreover, millennials are at the top of the homebuyer demographic, so students are more likely to understand the buyer’s psychology and needs.

Getting a License

First of all, you must get a real estate education. Secondly, you need a license to start working as a realtor. To get a license, you have to go through a background check, pass a state licensing exam, and sign with a brokerage. There are some additional specific requirements for obtaining a real estate license depending on the state you live in. Therefore, we advise you to get more information about licensing in your area.

The specific requirements vary depending on the state.

  • Age Requirements
  • Residency requirements
  • Educational requirements
  • Background check requirements
  • Real estate education requirements
  • State examination requirements

Maintaining Your License

Professional qualifications need to be renewed frequently, as do real estate licenses. You need to renew your license periodically. States regulate the frequency of necessary licensing renewals. Most states require licenses to be renewed every two years, but some states have different rules.

You must be sure to keep up with the license renewal deadlines, so you can calmly continue your professional life. Some states have shorter renewal times at first, but the time period of renewal becomes longer after a few renewals.

Before you head into the real estate career, ensure that you have researched the license renewal process in your state.

Securing a Broker to Practice With

Several states require a real estate license applicant to show proof of sponsorship from a real estate broker. Real estate brokers can operate on their own, however, real estate agents are not allowed to work solo. Maintaining a partnership with brokers is usually better than being a freelance real estate agent.

If you wish to showcase rental properties, properties on sale, or investment property opportunities, you need to work with a broker.

Therefore, researching partnership opportunities ahead of time is encouraged. Gather information about local brokerages and their reputations. Research their sales, learn about agents associated with these brokerages, and choose a broker that’s the most suitable for you and your work process.

Brokerages offer different deals, payouts, and work hours. Attending real estate agency events and getting more information from professionals is advised. You should secure a deal with brokers that can be advantageous to you. Brokerages even offer mentorships and learning opportunities to young professionals. So, you should choose wisely.

After receiving your license and gaining a partnership with a broker, you will have to get errors and omissions insurance. The insurance is there to protect you from clients who falsely accuse you of negligence. Some states require applicants to have insurance even before taking exams. As such, you should research the requirements for insurance before starting to study for real estate agency exams.

Working as a Part-Time Realtor While Still in School

Realtors have the opportunity to pick their working hours and search listings on their own time. Therefore, you can study and work as much as you would like. However, it’s important to negotiate with the real estate agents that you work with and the brokerage that took you under its wing.

Being a real estate agent is one of the most efficient ways of earning a living while still in school. Moreover, you can create advertisements for social media in your free time. As a young person, it’s likely that you will be familiar with online advertising and social media property marketing. You can create these advertisements in less than an hour most of the time.

According to experienced property managers, property marketing is very simple and it doesn’t cost much nowadays. Therefore, you won’t have to make a lot of expenses from your payouts. You won’t even have to get stressed as navigating and creating websites and sharing listings can be a lot of fun if you enjoy such a business.

As a young part-time realtor still in school, managing your career will not become stressful and exhausting while studying. You can choose your hours, create inexpensive social media advertisements, and work with successful mentors.

SEE ALSO: Gratitude Gets the Job: The Art of Writing a Job Offer Thank-You Letter

Why Do Students Need Assignment Guidance?

Why Do Students Need Assignment Guidance?

It can be a difficult time for students in college because of the many things they have to deal with. They have to deal with their academics, finances, and personal lives simultaneously, which can cause stress and anxiety. This is why students often find themselves looking for assignment guidance. They know they need help but don’t want anyone else to know about it. The good news is that there are many ways out of this situation. One of them involves getting help from outside sources for cheap assignment writing so that you can succeed in your classes. External support prevents getting kicked out of school due to poor performance on assignments.

Students have to Deal with many New Things when they Come to College

When you’re in college, you deal with many new and unfamiliar things. You have to adapt to a new environment, learn to live independently, and make decisions. You also have a lot more responsibilities than when you were in high school. Students may need help understanding all the challenges they face at college. And that’s why they need help from an expert who can guide them through these challenges.

It is Natural to Seek Help

It is natural for students to seek help as they are not used to managing their own lives. Their parents and teachers have conditioned them to accept the need for supervision, guidance, and assistance in all aspects of their lives, including assignments.

When it comes to college essay assignments, students need help figuring out where to start. Or how to go about doing them. They are used to having someone else do this work for them. This action gets them good grades and avoids punishment by their teachers or school authorities.

High Expectations

Students are expected to take up too many responsibilities and fulfill their obligations. This is where they need to manage their time well to balance their personal and professional lives. Prioritizing the assignments is another important thing that students should be able to do while tackling other projects. Managing time is a skill that can help them get better at managing things in general, which makes it all the more vital for them to learn how to do it properly.

Assignments Take up a lot of Time

Students have a lot going on in their lives. They have to go to school and complete all the assignments assigned to them by the teachers to finance Education. The projects take up a lot of time, and they must get them done on time while juggling all the other things they must do. In addition, they may be given assignments that are too difficult for them or require tasks outside of the classroom (such as interviews with experts). These tasks can be challenging for students who need to learn what is expected from them.

Students Usually Produce Low-Quality Assignments

  • This issue also negatively affects the assignment quality, which leaves students feeling like they need help figuring out what to do.
  • A student’s lack of time and effort to put into an assignment will undoubtedly affect its quality.
  • If students can communicate their ideas clearly, then it is likely that their work will be accepted or better rated by the professor.
  • If a student does not stay focused on the task, they may end up handing in an assignment of low quality.

They Can’t Give up on their Education, though, Since that would be a Big Mistake

This is why many parents and students believe that the best way to manage their Education is through assignment guidance services. It helps them know exactly what to do to get their degree. It also gives them options for how they can go about doing this. This service also provides students with other benefits, such as access to tutors who can help them in writing an essay and exams. Furthermore, they advise on how they can improve themselves academically.

This isn’t just about getting a college degree, though. It’s about ensuring you save money by paying for something that will benefit you. That’s why many people choose this option over others, like online classes or taking classes at community colleges.

Why Students must Use Assignment Services

Most students don’t need any more challenges when they come to college. However, their lives are already busy with problems from home, work, and other personal issues that can no longer be ignored. The truth is that most students become so overwhelmed by all these responsibilities that they end up failing to do anything right at all. This is where writing help comes in handy for them since it assists with assignment writing and other related academic tasks. Using this help ensures your grades do not drop because of your inability to manage time or complete tasks on time.

Reduce Stress

Perhaps the most significant benefit of all is stress reduction. With a professional writer on your team, you can relax and not worry about completing assignments or meeting deadlines. You will also have peace of mind about getting good grades. Knowing that your task was conducted by an accredited writer with experience with your topic means you won’t have to worry about the quality of their work.

Get more Free Time

By hiring assignment guidance, you’ll be able to spend more time with your family. You can work on other projects. You can earn a little money by selling any extra hours your services are not used.

Conclusion

We hope we were able to make a case for why students need assignment guidance as much as they might not want to admit it. It is always possible to start taking control of your life and handle things independently, even if this means getting help from another person. That way, you will be able to succeed in whatever field you choose without having regrets when looking back at things later on down the road.

SEE ALSO: The Dissertation Finishing Mindset: How to Complete Your Study on Time

Balancing College Life and Mental Health

Balancing College Life and Mental Health

College is supposed to be one of the most unforgettable times of your life. But, it can also be one of the most stressful. A national survey of college students in 2020 found that nearly 40% experienced depression, one in three dealt with anxiety, and one in seven admitted that they’d thought about suicide in the last year.

When you think about it, college students have a lot on their plates that can contribute to a decline in mental health. Moving to a new environment is scary. Making new friends can be overwhelming. Thinking about the future is often daunting, especially when you factor in student loan debt.

On top of it all, today’s college students are trying to navigate their way to graduation through a global pandemic.

Do all of those things sound familiar? If so, take a deep breath.

First of all, you’re not alone in the way you’re feeling. More importantly, though, you don’t have to let the weight of stress and anxiety spoil your college career. By finding ways to balance college life and your mental health, you can make the most of your experience and prioritize your well-being. Let’s cover a few useful tips that can make it easier to find that balance.

Adjusting to a New Place

One of the hardest things about getting used to college is living in a new place. For most students, it’s the first time you’re living apart from your family. If you went to a different state for college, it can often feel like you’re in a completely foreign territory.

Moving, in general, is stressful. It’s even harder when you’re on your own. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the adjustment period easier, including:

  • Making socializing a priority
  • Staying physically active
  • Practicing self-care
  • Trying new things
  • Doing things that bring you happiness and comfort

One of the benefits of college is that it’s relatively easy to do most of those things. Having a roommate or two is a great way to meet people immediately. Joining clubs you’re interested in is another wonderful option for keeping busy and meeting friends with shared interests. Go for walks around campus to get the lay of the land while staying active at the same time. And, don’t be afraid to stay involved in some of your old hobbies.

Most importantly, don’t rush yourself. Adjustments take time. It’s okay to feel a bit homesick at first, and there’s no perfect timeline for feeling comfortable in a new place. Take care of yourself and be willing to meet new people, and you might be surprised when one day you wake up feeling happier and less homesick than before.

Managing Your Stress

Whether you’re a first-year student or you’re graduating in a semester, excessive stress can be a huge problem for college students.

Between keeping up with classes, maintaining a social life, and thinking about the future, it’s easy to burn out quickly and feel like you don’t have any energy. Some of the suggestions listed above can make a big difference when it comes to stress management. Basic self-care practices like getting enough sleep and exercising are crucial for managing your stress. But, you can also improve your energy and feel less fatigued by eating energy-boosting foods (and maybe cutting back on the ramen), striking a healthy work-life balance with your classes, and spending time outside.

It’s also helpful to cut out alcohol. While parties tend to be stereotypical of college experiences, limiting your alcohol intake can actually give you more energy and boost your overall health. When you’re more energized, your focus will improve. You won’t feel so overwhelmed, and it’ll be easier to manage your stress.

Reaching Out for Help

Remember that survey we touched on earlier? Clearly, if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, you’re not the only one. Because of the rise in mental health conditions across college campuses, many universities have established mental health centers and services.Unfortunately, there is still a stigma to seeking mental health treatment for some people. Don’t let that deter you from reaching out and getting the help you need. Seeking out help is a sign of strength. Consider some of the following services that might meet your needs and help you to manage your stress:

  • Campus support groups
  • Guidance counselors
  • On-campus counselors or therapists
  • Mental health brochures/resources for off-campus guidance

You can also help yourself in other ways, including volunteering for organizations or groups that mean something to you. One study by Harvard Medical School found that volunteering helps people feel more socially connected. That can help you to manage depressive thoughts and fight back against loneliness.

Even reaching out to family members and friends at home can make a big difference in how you feel. If you’re struggling, connect with those who already support you and want to help.

Taking charge of your mental health in college is one of the best things you can do. Yes, you’ll be more focused and productive when it comes to your studies. More importantly, though, you’ll learn how to take care of your well-being in positive and impactful ways. Those are the skills you’ll carry with you long after you graduate.

Tips For Acing Your Final Exams

Tips for Acing Your Final Exams

If exam anxiety creeps up on you every finals week, or you simply can’t stand taking exams, you aren’t alone. Final exam week is stressful, to say the least.

Of course, your GPA and sanity depend on a high grade, but acing exams isn’t necessarily your thing. So, now your new obsession is optimizing your study habits because this exam will be different.

Studying effectively for final exams seems to be easier said than done. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with practical advice on how to get the most out of your study sessions and, in turn, do well on your exams.

Designate a Study Space

Our first tip for acing your final exam is to designate a study space. If you can study in your bed and actually get something out of it, kudos to you. Most of us can’t do it because it sends mixed signals to our brain, and our bodies don’t know if we should be sleeping or doing.

You can make things clearer for your mind and body by designating a study space that encourages you to focus on learning and studying productively. Consider the following when designing your study area:

  • Access to high-speed internet
  • Comfortable furniture
  • A sturdy desk or table
  • Lighting
  • Temperature
  • Accessories and Artwork
  • Music

Create a Study Schedule

Don’t just wing it when it comes to studying. That’s how all-nighters happen, and we can honestly say cramming the night before an exam won’t get you favorable test results. Instead, create a study schedule to ensure you’re giving yourself ample time to study.

Implementing a study schedule all year is ideal, but you should give yourself at least a couple of weeks minimum to study before your exam. Choose blocks of time to study each day. Be sure to take frequent breaks during your sessions to give your mind time to refresh and reset before diving back in.

Organize Your Notes

You’ve learned a lot come the end of a quarter or semester. You likely have more notes and notebooks than you know what to do with, but all of the information in them is crucial to keep. When it’s time for your final exam, it’s a good idea to take some time to organize your notes.

You can loosely organize your notes or use something more structured like a mind map. Converting your notes into mind maps can help you better understand complex information because it’s visually presented to you, easy to review, and manageable.

Once your notes are organized, you can review them against the study guide provided by your professor. Or, you can create a study guide of your own based on your notes and begin studying that way.

Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

It might be tempting to pull all-nighters and survive on snacks during finals week, but do everything you can to avoid both. You must get a good night’s rest, not just the night before your exam, but every night in the weeks leading up to it. You should also pay special attention to how you’re fueling your body.

Do your best to get 6-8 hours of sleep each night and eat healthily throughout each day. When you’re well-rested and well-fed, you’re mind, body, and spirit will remain in tip-top shape, making it easier for you to study.

Get a Study Buddy

If you study better alone, no problem. However, don’t feel bad if you need someone beside you to get the most out of studying.

Reach out to your classmates and see if they’re interested in forming a study group. You can meet in person or virtually. Just be sure everyone in the group is on board with when you’re going to meet and what you will study in each particular session.

You can also study with friends who aren’t in the same classes as you. Sometimes just being around other students who understand what you’re going through is enough to keep you motivated and uplifted during this stressful time.

Enlist the Help of Your Professors

Not enough students do it, but enlisting the help of your professors when studying for your final exams is wise. Although it may seem like your professors are the enemy at times, they’re there to help you and want to see you succeed. Don’t feel like you have to do this alone.

Take full advantage of office hours. You’d be surprised how many professors are longing for just one student to visit them when their doors are open. You’d also be surprised at how helpful and memorable office hour sessions can be.

So, compile your most pressing questions and head to your professor’s office to get them all hashed out so that you’re thoroughly prepared for your final exam.

Conclusion

Final exams are no joke. Just thinking about them can trigger anxiety, and the next thing you know, you’re talking yourself out of even showing up. But this doesn’t have to be you. Instead, implement the tips above to have the best chance at acing your final exam.

SEE ALSO: How to Become a Straight-A Student Without Spending All Your Time Studying

Preparation for your stay in the U.S.

Preparation for your stay in the U.S.

Careful planning is one thing that you will have to do in order to make your time abroad a success. With so much to plan, you need to start early and use a timetable in which to do things. As with your application process to select a school you need to make a list with everything you will need to make your time abroad easier.

Before you leave for the USA, you will need to plan for the following:

Student Visa

Your student visa is extremely important for your studies in the USA. Among other things, the type of visa you are issued will determine whether you have the option to work in the United States while you are at school.

Anyone who will be studying in the United States could be issued one of the three following visa types for international students: F1 Visa, J1 Visa or M1 Visa. The F1 and J1 Visas allow for the possibility of employment but does not guarantee it. The M1 Visa, however, does not allow for the possibility of employment.

For more information you should visit the US government’s student visa page.

Health Care

The US healthcare system is the most advanced, the most complex (and therefore the most complicated), and one of the most expensive in the world. It is important to know what kind of healthcare to receive when heading over there.

On Campus

Most college and university campuses offer some type of general medical care; services vary from basic first-aid and treatment of minor ailments to sophisticated multi-doctor primary care centers offering x-rays, laboratory tests, prescription drugs and access to specialists. The cost of on-campus medical services is normally not very expensive.

During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school’s health care center or infirmary.

Off Campus

If you prefer to visit a medical practitioner off-campus, you have several choices (though the cost is generally higher). Private doctors treat non-emergency patients by appointment during regular office hours, typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Minor emergency clinics do not require appointments, and are usually open on weekends and holidays.

In case of a serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room — by ambulance if necessary. Hospital emergency rooms are designed to treat life-threatening ailments; this is typically the most expensive place to receive care.

If you need to use a medical facility, but are uncomfortable with your English skills, ask a friend to go with you. Proper communication is very important.

Communications

Keeping in touch and staying connected to friends and families around the world is important so that you do not feel cut off. It is natural to feel homesick from time to time. When this happens, one of the best ways to combat homesickness is to talk to a family member or close friend from back home. Thankfully, there are now plenty of apps and programs that allow you to communicate with people anywhere in the world for free, such as Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Facetime, and Snapchat. If you are willing to expend the effort, you can send a letter in the traditional form, using pen and paper.

Travel Arrangements

You will need to make sure you have some temporary accommodations and plan ahead for when you first get to the USA. Preparing for an overseas adventure is really an education in itself, taking care of all details with regard to admissions offices, enrollment procedures, immigration, and transferring funds.

You will likely plan to explore parts of the country before or after the academic semester. Sometimes they opt to travel during school holidays such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Break; check your own school’s calendar for specific vacation dates and be sure to visit the student travel center for your travel needs.

It is important to plan a general itinerary before you leave your home country for the States, if you want to budget properly and take advantage of lower costs by purchasing your travel tickets in advance. Try to use a combination of airplanes, trains, buses and automobiles to get the most out of your travels (and your funds). Amtrak, for example, is the United States’ primary passenger rail provider. Luckily for you, the Internet has made it easier than ever to gather information about your travel options, so make the most of that resource and get researching!

SEE ALSO: How to Get a Student Visa

How to Become a Straight-A Student Without Spending All Your Time Studying

How to Become a Straight-A Student Without Spending All Your Time Studying

If you are struggling to balance your time between studying, a social life, and other activities while maintaining a high GPA then it is time to take a close look at your study habits. This article will focus on how you can become an excellent student without sacrificing everything else in your life.

Find out what motivates you

The first thing you should do is understand your driving force. Are you motivated by grades or the subject matter itself? Try to find the value and the curiosity in the classes and topics that you’re taking. This will help you stay interested in the material which can make it easier to absorb. If certain topics seem more difficult than others, look for ways to break down complex ideas into digestible parts so they won’t be overwhelming.

It’s also helpful to keep your big goal in mind when you’re trying to find the motivation to get you through times when you don’t feel like hitting the books. For example, you might want to look forward to the next milestone in your education or career after college. This could be getting accepted into law school or an MBA program, securing a lucrative job at a renowned company, or starting your own business in the near future.

Set goals that are achievable

It’s important to set high standards for your academic performance, but not have them be unrealistic. It’s feasible to try to improve your semester grade average by a full grade, but it might be more challenging to improve it more than that. So if your last semester’s grade average was a B-, a realistic goal would be to aim for an A- grade average for the classes you’re taking now. Your grades are the result of your habits, which can be hard to change overnight, so give yourself a realistic target.

Take care of your overall health

Your ability to study effectively, complete assignments, and perform well on tests hinges on your physical and mental health. If you’re sleep-deprived, hungry, or distracted by stress when studying for tests, it’s unlikely that you’ll do well on them.

Here are some practical tips on living a healthier lifestyle in college:

  • Meal prep ahead of time so that you’re not tempted to reach for junk food frequently.
  • Modify the night light settings on all your devices to turn on at 9 pm every evening so you can start to wind down before bed.
  • Make an effort to exercise for at least 10 minutes every day. It can be as simple as a walk around the block, some yoga, or some basic functional exercises.

Make a study schedule that works for you

If you don’t schedule how you’re going to spend your time, you’re way more likely to end up doing something unproductive. One great trick is to set aside blocks of time within your calendar when you plan on studying or working on an assignment. This will help you stay on track and make sure that your time is being used effectively.

Another idea is to set up several alerts before a major project or exam. Set them up as both emails and phone notifications 6, 4, 2, and 1 week in advance. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to re-prioritize as needed, and so that you’re never blindsided by a deadline.

It’s also important to set your schedule well ahead of time. It can be very tempting to accept social events or feel like you can scroll through social media for hours on end if you don’t plan ahead. Also, as you progress through your college program, you’ll need to start thinking about things like side projects to beef up your portfolio, planning for internships, or studying for standardized tests for grad school applications. Don’t just consider what’s on your plate this semester – look at the road ahead as it relates to what you want to do next year and beyond.

Make an effort to minimize distractions

Avoiding distractions is key to staying on track. Shutting off your phone, lowering the volume on whatever’s playing in the background, and closing as many other browser tabs as you can are all good ideas.

It’s also a good idea to use distraction-blocking apps such as:

  • Freedom – best for blocking distractions on all devices simultaneously
  • LeechBlock – a free browser-based website blocker
  • Forest – best for motivating you to put down your phone

Remember that when it comes to studying time, it’s quality over quantity that will get you the grades. It’s a lot better to study uninterrupted for two 30-minute blocks with a 10-minute break in between than try to spend three hours attempting to concentrate while checking your phone every time you get a notification.

Stay focused during class lectures and take thorough notes

It becomes very easy to get distracted during a lecture, especially when you’re sitting next to someone chatty, or next to your friends. A good tip to avoid distractions is to sit near the front of the lecture hall. Most people that sit closer to the professor tend to be prudent and focused, which will help you do the same.

Another tip to stay focused while listening to a lecture is to try and keep your mind on the topic at hand, to be present and in the moment, and not think about other classes or assignments. In other words, try to avoid multitasking.

Using a laptop during class can be helpful for taking notes and looking up course material. This is also helpful because you can easily edit your notes and have them in a centralized location, which makes the study process easier in the long run.

Review the lecture notes within a few hours after the lecture is over

It’s best to review your notes within 4 hours of the lecture. Most students don’t bother doing this, but it makes a big difference because you have a better chance of remembering and understanding the information later on if you review the most important prompts from the class.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it 

Don’t be intimidated to ask your professor extra questions. They’re there for you and want you to succeed. Don’t let pride get in the way of asking for help because it’s not worth getting a mediocre grade over something that is entirely avoidable.

If you’re introverted or feel anxious about asking too many questions in front of your peers, be proactive about emailing your professor or visiting them during office hours so that you can get your questions addressed and deepen your understanding of the subject.

Conclusion

In summary, being a straight-A student is about studying smarter, not harder. You need to be able to set goals, establish what motivates you, and abide by a study schedule. Make sure that you make an effort to take care of your body and mind so you can study effectively. Lastly, avoid all distractions during lectures, review your notes afterward, and ask questions freely. You don’t have to study every waking moment – you just need to study with intent.

About the Author

Claire Westbrook is the founder of LSAT Prep Hero, a hub of free LSAT resources aimed to help aspiring law students ace the LSAT. She’s on a mission to help as many students feel prepared and confident in their academic endeavors.

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Best Places to Study in the US

Best Places to Study in the U.S.

Want to study in the USA but you’re not sure where? If you’re looking for a satisfying and rewarding student experience, then look no further than America’s great cities. Below we have listed 10 of the best cities to study in the USA.

San Diego

With perfect sunny weather and sunsets to die for, as well as a relaxing laid-back surf vibe, San Diego has become one of the most desirable places to study in the US.  The city’s highest ranked university is the University of California, San Diego (UCSD. San Diego is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, plenty of gorgeous beaches and the 1,200 acre Balboa Park – so there’s always something to entertain students.

Pittsburgh

When studying in nPittsburgh, you will notice very quickly that the city is very picturesque, with a beautiful skyline, and plenty of museums and theatres to choose from. Students regularly remark upon the culture, environment, and diversity of this post-industrial city. Pittsburg contains two excellent universities; Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh.

Washington DC

The capital of the US, and named after the nation’s first president and founding father George Washington, Washington DC is steeped in history. This famous city contains five top universities including the University of Maryland, College Park, and Georgetown University.

With its collection of monuments and landmarks, acclaimed theatres and historic towns, you will never be at a loss for things to do outside of your studies. If you’re looking for something to do in your free time, take a trip to the White House, go and see the Washington Monument or pay a visit to the impressive Lincoln memorial – the possibilities are endless.

Philadelphia

Next is Philadelphia, as you can see. The city contains three high-ranking universities, the highest being the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia has a great deal of history behind it – it is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and also where the Liberty Bell is housed. Fans of cheese steaks, Will Smith, and Alway’s Sunny will find some joy here outside of the, perhaps, more influential historical artefacts.

Atlanta

The capital and most populated city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta is home to over five million people, including 63,000 students. Once you’ve graduated, it could be a good place to stick around as it is home to lots of successful companies, including Coca Cola, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Holiday Inn. There are, therefore, plenty of employment prospects for students at Atlanta’s universities. The city has three top ranking universities, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University.

Chicago

Chicago, affectionately known as ‘The Windy City’, is a city with an outstanding reputation among graduate employers. Chicago is also home to an impressive five universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Whilst studying in Chicago, you should visit Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, the Sears Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, go and see the Red Bulls play, eat some deep dish pizza, and wrap up warm

San Francisco

San Francisco is home to three world-class universities. The two most prestigious SF universities are Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Its high caliber of institutions means that San Francisco is a good bet for your career prospects.

San Francisco is also home to Silicon Valley and therefore to a multitude of successful companies, including Apple, Facebook and IBM, so this too, may have a part to play in the city’s high score for employment activity.

Los Angeles 

‘The City of Angels,’ the ‘Creative Capital of the World’, Los Angeles goes by many names, but is undoubtedly most famous for being the home of Hollywood. The city contains three top universities, including California Institute of Technology (or Caltech) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

In LA, you have the beach, you have the mountains, and a never-ending sprawling modern megacity full of potential, glamour, and excitement. 

New York City

New York has the largest overall population of all the featured cities in this list, with 20,321,000 people. 1.5 percent of these (or 51,300) are students –  meaning you’re likely to make friends, explore the city, and attend a lot of student-oriented events. New York boasts no fewer than 10 world-class universities, including Ivy League university Columbia University, and New York University (NYU, to you and me).

Boston

Surprising no one, Boston is America’s best city to be a student in. The city is home to eight universities in total, including two of the top three universities in the world; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. Cambridge is a student haven, and you will never be short of things to do in the city itself.

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Which Colleges are Best for Psychology?

Which Colleges are Best for Psychology?

If you believe that you can understand a human inside and out and dissect the way the human brain works then psychology is the major for you. In this piece, we go look deeper into what the study of the subject really means and provide you with a list of which colleges are the best for psychology.

What is Psychology?

If you choose to study psychology, then you will learn many things about the human experience. You will scientifically examine the way people think, behave, feel and in general interact getting a better understanding of the mind of a human being. The subject can also delve deep into the experiences of various animals. Psychology is one of the fastest growing majors in terms of popularity and profession and is becoming an important topic to study due to the spotlight increasing with regards to the importance of mental health across the world. As a student, you will go through the history of the subject, the key breakthroughs and become familiar with the most important psychologists in recent history.

Job Prospects

Job prospects after completing a Psychology major includes possible roles as a psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, teacher and social worker as well as possible research and media roles.

Ranked

Listed below are 10 of the best U.S. colleges to study Psychology according to the QS World University Rankings 2021.

1: Harvard University

  • The department which was constructed during the 19th century under the scholarship of William James, has become renowned for spearheading the field. Some of the world’s most influential and famous psychologists in recent history have been known to come from Harvard. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

2: Stanford University

  • As one of the first departments to be formed at Stanford, it has had a long and proud tradition of being one of the best psychology departments across the world due to its trailblazing research and real-world impact. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

3: University of California – Berkeley

  • Established in 1921-1922, UC Psych has become famed for its innovative research in the field of psychology. Faculty is sprinkled with award-winners who have achieved success due to the ground-breaking research they have conducted. Many of their PHD students have gone onto have careers within some of the biggest companies such as Facebook and Google as well as within academia, healthcare and policy. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

4: University of California – Los Angeles

  • As stated by the professor and chair of the department, Annette L. Stanton, UCLA psychology department have goals to “advance the understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion, including functional and dysfunctional processes, across multiple levels of analysis; and promote human welfare through translational research involving intervention, dissemination, and implementation in psychology.” For more information about their psychology department, click here.

5: Yale University

  • The psychology department at Yale has five different research programs. Clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience and social/personality psychology. This shows the levels in which the institution has gone to enhance research within the field with the various options offered to students. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

6: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Due to its high-quality faculty, prominent research and vast range of programs, psychology at the University of Michigan has always been recognized as one of the best in the US and the world. One of their commitments is “To create new scientific knowledge about psychological processes through first rate scholarship.” For more information about their psychology department, click here.

7: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Known as the brain and cognitive sciences department, their aim is to “reverse engineer the brain in order to understand the mind.” Focused research programs at the institution are cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, cognitive science and computational neuroscience. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

8: University of Pennsylvania

  • The psychology department at the University of Pennsylvania is known for being the oldest frequently functioning psychology department within the United States and as a result are renowned for their longevity and quality of research regarding the scientific study of the mind. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

9: Columbia University

  • Established in 1890, it is one the oldest psychology departments within the United States. Compared to most of the other institutions, this department is relatively small in size however it makes up for its high standards and excellent research. For more information about their psychology department, click here.

10: New York University

  • The department of psychology at NYU are known for their wide range of topics they research within the field making it one of the most popular majors at the institution. For more information about their psychology department, click here. 

Psychology is a study that would be ideal for students who are interested in people and also want to gain a better understanding in behaviors. Skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and problem solving would be beneficial. So, with the field gaining popularity across the world, make sure you jump on the bandwagon if you believe it is a good choice for you!

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Study: Immigration Boosts U.S. Life Expectancy

Study: Immigration Boosts U.S. Life Expectancy

A study revealed by researchers at Princeton University and the University of Southern California suggests that if immigrants to the United States created their own nation, their pre-COVID life expectancy would match those of the highest in the world.

The study estimated that immigration adds 1.4 to 1.5 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth.

Arun Hendi, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of sociology and public affair at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, said: “Demographers knew that immigrants lived longer. The main question that we set out to answer was, ‘How much is this really contributing to national life expectancy trends?’”

To view the full story, click here to visit the Princeton University News website.

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