Give Your Guitar Strings Some Love Today

Give Your Guitar Strings Some Love Today Suzy S. We all know the importance of caring for your instrument, and guitars require a good amount of attention.   After all, where would musicians like Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert, who both took home multiple honors during last nights Academy of Country Music Awards, be without their trusty guitars?   Guitar strings break.   Cracks might appear in the wood.   Pegs and frets may end up loose or damaged.   But by taking a few extra moments to give your guitar some TLC, you can improve your sound and ensure years of playing and learning to come. Lets begin with your guitar strings.   Here are some things to remember: 1. Wipe down your guitar strings. This is a priority for guitar maintenance. Each time you finish playing, wipe down your guitar strings with a soft and dry cloth. Make sure to run the cloth in between the strings and fingerboard, as well. (Heres a great visual guide.) Run it all the way down the length of the neck of the guitar to get rid of all the perspiration and rust. 2. Use string cleaner. There are a few great guitar string cleaners available that will keep your guitar strings clean and allow you to play faster. It can also reduce excessive finger noise. You can use most cleaners on strings, the fretboard and the back of the guitar neck. 3. Leave your guitar in a case when not in use. When you leave your guitar out, its exposed to air, moisture and heat.   Instead, try storing it in its case when youre not using it this will protect it from the elements, and it only takes a few seconds to take it out of its case when youre ready to play. 4. Wash your hands! This should be a no-brainer.   If your hands are covered in sweat and grime, it will transfer to the guitar strings.   So play it safe: just wash your hands before playing! Remember these steps, and your guitar will thank you!   Can you recommend any special products that you use to care for your guitar?   Leave a comment below, or share it on our Facebook wall!   Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. You might also like Do You Have the Right Strings on Your Guitar? Better Guitarists Use These 3 Tools The One Step You Shouldnt Skip at Your Next Jam Session Photo by JuditK

Things to Do When You Start a New Job A Checklist - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Things to Do When You Start a New Job A Checklist - Introvert Whisperer Things to Do When You Start a New Job: A Checklist Yeah! You got a new job after all the hard work you put into your job search. You’re eager to get going and hopeful this new job will be something you love for a very long time. It’s true that what happens in the first few months after you start a  new job can often be the determining factor for your success and happiness. That means starting out strong and smart is definitely what you want to do to get the kind of traction for long-term success. To get off to a good start, go through this list and check them off once completed: Find Out What Your Job REALLY Is Sure, you probably have a good idea of what your job entails, but only on very vague terms. Each company does things differently, and you can only grasp what the job is at a high level during the interview. Get different perspectives starting with your new boss and the various players you will interact with. Ask again in another month; you’d be surprised at how much more you’ll learn. (Like this thought? Tweet it!) Even if your company has a formal integration plan for you, this is your top priority. Find Out How You Will Be Measured This is almost the biggest missing piece for most people. You own your career, and therefore it’s your responsibility to find out not only what the performance standards are but are clear on how you will be measured. It’s not enough to know what your duties are; you need clarity on what you’re shooting for. Identify Players, Positionand Process A big part of working at any place is understanding how the various cogs work and your place in that process. Knowing who to go to for what sort of things is a vital part of getting your job done well. Build Relationships It’s easy to lose sight of one very big aspect to your job, and that is the “touchy-feely” of building relationships with the people you work with. Eighty percent of your success will be dependent upon your relationships, and that includes the one with your boss. You don’t need to turn everyone into your BFF; that isn’t realistic, anyway. You do need to have a good-sized group of supportive people who have your back, and visa versa. Plan to Learn While this sounds obvious, it seems the more experience a person has, the more apt they are to think they know everything even with a new job. All jobs are different, no matter what. Even if you simply got promoted at the same place of business, you need to approach it in the spirit of learning, because you are learning. You will also impress people that you are eager and open to learn. Besides, no one likes people who think they know it all. Plan for an Early Win It’s not logical that you will be very productive in the first month as you learn your job and how your company works. However, you do want to be on alert to one thing you can accomplish in the first few months that will be big enough to demonstrate to everyone they made a good choice in hiring you. Of course, it needs to be within the definition of your job scope, but usually there are some big, hairy issues that are just waiting for someone to tackle. Ask for Feedback There is a balance between not asking and acting insecure. You need to occasionally ask for feedback both from your boss and your peers. Don’t settle for vague responses like “you’re doing fine.” You can get the best feedback with good questions like: “Do you see any issues with the XYZ I just handed you?” or “What would you like to see me do differently?” People are always reluctant to tell you something negative, so if you set the discussion up for constructive information, you could get a few nuggets that will help you course correct, if needed. In Conclusion The first impression we make in a new job is more than it is in an interview. You have about 3 months to learn your job and establish “who you are.” Each one of these items will ensure a strong, lasting foundation for a good career track Bonus Tip Adapting is key to your career survival, growth and advancement. Learn the 5 most common ways introverts commit career suicide, as well as how to avoid them. Image: photobucket Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Where to Find IT Courses in Edinburgh.

Where to Find IT Courses in Edinburgh. The Best Places for IT Classes in Scotland’s Capital. ChaptersWhy Choose Edinburgh for an IT Course?And Why Study IT At All?The Top Places to Learn IT in Edinburgh.So, you’re looking for IT courses in Edinburgh? You’ve come exactly to the right place.Here, we’re going to take a brief look through the best options for anyone interested in learning computing, coding, web development or software development, network administration or Java programming.From short courses to private tutors, undergraduate and postgraduate courses to IT training courses for professional development, no matter which one floats your boat, you’ll find information on it here.Because in the world of information technology, there’s an awful lot to know â€" and an awful lot of different ways to know it. Luckily enough, Edinburgh offers them all, pretty much, so â€" again â€" be assured to know that you are slap bang in precisely the right spot.Find information on IT courses across the UK and IT classes in London. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson fre e!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Choose Edinburgh for an IT Course?Edinburgh is one of those cities that is just a dream for people committed to learning. We say this because no matter where you look, you’ll find a service offering education courses in any subject you might be interested to learn.Sure, Edinburgh has been voted the best place for students in the UK. But learning isn’t only for those people just fresh out of school. Rather, the city offers something for literally everyone â€" from adult learning to professional training for those who want a career in IT, from digital literacy classes for older people and, of course, those university courses.That’s what makes the capital of Scotland such a wonderful place to be â€" a caring place as well as a vibrant one. So, if you are here already or are coming into town to learn, you needn’t worry about being anywhere else. Learn everything about your computer!And Why Study IT At All?So, we know by now that you are staying in Edinburgh (it’s not only a great place for students). But why would you want to learn IT â€" out of all things? It’s an important question, and the answer needs to stress the importance of IT skills for our particular day and age. But we’ll come to that.There are, primarily, two main reasons why people seek to learn these technical skills for the computer. They are either seeking an IT career, or some other work in the IT industry, or they are hoping to use some computer skills in general life.Try IT courses in Manchester or learn IT in Birmingham.Careers in IT.The first reason is an obvious one. Those seeking to work with IT systems, systems analysis and design, or with some sort of technology management need to be able to show some sort of IT certification. Whether these are from the CompTIA network around the world or a Cisco CCNA, employers are going to want to see your I T certifications before you take on any job.Digital Skills.The second reason is not necessarily so clear. The fact is that certain generations of us take our skills in computers â€" software applications, the Microsoft Office suite, or the world of online video, for example â€" completely for granted. We might have a solid foundation in computing, but only because we have had this for life.However, there are plenty of people of whom this can’t be said. People to whom computer systems and online learning does not come so naturally. If this is you, we’re very pleased that you have started to consider information technology courses.Because these days, so much happens online â€" a lot of political discourse, so much learning, and a lot of the official stuff that you’ll have to administrate in life â€" that it is really important that you have some familiarity with it all.Find IT courses in Leeds and IT classes in Glasgow. Find a tutor to help you with your ITThe Top Places to Learn IT in Edinburgh.But let’s get down to it shall we? We said that there are plenty of IT courses offered in Edinburgh â€" and we weren’t joking. Here are some of the best.Find IT courses in Cardiff or get IT training in Belfast.Learn IT for Work with IT Professional Training.Based down in West Granton, IT Professional Training, or ITPT, are one of the slickest and most reliable providers of IT learning courses in Edinburgh.  Offering training in everything from CompTIA’s CCNA and CCNP through to Cisco certified training courses, their range of knowledge and services is really impressive. Take courses in web design and development, try Adobe and Microsoft training, or take programming courses in Oracle.The really good thing about ITPT is that they run a whole load of free training events too â€" so check them out.Enrol on a Course in IT with the University of Edinburgh.One of the most prestigious universities in the worl d â€" and the heart of Edinburgh’s educational scene â€" the University of Edinburgh provides some of the best computing courses in the city for people of all ages and abilities.So, whether it is undergraduate courses or a graduate certificate that you are looking for, or part time courses in IT, there’ll be something available here that will give you what you need.Take a Free IT Course with FutureLearn and EdinburghX.The University of Edinburgh offers free online courses in a whole load of subjects â€" and, handily enough, they are often pretty good.Between FutureLearn, the UK-wide provider of online classes, and the University of Edinburgh’s own EdinburghX, you’ll find plenty of content to keep you going. Learn about supercomputers, data management, business analysis and web analytics, applications and modelling.The beauty of online study is that you can do it from your own home. However, ironically, the trouble with online education is that you need to know how to get onl ine first! There are lots of different ways to learn IT in Edinburgh (image source: pixabay)Do a Degree in Computer Science at the University of Edinburgh.If an online course is not really your sort of thing and you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, an IT degree might be the thing you are after.Learning about computer information systems, database design, and IT service management skills â€" with a whole load of other course materials besides â€" the degree level study that Edinburgh Uni offers are world-class.Here, you’ll learn the full range of information communication technology skills, and you’ll come away with a Bachelor of Engineering for your troubles.Join a Coding Class in Edinburgh with CodeClan.Based between Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, CodeClan offer varieties of short course and full-time courses for everyone from the total novice to the online wiz already â€" the Microsoft Office specialist, say, or whoever.They’ve won awards for the quality of their s ervices â€" and their UX web design course, their programming, and their data analysis courses are in high demand.Receive Professional Computer Training with ITrainEdinburgh.All courses at iTrain are available either in their own computer labs or in your office. Like the majority of IT training organisations, they offer courses in the Microsoft SQL server, Prince2, cyber security, and much more.Designed for professionals hoping to upskill or improve their employability, or else for employers hoping to develop their team’s range of business skills, iTrain Edinburgh are industry-standard experts in information technology management training.Hire a Private IT Tutor with Superprof.At Superprof, we connect students from around the world to the tutor that best suits them. Running courses online as much as face-to-face, our tutors can often be available anywhere at any time.In Edinburgh, we have three tutors of IT and computing, charging an average rate of £21 an hour. Bachelors of Engi neering, or post graduate students who are really subject matter experts, these guys take students through everything from GCSE or National 5 certificate courses to recreational learning.The beauty of private tutoring is that you can do it from anywhere and at any time. So get in touch with your private tutor today.Join an Open Learning Course in IT at Edinburgh College.Whilst these courses probably won’t help you to start a new career, as they do not come with any certification exams, the classes offered at Edinburgh College take specific softwares, programmes, and computer problems and show you how to get your head around them.So, if you want to get the most out of your programmes and your computer network, this may well be the place to come.Learn the Basics of Computers with Edinburgh Libraries’ Sessions.If you are not completely comfortable with using a laptop or tablet just yet, the Edinburgh Council Library service offers digital drop-in sessions for those who want to star t from the very beginning.For those looking for much more rigorous learning, this is not the place to come. Rather, it is a springboard with no prerequisites for people with no prior learning at all.So, bring your own device, sit down with a trainer and get to know all the things that it can do. Go into the central library on George IV Bridge to find out about timetables. Just ask for the computing course!

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Andrea Kilpatrick

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Andrea Kilpatrick Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Andrea Kilpatrick is the Director of Law Admissions at Admit Advantage, a leading admissions consulting company that provides admissions assistance for college, MBA, and law school applicants. She received her Bachelors degree from Princeton University, a Masters of Education degree from the University of Oxford, and a JD from HarvardLaw School. Andrea worked as a consultant with McKinsey Company for eight years and held a leadership role in the firms Nonprofit Practice for three of those years. She now lends her expertise in law school admissions to the Admit Advantage team. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Law School application? Andrea: The time dedicated to completing an application varies by student. For most applicants, we suggest beginning the process a couple of months ahead of their personal deadline to allow recommenders time to complete letters. The time a student must spend on an application depends on the specific law school. Some applications are longer than others and require more time. 60-80 hours is not unreasonable. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Andrea: Applicants must determine how the sum total of their experiences and achievements can be crafted into a coherent and persuasive story that will move an admissions committee to accept. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Law School application? Andrea: Telling an admissions committee why they should accept you as opposed to showing it. Admissions committees dont need an applicant to do their jobs for them, but they do need an applicant to include all the experiences, stories, and data for them to do an appropriate analysis. Sometimes, applicants fail to include important information because they dont feel it is relevant from a legal perspective. No one has been a lawyer before going to law school, so admissions committees are looking for evidence of potential success in unusual places. VT: What do Law School admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Andrea: All law school essays must demonstrate exemplary persuasive writing skills. The content of the personal statement can and should vary by applicant. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Andrea: Aside from lying, there are no disqualifying factors. Differences in grades or LSAT scores might dictate the tier of law school to which an applicant can apply, but there are no required majors or prerequisites. Even a legal record can be explained on a law school application. VT: What about the Law School admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Andrea: Law schools generally have a rolling admissions process. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Applying early improves an applicants chances. Therefore it is up to the candidate to complete an outstanding application in the quickest time possible. VT: What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise them not to apply? Andrea: The decision to apply is a very personal one. If an applicants goal is to be admitted to an accredited law school, there arent many reasons not to apply outside of personal or financial ones. However, if a student aspires to attend a top tier law school, we may suggest that the applicant retake the LSAT, or consider additional experiences before applying if necessary. VT: Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Andrea: Every application is different. Good grades, good test scores, and attending a prestigious undergraduate institution help, but they are no guarantee. Admissions committees are looking for a well-rounded applicant and only a strong overall application indicates that. VT: What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Andrea: If you can afford it, sign up for professional test prep. If not, practice on your own using previous tests lots of previous tests. You can learn to perform better on the LSAT through practice. VT: What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Andrea: Admissions officers want to see that the recommender knows the applicant well. Getting a letter from a very prestigious recommender who doesnt know you well will not help an application. A recommender has to be able to speak to the candidates skills and character. The specific content of a recommendation letter depends on the candidate. We want to be sure the letter emphasizes those areas of strength that may not have been touched on elsewhere in the application. Visit Admit Advantage for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

LSAT Tip of the Week Improve Your Time

LSAT Tip of the Week Improve Your Time LSAT Law School Blog This week, we will focus on how to improve your time on the analytical reasoning (logic games) section of the LSAT. You have probably heard the importance of diagramming, and improving your time ties back to improving your diagramming. If you need a refresher on diagramming, head to The LSAT Trainer for some techniques and check out Magoosh for some common rules that will help you diagram. Now, once you are caught up on the basics of diagramming, let’s bring you up to speed on how to be speedy. The first thing you should do once you have made your basic diagrams is make some inferences. What does this entail? Well, every fact given to you in the question is important so make note of it in your diagram and make it a new potential scenario. So, if the question says that X sits in the first seat and Y must sit next to X, then we know that Y has to sit in the second seat if he has a seat. So, make a note of this. There are usually 2-3 of these so look out for these “hidden” rules a nd make sure you include them in your diagram as the odds are that there will be a question about this “hidden” rule and this will save you 3-4 minutes easily. Imagine all the extra problems you can solve in that time!

Commonly Confused Homophones in English - Advanced English Level

Commonly Confused Homophones in English - Advanced English Level Have you ever looked at some English words that are spelled differently pronounced the same but have different meanings? These can be somewhat confusing for even native speakers so I can imagine them being extremely confusing for those trying to tackle the issues of pronunciation, meaning and the correct spelling.In fact there are over 440 such word pairs where the spelling is different the meaning is certainly different but the pronunciation is exactly the same. These are known as Homophones.Examples of English homophones:MADE/MAIDMade (v) â€" past tense and past participle of the verb ‘TO MAKE’I made up my mind to learn English with a native speaker.Maid (n) a lady’s maid or helpShe really missed the old days when every lady had her personal maid to help her with the housework.BAND/BANNEDBand (n) â€" a group of musicians, a music ensembleHe was a good singer and also played the guitar. What he really wanted to do was join up with a band and make some records.  Banned (v) â€" past tense and past participle of the verb ‘TO BAN’ to stop or preventHe was charged by the police for driving without a proper licence and was banned from driving for three years.EWE/YOUEwe (n) female sheepThe farmer went to the market to buy some new livestock. He bought some cows and some sheep. The sheep were all ewes as he already had a ram (male sheep).You pronounIt is important that you understand the basic mathematical formula if you wish to study it seriously.FLEW/FLUFlew (v) past tense of the verb ‘TO FLY’I went on holidays last week. I visited Thailand and flew there in 8 hours.Flu (n) virus or bug that affects your healthThe school was closed for a week as many children had been taken ill with a flu virus and the management did not want others to become ill also.BOARD/BOREDBoard (n) a group of people who control a company or school or similar organisationThe board of management meet every month to discuss the progress of the business. There is a chairman o f the board who controls all the meetings.Bored (v) â€" past tense and past participle of the verb ‘TO BORE’The film was bad. The story was awful and after twenty minutes I was bored stiff.WAIST/WASTEWaist the area around the middle of your body.The Doctor measured her waist to check her health.Waste rubbish or left over food no longer needed.The food waste was collected and placed in rubbish bins to be collected by the city’s waste collectors.WAVE/WAIVEWave the hand movement we use when saying good-bye to someone OR the part of the sea that surfers ride on when surfing.When she left for her business trip her husband waved goodbye at the train station. The waves on the sea were very high due to the very strong wind.Waive refers to a decision to give up or do without something.The business was not performing very well. The CEO waived his bonus payment to help the companies’ cash flow.WEIGHT/WAITWeight the size of people or things measured usually in Kilos.He was very hea vy the Doctor suggested that he lose some weight very quickly.(to) Wait is a verb that refers to the action when we are expecting something to happen. It can also be used as a noun.When he called to the Dentist he was asked to wait in the waiting room until the dentist was available. The wait (noun) was difficult as he was very nervous.PLANE/PLAINPlane the shortened version of airplane or aeroplane used to travel from country to country.He went to the airport early so that he could book his seat in the middle of the plane.Plain means something blank or without colour or uninteresting.He wanted to write a note and asked for some plain white paper. The food he ordered was plain and did not taste very good but the doctor had ordered him to eat only plain food without sauces.BEAR/BAREBear   refers to the large animal which hibernates during the winter. It can also mean to carry or bring something.The bear is a large animal that has several forms. The polar bear located in the artic z one and the brown bear in many states of the USA.Bare usually refers to something/somebody without any cover or clothes.The model was bare except for the yellow hat that she was modelling!!There are many many more homophones…What homophones do you know? Let us know in the comments below.We recommend to read:  Make or Do? tips to help you make the right choiceWhere do you live?  Making suggestions in English

Geeks on a Plane and BarCamp Shanghai

Geeks on a Plane and BarCamp Shanghai This past week has been a really interesting for the startup scene in Shanghai.   The big catalyst was the Geeks on a Plane tour organized by Dave McClure of the FoundersFund and George Godula of Web2Asia.   This trip brought a number of entrepreneurs, bloggers, and venture capitalists from the US and Europe to Tokyo, Beijing, and Shanghai to learn about the tech scene in Asia.   The Geeks on a Plane tour also led into two other events:   TEDx Shanghai and BarCamp Shanghai. Barcamp Shanghai was on Sunday, and about 120 people attended this un-conference for presentations and networking.   We even got a chance to do a short presentation about how we think connecting people over the internet is leading to major changes in language learning.   Many thanks to the organizers, which includes one of our team members (Toffler).   We had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. On Monday, the Geeks tour was present at TEDx Shanghai, where there was a full day of presentations (you can catch the videos here).   We managed to meet a few of the Geeks after the presentations and also at the Geeks and Glamour after party.   Here are just a few of the people we wanted to give a mention to: Dave McClure Mark Hendrickson Benjamin Joffe Dan Martell Dug Song Adriana Gasciogne Larry Chiang Marcus Nelson Overall it was a really exciting time to be in Shanghai and in the technology space.   Hopefully, it wont be another year before we see an event like this again! The italki team Geeks on a Plane and BarCamp Shanghai This past week has been a really interesting for the startup scene in Shanghai.   The big catalyst was the Geeks on a Plane tour organized by Dave McClure of the FoundersFund and George Godula of Web2Asia.   This trip brought a number of entrepreneurs, bloggers, and venture capitalists from the US and Europe to Tokyo, Beijing, and Shanghai to learn about the tech scene in Asia.   The Geeks on a Plane tour also led into two other events:   TEDx Shanghai and BarCamp Shanghai. Barcamp Shanghai was on Sunday, and about 120 people attended this un-conference for presentations and networking.   We even got a chance to do a short presentation about how we think connecting people over the internet is leading to major changes in language learning.   Many thanks to the organizers, which includes one of our team members (Toffler).   We had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. On Monday, the Geeks tour was present at TEDx Shanghai, where there was a full day of presentations (you can catch the videos here).   We managed to meet a few of the Geeks after the presentations and also at the Geeks and Glamour after party.   Here are just a few of the people we wanted to give a mention to: Dave McClure Mark Hendrickson Benjamin Joffe Dan Martell Dug Song Adriana Gasciogne Larry Chiang Marcus Nelson Overall it was a really exciting time to be in Shanghai and in the technology space.   Hopefully, it wont be another year before we see an event like this again! The italki team

Test Taking Strategies for Students at Every Level

Test Taking Strategies for Students at Every Level Test Taking Strategies for Students at Every Level Let’s be honest; most students are not jumping for joy after receiving news about an upcoming quiz or test. One might instead hear the grumbling of an uneasy class and perhaps lay witness to several students dropping their heads to their desks in silent protest. Or maybe you’re the one with your head down. In any case, this is surely a current experience students, and all to come will endure more than once in their career. It is thus vital that one learns how to properly manage test-related anxiety and prepare like a pro, so that come test time, you will walk into the room with confidence and be ready to succeed in any situation our private Irvine test prep tutors are here to help you succeed. It is important to note: developing adept test-taking skills is not something one can accomplish overnight. However, do not panic. It is something that you can certainly learn by following a basic set of steps and procedures. Below, I’ve attempted to break down test-taking strategies into three main categories of development: Preparation, Time Management, and Attitude. Though everyone’s approach to studying tends to be slightly different, I believe there is something in this article for everyone; and it can be, at the very least, a good place to start developing these essential skills. Preparation Once you know the date of your exam, it is important to begin thinking about how you will prepare. This includes getting organized and thinking long-term. Getting organized is a great place to start. This involves gathering all class notes, homework, and relevant quizzes or tests that you might find helpful during study. Try creating a chronologically-ordered “study packet” so you can easily find important information when completing study guides or reviewing materials. Note: for math exams, repetition of homework and example problems is critical. To maximize your efforts, one can make review sheets comprised of old homework/quiz/test/example problems from different topics on the same sheet â€" mix up the question types to simulate an actual test, which will often not have questions from the same section located close to one another. Thinking long term is also essential in preparing. Though you do not have to begin studying right after you get the test date (it is likely you will not even have all the materials needed to study for the exam), it is essential to avoid procrastination. This means do not wait until the day before the exam to begin reviewing. Instead, start thinking about the relevant material at least several days before the test. In my experience, working through problems or reading notes about 2-3 days before the test date renders the best results. Time Management Time is a crucial element in any exam setting. Whether in preparation or during the actual test, your time management skills can make or break your experience and results. In preparation, it is essential that you set aside the proper amount of time to study each day before your exam. Whether you need one hour or one hundred hours to study does not matter â€" what does is that you manage your time wisely to allow enough time for preparation. This means you might have to skip your favorite TV show occasionally, or perhaps leave practice, the gym, or any other extracurricular event a bit earlier than you normally would. This skill is also crucial to master for use during the test as well. Confidently finishing all the problems within the time limit of the exam is obviously best-case scenario. But how do you achieve this? By understanding pacing. In a nutshell, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and how quickly you can properly answer certain types of questions (whether it be short answers, multiple choice, or math problems) is important for this part. To properly pace, you should follow these three rules: 1.       Do the easiest problems first. 2.       Leave a difficult question if it is taking too long. 3.       Go back to the harder questions and attempt them again, in order, once you have finished the others. By following these three steps, you will be able to maximize a number of questions you can confidently finish on just about every type of test. Attitude The last and most important piece of advice I can offer is that your attitude will undoubtedly shape your performance and results. It is essential that you relax, remain persistent in your efforts as a student, and try to stay positive. Do not forget to relax. Enter the exam setting with a smile and take a deep breath. After all, it’s just a test. I know I know, “it’s not just a test, this exam will determine my (insert life-threatening results here).” But the reality is, life will go on after you leave the classroom. That being said, always try your best â€" that’s what this guide is meant for anyway! Persistence is one of the most important attributes to develop as a student because you will inevitably encounter at least one roadblock in your career. Whether it’s missing a homework assignment, not understanding the material during class, failing a test, or dropping a class, as I said before, your life will most certainly continue. The adage that tells us never to give up and try, try again could not be truer. Move forward, learn from your mistakes, and try to do better next time. Always maintain a positive perspective on the situation. You can truly make yourself succeed or fail; a lot depends on your mindset before the exam. Believe in yourself, and your ability to succeed, and things will often go your way. You’ve got this. This post was written by Jack McKay of TutorNerds. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.