Long term assignments can challenge even the most poised project planners. The trick is to take control early.

Here is a plan to show you how:

1. Break down your behemoth undertaking into three to four major tasks.
2. Each of these tasks should then be broken down into clearly-defined small steps.
3. Once you’ve identified these small steps, determine how long it will take to complete each one.
4. Look at the project deadline, and working back from there, figure out the deadline for each small step.
5. In your daily planner (You do have a daily planner, don’t you?), write down the details of what you need to do next for the deadline (What books do you have to read by then? How many pages need to be written by then?).
6. Relish the feeling as you check off each completed deadline.
7. Ideally, budget your time so you finish the project at least two days before the deadline. This way, you can make edits or address any unforeseen issues.
8. Sleep restfully, knowing that you have a plan and it’s all under control!

Photo Credits:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/152626650_de067bc2ab.jpg

http://theminaretonline.com/2011/04/27/article18569

So your professor wants you to do a big presentation on Prometheus. Why is it that being bound to a rock and attacked by an eagle sounds infinitely more appealing than speaking in front of your class?

Many people find presentations daunting, but they don’t have to be. The truth is, your instructor is likely not trying to punish you eternally, but simply helping you develop a skill that you’ll need far beyond your college years.

Here are a few tips that will ensure a great delivery:

1. Preparation. “Winging” a presentation usually invites disaster. One way to prepare is to create a list of major goals. What are the key points you want to convey to your audience? Another important factor is to know your audience. When you know your audience, you know how to tailor your delivery and content. Next, keep a simple outline and make it organized. This will ensure that you and your audience can follow your ideas from start to finish.
2. Materials. Once you have figured out the content of your talk, decide what materials you want to accompany it. Do you want to present everything on PowerPoint? Do you want to give the audience handouts to follow along? Are there any exciting “show and tell” type items to pass around? You don’t want to make your audience too distracted, so if you have numerous handouts, wait until the end of the presentation to distribute them.
3. Delivery. If you are truly prepared and have decent materials, your delivery will likely go smoothly. Preparation is the key to confidence. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of a stellar performance. Try to make eye contact when possible; it creates a connection with your audience. Try to remember to speak more slowly than you would in regular conversation, as your audience needs time to absorb all that you are saying. Additionally, try to vary the tone and volume of your speech— otherwise you could end up sounding monotonous. Only use hand gestures to emphasize important points; otherwise, it may be distracting.

After your presentation is over, take stock of how you did. What went well? What didn’t go so well? What might make it better next time? Remember, a flawless performance is hard to achieve. After all, Prometheus represents human striving, not perfection!

Need more study tips? Take a workshop at The Study!

Photo Credits:

http://yankeedoodlesoc.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/gustave-moreau-prometheus.jpg

http://www.brynmawr.edu/academics/images/hhg_presentation.jpg

Before you bust out your bathing suit and bolt for spring break, you will likely have to face much maligned midterms. But taking the mid-semester test doesn’t have to be all that bad—as long as you prepare.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. The first step is figuring out what you need to study. Look over the syllabus, and ask your professor what potential topics might be covered on the exam.
2. Next, make short summaries of every topic. Highlight areas of difficulty and ask your professor to clarify them.
3. Once you have summarized the gist of each topic, you are ready to master the specifics with flashcards. By writing down information on flashcards, the studying is already halfway done. You can bring flashcards anywhere and save time by studying in unlikely places—like a long line at Starbucks. (There are other ways to review material too—check out The Study’s Learning Styles workshops.)
4. Come into The Study for a tutoring review session.
5. Make sure to get a good night’s rest the day before the exam—at least seven hours, if possible.
6. Once the exam is over, pack your bags. Cancun is calling!

Chemistry is killing you. Neutrons are giving you nightmares, halogens are haunting you, and catalysts are just plain confusing. Why suffer in silence? One of the best ways to take on difficult subjects is to get a tutor—and early on. Getting a tutor as early in the semester as possible is one of the best ways to ensure that your grades don’t suffer.

Additionally, tutoring has been shown to improve self-esteem and confidence, reduce drop-out rates, provide emotional support, and create new friendships.

Need a Tutor? Register online for free tutoring at The Study!

Photo Credit: http://www.collegeparents.org/sites/default/files/peer_tutor.jpg