MYMM: Testing 1, 2, 3

Testing. You're probably in the middle of or about to be taking exams. We think (and know) that there are a few basic rules to follow.  No one wants to be the irritating person sitting in front of you.

1. Don't talk about how much or how little you studied. We all have that friend who says she "studied 20 minutes" for an APUSH exam and gets a 4. We have that friend who says "I studied 9 hours and I don't feel prepared." Yup. It's annoying and can lead to excessive stress.

2. Do not smack gum, tap your feet, or click your pen. Oh my gosh talk about an easy and annoying distraction. Sophomore year, I was sitting next to a girl who tapped her feet during the whole 90 minute European History exam. If you have a chronic habit, cross your legs, don't chew gum, or don't use a clicking pen. Your fellow test takers will thank you.

3. Be prompt. Yes, someone is bound to walk in 5 minutes late to an exam with Starbucks in hand. #whitegirlproblem. Don't let that be you. Try to arrive 5-10 minutes early. (or 15 if you're neurotic about where you sit.)

4. Don't ask people what they got for a certain question. It's so easy to do. You thought about 21 the whole time and couldn't decide between b or c. Chances are, the other person won't remember. Or you'll disagree and stress yourself out saying you "failed"

5. That being, don't say you aced/failed the exam. Yikes, talk about bad karma. Just say: I didn't think it was too challenging or it was much harder than I expected!

6. Thank your professor and proctors!

Let us know if we missed anything!

xoxo,

A+C

Exam Shopping!

You read that right: exam shopping. Every time exams come around, I like to go and pick up some supplies and motivation to help me get through the dreaded tests. Some of the things are necessities, others, not so much. (note: I don't buy all of this every time, but these are my 

"suggestions!"

1. Colored Pens

2. New Mechanical Pencils (I always do this, scantrons!)

3. Post It Flags (yes, I will go through a whole packet each time.)

4. Coffee Mug (motivates me to drink it from home, and great for tea at night.)

5. New Post-Its (again, I go through insane amounts.)

6. New Nail Polish (it's more fun to be staring at your hands, editing, writing, or typing if your nails are festive.)

7. New Music (study playlists!)

8. Index Cards

9. Gum (it helps you remember things...? who knows, but I'll try!)

10. Fun Socks 

11. Candle

Is there anything you always buy pre-exam week?

let us know!

A+C

Exam Week 101

Exams. Blah. The APs are mostly over, but soon it will be time for you to start studying for typical school exams. We've both been through many semesters of exams, and have found a few helpful tricks along the way.

via

we all feel this way sometimes, don't we?

• Start early. Yes, we know this is hard. Studying early doesn't always work out because you're working on other things. But it's so important to not procrastinate, trust us, we've learned that the hard way.
• Sleep. Yes, we know that pulling all nighters is super common before exams. We also know that we won't really remember cellular respiration we studied at 4AM for an exam at 10AM. There have been many studies shown that prove you need at least some sleep.
• Plan out a schedule. This doesn't have to be down to the minute, but it should be planned out so that you know you have enough time to get it all together.
• Do you get study guides? If so, lucky lucky you. Do them. All by yourself. Yes, collaborating with your bestie might save time, but you're not going to retain things that Janie Smith emailed you the day before the exam. 
• Dress for success. (see post soon!) No, you don't need to wear a suit, but being put together is crucial, you'll feel better about yourself.
• Take time to relax in between subjects. Just 10 minutes. Mediate. Shower. Play with your pet. something to clear your head.
• Morning of, do something that makes you feel good. Does getting a skinny vanilla iced latte make your mornings better? Anything like that or even as simple as using a different soap in the shower. Something to start your day off positively.
• Eat breakfast. No one wants a growling stomach in exams.
• Lastly, and most importantly, let go post exam. It's over. You can't change it. Whatever happens, happens. You just need to know you tried your best.

Keep watching for more tips! Study hard.

Love,

A+C