Then you will synthesize the information and formulate a thesis about what it all means. What is the overall significance of the conclusions you draw from your analyses about the state of the American “Fourth Estate” today? To what extent is the U.S. news media presenting the news about crucial issues in an objective, informative way? Your conclusion can take the form of a key insight you developed as a result of your research and analysis.

Make sure to send a thank you card or email soon after your request. It is a common courtesy and will also remind the professor to write the letter.

end your request within 2 to 3 months of notice (planning ahead really matters when asking for a recommendation).

Introduce Yourself!!! Go to office hours!

Einstein went sailing or played the violin. Take time to do the things you enjoy. Set boundaries for yourself between working and leisure time.

go outside and feel the sunshine!

Walk into the test with your head high and your shoulders back. How you walk can affect how you feel, and if you act confident, you just may feel more confident.

Mentally practice going through the test-taking experience. Close your eyes and see yourself walking confidently into the test, answering the questions correctly, and receiving the grade you want.

start with the easiest one. This will help you gain confidence, and it will give you time to think about how to answer the harder questions. Be sure to note how many points each essay is worth and adjust the time you allot to each question accordingly.

When you are reading a multiple-choice question, try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the choices.

When you give a presentation or speech, pretend that you are telling your best friend something really important.

Teaching others the material you are learning, is an extremely effective method of retaining information.

Review often. When you are reviewing, you move information from your short-term memory into your long-term memory. Review is the key to learning anything.

The hardest part about studying is getting started.