Monday, November 25, 2013

Test Tips



Students often find that taking tests turns out to be the most challenging aspect of going to college. Whether they are prepping for their TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, LSAT, or even just their Organic Chemistry Test, a large portion of people find that they freeze when presented with testing materials. Here are some ways to avoid the brain block and keep your grades high.

-Before the test, create a one page summary sheet that encapsulates all the major materials that could potentially be on the test.

-Get enough sleep. Staying up and studying all night won’t help you on the exam; if anything it will hinder your abilities. Getting enough sleep is vital to doing well on tests.

-Ask the exam proctor for help if you don’t understand what the question is asking. You must be clear about what is being asked in order to get it right.

-Try not to panic. If you feel stressed out, put down your pencil, take a few deep breaths, and relax your mind. Keeping your anxiety down during an exam will help keep your brain clear and remain focused.

-Read through the whole exam before you begin. This allows you to start generating ideas from the start, rather than just thinking about one question at a time.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Steps to Study in the United States

So you want to study in the U.S.?  With it’s wide variety of schools and academic standards, it offers the best in education that the world has to offer.  Many people who are just making the decision to study abroad don’t quite know how to go about it.  These steps are a generic outline that can help guide you with your decision.


  • Decide what you want to study and find universities that offer a good program.


  • Work with your advisor to choose about 5 schools that meet your criteria and fill out the application forms and gather the admission documents.


  • Complete any necessary testing.  (Example: if you are applying for graduate school, many schools require you to complete the GRE or GMAT or LSAT)


  • Once you have been accepted by the universities you applied for, work with your advisor to select the one university that is the best match for you.  


  • Apply for a U.S. Student Visa with the help from your advisor


  • Work with your advisor for pre-departure information


The process takes dedication and a lot of patience.  Make sure to apply early.  Dr. Davis can assist you throughout the application process to make sure you have all the proper information needed to begin your life of study in the United States.