abigailstudying

[abigailstudying]

Hey noodles! I’m back with another masterpost! I’ve gotten a few asks about how I take photos, so I decided to condense all of this into one post.

all my posts | my masterposts | ask me anything

Lighting:

Shoot when it’s light out for best quality photos, because natural lighting is honestly your best friend. Taking them when it’s lighter out will also make it easier to edit them.

** A lesser known tip that I’ve learned myself is to take photos in pure light. My room is pink, so unless I take pictured in the middle of my room at noon they turn out with an annoying purple tint. it’s hard to edit that out, so I sometimes go to other spots in my house to take photos.

EXTRA: If you’re taking photos with a screen turn down the brightness. High brightness gives the screen so much glare that you often can’t see anything other than a bright spot.

Taking the photos:

I’m using a colorful planner as an example, so I’m using a white background.

If your subject is plainer, you can use a brighter background. (I used a sweater)

You can also take a picture of your whole desk.

EXTRA: lots of pillowcases/sheets=lots of backgrounds!

Editing:

I use Aviary and vsco, and I edit the brightness/exposure, contrast, saturation, warmth, and tint. On vsco I add either the filters A6 or OC and add on the following to fit.

Brightness/exposure: turn these up depending on how bright your original photos are

Contrast: turn this up for clarity

Saturation: turn the saturation up because photos will generally look washed out after you turn up the brightness (be careful that it doesn’t look unnatural)

Warmth: always turn this down, especially if you take pictures in artificial light.

Tint: this is what I use to correct the purple-y tint that a lot of my pictures cave because of the color of my walls (I turn it greener, but I imagine it’ll be opposite if you have a green/blue room).

Here are some more before and afters:

++look at this post for the individual photos

I took these around 5 PM, and you can definitely see the purple I was talking about above.

More masterposts like this:

How to have cute studyblr pics by @studynostalgic

How to take studyblr photos by @studyquill

How I take studyblr photos by @stillstudies

Picture taking tips by @studypetals

How I take photos by @littlestudyblrblog

People who take great photos and links to their original content:

@stillstudies | posts

@littlestudyblrblog | posts

@obsidianstudy | posts

@stvdybuddies | posts

@bookmrk | posts

@academiix | posts

@studie-s | posts

@studyfulltime | posts

@studytherin | posts

@studylustre | posts

@studyquill | posts

An important point:

You don’t have to do this at all to be a good studyblr. Plenty of amazing studyblrs don’t jump through this many hoops every time they want to post. I would actually encourage you to not do all of this every time you want to post. I used to spend hours agonizing over my photos, and, believe it or not, my grades went down! Now I know how to balance the aesthetic and actual studying, but I was so caught up in how my notes looked that I wasn’t studying them. If you like to take pretty notes and photographs, then have fun with it, but definitely don’t feel pressured to do all of this if you don’t want to.

[abigailstudying]

types of students

a. coffeshops, highlighters, little post-it notes, wanting to be perfectly organized b. 2 am, eyebags, stacks of papers, the deadline is in half an hour c. messy bullet journal, messy desk, messy life but still trying d. night: telling yourself how productive you’ll be tomorrow, day: let’s binge watch another netflix series e. buying tons of cute stationery, having only one pen left by the end of the school year f. working really hard to achieve your goals only to be asked why you’re so smart g. ancient libraries, the smell of new textbooks, wanting to acquire all the knowledge h. studying to help people, to save the environment, to change the world

[abigailstudying]

3 Study Methods You Should Use More Often

This was originally for an article writing assignment, but I thought “why not write something I can also post on my blog?” so here are three study methods that I haven’t seen a lot of in the studyblr community but are definitely worth mentioning.

The Leitner System

          Flash cards have remained one of the most popular ways to study. Some people use them to memorize vocabulary, remember answers to specific questions, or even associate dates with events. Although the use of flash cards is convenient, their effectiveness has been reduced due to most people’s habits of prioritizing each card equally and therefore spending too much time memorizing the information on them.

          The Leitner System, created by a German popularizer of science named Sebastian Leitner, is a more efficient method of studying that implements the concept of spaced repetition. All the cards start off in one pile. You would first scan through these cards, then test yourself. Each card you answer correctly goes to a second pile, while those you answer incorrectly should be revised then placed at the bottom of the pile. When you review the cards in the second pile and get them correct, they will be promoted to a third pile. An incorrect card will always get demoted to the first pile, even if they had previously been promoted to the last pile.

          The reason why this method is so effective is that you end up reviewing the first pile of cards more frequently—the cards you don’t know very well. Some people choose to review their Stack 1 cards every day, Stack 2 cards every other day, Stack 3 cards once every three days, and so on.

          Once all your cards have been promoted to the highest box, study them thoroughly and then start over. The continuous revision trains your speed so that you may reach fluency, which allows you to recall the information faster.

Timed Memorization

          The name tells it all: you memorize a certain text within a time limit, normally around five to ten minutes depending on your fluency and memorization abilities. When the timer starts, you begin memorizing. When time is up, you flip to the next page, even if you haven’t finished the previous page yet. Continue until you’ve gone through all your material.

          Timed memorization helps you to discipline yourself because your brain thinks that there’s no time for messing around; you have to do this here and now. Make sure to repeat the things you missed and revise everything frequently. This method is actually one of the most effective for cramming as it gives a better coverage than if you spend a whole half hour memorizing one subtopic.

The Memory Palace or Mind Palace

           Sound familiar? In BBC’s Sherlock, the ‘highly functioning sociopath’ uses this method to remember vital information and facts. A mind palace is a systematic arrangement of information, each detail corresponding to a specific object in a familiar place. To ensure that you really remember everything, the objects have to appear shocking and conspicuous.

           Here’s an example: if I wanted to memorize “crimson, 11, delight, petrichor (the smell after rain)”, aside from imagining Amy Pond or the Doctor saying it, I would first choose a place, let’s say my school. I’d imagine myself walking up to the front gate and seeing that the entire building has been painted the color of blood—crimson. The building would then rise as though it were lifted from the earth and crumble into rubble, controlled by Eleven, the character from Stranger Things. Now, since I can’t really picture delight specifically, I’d probably end up visualizing a colossal sign that simply reads “delight” posted in front of my school. As for petrichor, I’d imagine curves rising out of the puddles on the asphalt after a rainy night, a visual representation of the smell of the rain. Of course, these visualizations have been created to suit my memory. (I wouldn’t know if you watched Stranger Things.)

           I used this method when memorizing case studies for geography, although I chose to visualize fictional places from television series and cartoons. Some people do opt to create artificial places, but these often become blurry and are easily forgotten.

           As with any study method, repetition is vital to storing the information in your long-term memory. Visit your “palace” as often as you can. Soon enough, you’ll remember the data as well as you remember the place associated with the data.

So there you have it, three lesser known methods of studying that have proven to be immensely efficient. Now, there is no “correct” way to study, but there are methods that can ease your learning process.

[abigailstudying]

just a lil list of motivational phrases that’ll hopefully inspire you in some way ✨ (source)

“ipsa scientia potestas est” - knowledge itself is power

“dimidium facti qui coepit habet” - he who has begun has the work half done (Horace)

“ad altiora tendo” - i strive towards higher things

“vita mutatur, non tollitur” - life is changed, not taken away

“vincit qui se vincit” - he/she conquers who conquers himself/herself

“sic parvis magna” - greatness from small beginnings

“vincit qui patitur” - he conquers who endures

“tuum est” - it’s up to you

“tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis” - the times are changing, and we change in them

“astra inclinant, sed non obligant” - the stars incline us, they do not bind us

“dum spiro, spero” - while i breathe, i hope

[abigailstudying]

Diy Grid wall decor

[abigailstudying]

Virtual College Visits!

[abigailstudying]

This is beautiful! 💕

One of the most common questions I am asked is how to start and run a studyblr. Some people consider being a studyblr means having a selection of certain pens or highlighters but that isn’t the case. Having a studyblr is about being part of a community that promotes self-improvement, positive study habits and tips to help yourself and others reach their full potential. Below are a few steps I recommend when starting a studyblr:

1. Decide whether you’re going to start a new blog or a secondary blog. Most studyblrs, myself included, run main blogs and then a studyblr as a side blog. If you’re wanting to have a completely new account, follow only studybrs, message (via asks) with a link to your studyblr then it is best to create a new account. If you’re happy to continue on one account, then creating a side blog is a good option. However, when you use a secondary blog for your studyblr, it will follow as your main account. I prefer having my studyblr as a secondary blog since you can stay logged into one account (so much easier on mobile!). Plus if you wanted to run a collaboration blog, you can add other members. Here is so more detailed information about the differences.

2. Pick a username/URL. You can be super creative like me and just use your name! Otherwise, you can name your studyblr anything you want. Whilst most people have a study related username, that isn’t totally necessary. Find something you like and use it! You do have the option to change it later on it you’re unhappy or think of something better.

3. Choose a theme. My best advice for a theme is pick something that is easy to navigate and nice to look at! Editing HTML can be quite difficult for first time Tumblr users, however many themes make adjusting the appearance of your theme really simple by using the tools on the customise page. Some popular theme makers include:

@pohroro

@modernisethemes

@cyantists

@magnusthemes

@sorrism

@acuite

@themesbyflorels

@roxiestheme

@felinum

@bychloethemes

@wonderfullythemes

Once you’ve picked a theme, follow the instructions the theme maker has left in the caption of the post. When you’re using a theme, remember to leave credit visible to the owner. By removing credit you’re breaking the conditions set by the creator. 

4. Make an icon. This is relatively optional. Most studyblrs just use a random picture for their icon however others create personalised ones just for their blog. You can create your own icon using applications like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva or Word/Pages. Canva is probably the easiest way to make your own, plus it is free! If you’re looking for something a little fancier, you can commission @annistudio to make one! Depending on the level of complexity, she charges between $3-9. She created my icon and it is so amazing!

5. Write up an introductory post. Once your blog is up and running, you should create a post to introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from, what you’re studying, your hobbies, etc. It is always nice to tag some of your favourite studyblrs! If someone has mentioned me or tagged #emmastudies in their post, I might see it and reblog it. Most blogs do the same! Making these posts will hopefully get you some new followers!

6. Post your own content. A great way to promote your blog is to upload your own posts. This can be anything, either pictures of your notes, advice posts, or infographics! Remember to update the content source and click-through links when uploading your posts. A little guide to taking photos can be found here. My editing process can also be found here. If you upload your own tips posts, feel free to submit them to @studyblrmasterposts.

7. Use popular hashtags. Before publishing your post remember to add hashtags. The most popular ones include #studyblr, #studyspo, #study. I track the tag #emmastudies so include that in your tags and I’ll see it! Most blogs also track their usernames so tag some of your favourites.

8. Join studyblr networks. You’ll often see these floating around Tumblr so if you see one, join it! There are ones dedicated to people graduating in a specific year, others for specific majors, or people who share a common trait/hobby! Alternatively, you can be added to my studyblr directory. It is a collection bloggers which can be filtered by categories such as education level, country, and exam system. You can apply here.

9. Use the queue option. By using the queue option, you don’t have to come on Tumblr every day to stay active. Set up a queue, select the number of posts and when you’d like them to be published and you’re ready to go. This option is great if you’re having a bit of an off-week and don’t fancy coming online or aren’t able to access the Internet!

10. Use other social media platforms. Whilst studyblr originated on Tumblr, we have since diversified across numerous different social networks. I’d totally recommend having a studygram! Mine is @emmastudiess if you wanted to check it out! Other accounts have YouTube (emma studies), Snapchat (@emmastudies), Spotify, Twitter, etc. Remember to provide links to your each account!

11. Be nice, friendly and polite. I think this is the golden rule for any blogger. Treat everyone with respect. Be kind when answering questions. Be grateful for your followers. Please, please, please don’t send anonymous hate! If you receive it, remember to delete and block that person. The studyblr community is one of the nicest I’ve come across and we want to keep it that way. 

12. Don’t be afraid to message other blogs and start a friendship! Interact with other accounts by sending them an ask or a direct message. I cannot begin to tell you how many wonderful people I’ve connected with from the studyblr community. I’d say the majority of studyblrs love receiving messages and would be happy to strike up a friendship with you!

I hope this can inspire you to start a studyblr or helps you set one up! Remember you can tag me in your introductory posts or uploaded pictures. Also, my ask and direct messages are always open if you want to chat xx

[abigailstudying]

got a couple anon asks about making flash cards so I made a quick picture set of the way I make flash cards based on the level of complexity of the flash cards.

note: this is just my way of making flash cards.  in order for flash cards to be truly effective, you should adapt the system so it works best for you and the subject you’re studying.

questions? requests? let me know!

[abigailstudying]

The studyblr community has pooled in a lot of amazing, aesthetically pleasing, efficient, and fun ways to take notes and study. However, over the past few years, especially last semester when I took college classes, I realized that having one system really wasn’t helpful because I would have to scramble for different strategies when the classes drastically differed from one another. So, I made strategies for certain types of classes that were created specifically for those characteristics but flexible enough to adjust a bit if needed. Here is how I study:

I want to start off by saying ALL strategies including reading. DO NOT SKIP IT. It’s hard, it’s boring, and it’s slow, but in the end you learn and create a strong foundation for yourself.

I do not skip a word. I use three different colored post its, some page flags, and a writing utensil. I abhor highlighting on textbooks and books with a passion so I use post its instead: one for writing notes and key concepts, another for terminology, and the last color  for any questions I have. As I read, I write all of my notes and then stick them in my textbooks in the corresponding area. The flags are for when I feel like I just couldn’t get the information completely and I want to come back and double review. Finally, after I go through a chapter, I get my notebook and from the beginning of the chapter, I rewrite my post its into notes with the same color coding system.

For the classrooms with power points: This is pretty simple. I print them before hand into handouts if they’re available before lecture and write everything that the teacher says in margins or highlight information. if they’re not available before hand, I still take notes from what the teacher is saying and writing and I make tiny notes of which slide it corresponds with. Then, I print the powerpoint later and write it into the powerpoint slides. To study, I just read over them. 

When the teacher usually writes on the board, speaks all the time, and doesn’t use pp: This is where reading the textbook becomes your best friend. You won’t get as much details in lecture since a person can only talk and write so much in an allotted time period. Instead, I copy everything off of the board and don’t miss anything. At the same time I try to get everything he says onto my notebook also. As a back up, I have a voice recorder going on at the same time. Once I get home, I IMMEDIATELY and ALWAYS rewrite those class notes since they probably look terrifying. After all, people speak faster than they can write.

Finally, online classes. Most of it is learning by yourself so stay motivated and determined and you can do it! First, video transcripts are not your notes. Take notes from the video themselves while you’re watching them. For all of those online resources, write notes in every way you can. Print out all of your assignments that you do or put them somewhere where you can print them later to read over. Any reading excerpts? Print those and highlight all you want. Finally, READ THAT TEXTBOOK.

The last part of my studying strategy is really only useful when it comes to tests. Do any and all practice questions that you can get your hands on. I don’t care if it says there’s 100 questions. Do them!! If anything got me through my classes, it would be all of those damn practice tests and textbook questions (Do every problem in the back of your book. Do them. When you do them, your teachers can throw anything at you and you’ll be able to do any scenario.).

All classes are different. Some are a mixture of the traditional powerpoint and traditional lectures. That’s why I really like my strategies because they’re at like two different extremes and I can use them at different amounts to meet that perfect spot where my class is.

Finally, I will say that my study strategies do rely on my organizational systems. I have different notebooks for different things, different binder arrangements for different classes, and so on. If you want a master post on that just give me a message (it’ll probably come at some point but i’m also really lazy and forgetful).

Good luck with studying. Just remember to stay healthy no matter what you’re doing <3

[abigailstudying]

Some more study icons! all made with Canva.

Please feel free to use, but make sure to reblog if you choose to do so!

[abigailstudying]

Hey everyone, sorry I haven’t been on here for a month. At first it was just because spring break had started and I wanted to distance myself from technology for a while. But then I had a huge family issue, that made me distance myself from everything. I hope you guys understand, and I’ll try to get posting as soon as I can! 

[abigailstudying]

For the asks, 5-15? Have fun on your trip, hopefully these will keep you busy :P

Thanks for keeping me busy! And I already answered 5 & 6 in the previous ask, so I’ll continue from there. If you mean a different ask, super sorry. But this was the only one I had on the go. (Probably should have thought about the fact that I will be on the go)

#7 University or College? Why?I’m aiming for a college. This is because I hear that they often have smaller classes, and I can have a closer relationship with the professors. However, since I am still a freshman I might not know a lot, and I haven’t really explored my options. So if I’m wrong about anything, or if anyone ask any suggestions please send me a message!

#8 Do you listen to music when you study? If so what?I almost require myself to listen to music while studying. It helps because I often can just remember a certain song and that information I was learning with that song will be easier to remember. (This doesn’t work all the time though) and I listen to a VERY WIDE VARIETY. Because I often have music mood swings (if that makes sense) and different songs/genres for each subject. For instance, the main genre I listen to with science is electronic type stuff. However this can vary from some covers of pop songs to Kpop to anime covers to some random obscure artist that I come to love. It’s very weird.

#9 What is your favorite time of day to study? Why?In the #marchstudychallenge by @littlestudyblr I already answered this, but I’ll retell it. My favorite time is night, deeeeep into the night. This is a way I can guarantee I won’t get interrupted, plus it’s usually my favorite time of day in general.

#10 What’s your study routine?I don’t really know if I have a ‘study routine’. Since I can vary from day to day what I want to do first. But I can usually narrow it down to hardest/longest assignment first, the rest of my homework. Then I study for upcoming tests during the week. Of course the closer the test, the more time I spend on it. And if here are no tests (this rarely happens) I study for my AP Exam. Studying includes: rereading notes out loud, making flash cards for vocab (physical copies or just using an app), then rewriting specific parts of notes.

#11 Do you prefer worksheets or essays?Worksheets definitely. It’s easier to format into a way to study for later, and essays take waaayyy more of my time since it’s harder to organize my thoughts. Plus, like I said, I don’t really like English. Especially right now.

#12 What is your favorite book?DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE!!! I can’t possibly choose an absolute favorite, even if I did for the #marchstudychallenge it’s truly impossible. Right now though it would be “Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda” in rereading it and I love it to pieces. This will change so often though that it will almost never be he same whenever anyone asks this.

#13 What is something interesting that you learned today?I learned that apparently to go to Vanderbilt University it costs, $65,000 for one year. This is according to a bus tour guide though, so I’m not exactly sure how accurate that information is. Please let me know if otherwise!

#14 What is one thing you have always wanted to learn about but never got to?That would be Korean, the language. Since I’m half Korean, and I take pride in that, I’ve always wanted to learn the language! However, a sucky teacher and school always got in the way. And during the summer the past couple of years I always had things I needed to do, so I never got to teach myself. So, for now I just learn the language VERY slowly.

#15 Where do you study?On a desk, in my bedroom. Plan and simple. I’ve heard that it would be best to create a separate study space than where you sleep, but I don’t have room for that. Soooo yeah.

Thank you for the ask! And sorry if this was the wrong one, it’s the only one I can view on the go right now. So if it isn’t I’ll make sure to go look for the other one as soon as I can! Wow this was took way longer than I thought.

[abigailstudying]

03.12.17

I just went to the fanciest hotel in my life, and it was actually really cheap to get in! Like my entire family though the hotel would already have every room reserved because it was that fancy. But here we are! Tell me if you want to see the actual sites of Nashville instead of just some hotel photos. I will gladly share my experience with everyone!

Day 12: favorite quote

My favorites change like my moods and the days. So it changes a lot. But right now, I would say my favorite quote would be from Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl”.

“In new situations, all the trickiest rules are the ones nobody bothers to explain to you. (And the ones you can’t Google)”

[abigailstudying]

URGENT

I’m honestly in tears. I am incredibly upset, I am shaking, I am furious. I need this post to reach as many people as possible, because I want everyone to be aware about this and we need to work together to help bring this young girl home safely. I have a lot of followers so I’m hoping this will spread quickly so more people are aware of this.

This is Kennedi High. You may have seen her circling through your dashboard. She’s 16 years old and she has gone missing, and so far everyone has pieced together through her snapchat story that something is really, really wrong. She’s acting funny, and recently her snapchat story has been updated: “I’m with this other man and he telling me I’m never going back home to see my family.” A lot of people think this may be a case of sex trafficking, and it most likely is, and I’m honestly terrified for her. 

She’s originally from Baltimore, MD, though it’s said that she may currently be in the Mountain View California region. Please spread this if you can, reblog any other posts you find about her and get this story out. I’m absolutely sickened and shaken and I just want her to be safe. This is so important to me.

Not to mention, there’s been reports of over 64,000 black girls missing across the United States, and it’s most likely due to sex trafficking. 64,000 black girls. That’s just crazy. This is terrifying and needs more media coverage, this needs to be spread everywhere. We need to protect black girls. They need our help.

If you guys have any more information to add to this post or correct, please please feel free. I’ll try to add any other updates I find on the situation. In the meantime, if you can, please this reblog or any other posts relating to Kennedi and spread the word. Tell everyone about it. This needs everyone’s attention.

[abigailstudying]

2-6 for studyblr asks?

Thank you for asking! Anyone else can send any questions you have!

#2 How do you remember things best?I usually remember things best by hearing them said and then repeating it out loud repeatedly. Another way I do that is by making up a tune or song for what I want to to remember. Or I write what I want to remember down, and try to picture it in my mind later on.

#3 Favorite subject in school?Right now it has to be biology. Simply because I take more of an interest in science than any other subject. I also love the way things are so interconnected in science, like one subject I learn will lead to another. (Though AP Human Geography is a very close second)

#4 Least favorite subject in school?English. Definitely english. I had an amazing teacher last year, but this year my teacher is so bad. She acts like a teenager herself, says “um” way too much for a teacher, and gives busywork at least weekly. It probably doesn’t help that I don’t like English as a subject by itself usually.

#5 Do you still remember a certain teacher/professor in past years? If so why?I remember one main teacher from my middle school years that has left a lasting in impression on me. My English teacher in 8th grade, was amazing. What she taught and her tests challenged me, but she also helped whenever she could. (Especially since our entire grade basically missed out on 6th grade grammar due to a teacher fiasco story that is too long to say here) She was very kind, and treated us all with respect. However, she always knew when to draw the line and tell some students to behave. She prepared me so much for the future, and I appreciate her so much.

#6 How do you feel about your current teacher/professor?Since I have 7 teachers throughout the day (still in high school), it’s hard to get a true feeling about any of them. But from what I can tell, all of them are amazing. Except my English teacher. Still don’t like her.

[abigailstudying]

I'm going to be going to Nashville for 2 days! We are driving there today, and coming back tomorrow late at night probably. I've reblogged a bunch of asks for anyone! Also I'll be really bored, so please ask me anything, even if it's not from the other posts!

[abigailstudying]

→ MINIMALIST 2017 DESKTOP WALLPAPERS / (insp.) a simple, practical desktop calender for each of the months. featuring: the words of other talented tumblr poets & authors. my sincerest gratitude for allowing me to use them—i hope i did them justice! i was so surprised at the amount of enthusiasm that was shown for something i thought of on a whim [ HOVER ]

thank you to: @cytaoplasm​ (01) / @techstudies (02+03) / @bookish-studyblr (04) / @fifteenyen (05) / @deehaan​ (06) / @illuminosity (07+11—originals here & here) / @daorclikespasta (08+10) / @bookmrk (09+12), guys please please go send them so much love, thank them, support their writing & posts ♥

download: plain / with poetry.