The very phrase, “Open Book Test,” evokes immediate relief over students. It automatically de-stresses them due to its implications that studying isn’t necessary and that very little preparation is needed. Unfortunately, these thoughts are a huge trap. Although it is perfectly understandable why one would think an open book test requires no studying, that is simply not the case. Making an exam open-book certainly makes the test-taking process a lot easier, but it does not eliminate the need for studying altogether. The key to mastering these tests is mastering your notes, and there are a few steps to take for you to do that.... Read More About How to Prepare for an Open-Book Test

Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Dr. Mike Frazier is a member of the MedSchoolCoach team and the founder of Medical School Insider, a website he created to help aspiring medical students through the admissions process. He is a former member of the UCLA Medical School Admissions Committee and the author of his own eBooks, such as, Succeeding in Medical School: How I Landed My Top Choice Residency. A graduate of the UCLA medical school as well, Dr. Frazier has a clear and knowledgeable view of how to master the medical school application. VT: How much time should be set as... Read More About Ask a Medical School Admissions Expert: Dr. Mike Frazier

It can be difficult enough to write an essay, but having to do it within stressful time constraints is another challenge in and of itself. Usually, these time constraints are in reference to due dates that tend to be weeks or months ahead. But when an essay is part of an exam, those weeks and months before your due date become minutes and hours. Facing a timed essay is nevertheless an intimidating situation that requires just the right mindset. There are a few things you should recognize and accept before going into a timed essay. First off, know that you will not have any time to waste – it is as simple as that. The comforting procrast... Read More About How to Write a Timed Essay

Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Chioma Isiadinso is a former Harvard Business School Admissions Board member as well as the former Director of Admissions at Carnegie Mellon University. She is the CEO of EXPARTUS, a worldwide MBA admissions consulting service, and has also written a book of insights on the MBA admissions process called The Best Business Schools’ Admissions Secrets. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete the application for an MBA program?   Chioma: Ideally you want to start to seriously think of the... Read More About Ask an MBA Admissions Expert: Chioma Isiadinso

This is certainly a broad topic, as distractions are everywhere. Not only that, but everybody gets distracted by different things. That is one of the reasons studying can be so difficult and frustrating – random aspects of the world are always catching our attention. Especially if you are one with a shorter attention span, staying focused through your studies is no easy process. Regardless of where we study, the surrounding environment is going to detract us from our work in one way or another. But there are a few distractions that we can control, and they are obvious ones. Ways of shutting them off are simple and effective – howe... Read More About How to Avoid Study Distractions