1. Host a Sleepover/Party:

You can never go wrong with having a sleepover or party. You could even mix them and have a party, and then people can spend the night. The party could include games, you could make dinner or order pizza, do nails. There are so many fun options of what to do, whether it’s activities or whether it’s food on Pinterest. Of course a movie is always a great idea too. You could watch a cheesy rom-com to celebrate the day. Some great classics include “10 Things I hate about you”, and “13 Going on 30”.  

2. Charcuterie Board Night:

If you haven’t seen this trend on TikTok, you should look it up. It is such a unique spin on having people bring their own food for a get together or a party! Everyone can bring their own charcuterie board with different foods on it. This can be anything from a chicken nugget board, candy board, to a pizza board. And the great thing about it is, you can put as little or as much effort into it as you want.

3. Make a “Date” Night:

This might work better if it is just you and one friend, however you could really do this with as many people as you want, it just might get a bit tricky. But basically the idea is that you plan a date night and ask the other person (or people) on a date with you. It is a fun way to make someone feel special on Valentine’s Day, and you can go as simple or full out with this as you want to. You could have a picnic, go out to a fancy restaurant, go get dessert, etc.. Whatever is something that you and the other person will enjoy. It doesn’t even have to be surrounded by food; this can be a movie night or something like bowling even.

4. Tea Party:

This might sound abnormal and weird even, but this could be something nice and different than what you would normally do with your friends. You could set a theme such as Alice in Wonderland, all dress up, and make food surrounding the theme. This also provides a great opportunity for pictures, which is always a nice bonus. And the good thing about this option is you can do this wherever, and you can find lots of inspiration on Pinterest for hosting a tea party.

5. Plan a Photoshoot:

Who doesn’t love an excuse to get dressed up and take pictures with your besties? Put on some cute outfits, try a new hairstyle, do a sparkly makeup look. There are endless ideas for backdrops, poses, outfits, etc. online. Pick some that you like and have a fun time. You could put on some music and get some props, and just make it into a whole event. Bonus points if you also make some TikToks!

For more ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day, click here!

And check out this fun Girl Spring Quiz: Plan a Galentine’s Day Celebration and We’ll Tell You What Type of Friend You Are!

The post How To Celebrate Galentine’s Day appeared first on GirlSpring.

Getting that perfect, salon-style blowout at home is easier than you realize. Are you blow drying your hair correctly? These are the hair hacks you should know.

Start With Damp, Not Soaking, Hair

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to blow dry hair that’s dripping wet. This takes forever and exposes your hair to way more heat than necessary, leading to damage.

Instead, gently towel-dry your hair first. Use a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to squeeze out the excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel, as this creates friction and frizz. Let your hair air-dry until it’s about 70 – 80 percent dry before you even pick up the blow dryer.

Don’t Skip the Heat Protectant

Think of heat protectant as sunscreen for your hair; it’s nonnegotiable! Applying a heat protectant spray or cream before blow-drying creates a barrier that shields your hair from heat damage.

As such, this simple step can prevent breakage, split ends, and dryness, keeping your hair healthy and shiny. Make sure you apply it evenly from roots to ends for full coverage.

Use the Right Tools and Techniques

The tools you use are just as important as your technique. Using a nozzle attachment on your blow dryer is a game-changer. It concentrates the airflow, giving you more control and helping to smooth the hair cuticle for a sleeker look.

Here’s how to get the best results:

• Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. Working with smaller sections ensures that every part of your hair gets dried properly.
• Use a Round Brush: A round brush is your best friend for creating volume and shape. As you dry each section, wrap the hair around the brush and pull it taut.
• Point the Nozzle Down: Always aim the nozzle of the blow dryer down the hair shaft. This helps the hair cuticles lie flat, which reduces frizz and boosts shine.

If you want more tips to add volume to straight hair, try lifting your roots with the brush as you dry. Pull the hair up and away from your scalp while aiming the heat at the roots. Finishing with a blast of cool air will lock in the volume and shine.

Getting a great blowout at home doesn’t have to be a struggle. By starting with damp hair, always using a heat protectant, and using the right tools, you can avoid frizz and damage. Following these simple hair hacks will help you achieve a smooth, bouncy, and healthy-looking hairstyle every time you blow dry your hair.

The post Are You Blow Drying Your Hair Correctly? Hair Hacks To Know appeared first on GirlSpring.

To SAT, or Not To SAT

Deciding whether to take the test or not may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. In general, private universities are more likely than public universities to require standardized test scores, and highly ranked or international universities almost always need the test. These are general guidelines, and ultimately, your choice should be based on individual circumstances and your college plans. It is best to check the universities you are considering on a case-by-case basis, as they can differ greatly in terms of policies and acceptance rates. Remember, if a school is test-optional, only submit your highest scores, as lower scores will weaken your overall application. 

Since preparing for the SAT requires months of studying and can stress even the most veteran scholars, you should only take the exam if it is necessary or if it could fill any gaps you may have in your application to get into one of your dream schools. 

It is important to note that the SAT costs $68 each time. The College Board makes it easy to apply for a fee waiver to cover the cost of two tests.

Study Recommendations

You should begin preparing two to three months before your exam date. Before anything else, you must create a College Board account, download the Bluebook app, and take a full-length practice test. This test will be scored like the official SAT and is a great way to pinpoint which areas need improvement. Do not stress over your practice test results; this is just a base for your studies.

Review all incorrect answers and identify areas of strength and weakness, whether it is reading and writing, math, or pacing the test. After that, log on to Khan Academy, which partners with the SAT, and go to the SAT section and practice according to your weak spots. Additional resources, like YouTube, can also be very beneficial, as there are a plethora of videos addressing every type of question the SAT poses. Remember: there are only six official practice tests on Bluebook. To avoid wasting these tests, only take them after seriously studying.

Although everyone’s study path is unique, I have linked a few videos below that give excellent foundational advice:

All of SAT Math Explained in 26 Minutes

The only SAT Math DESMOS Guide you’ll ever need

All of SAT Reading Explained in 21 Minutes  

How to Score a 750+ on the SAT Reading without Reading the Whole Passage! 

The SAT season runs from August to June and is offered seven times each year. This means there are plenty of times to try again if your first score is not what you wanted. Colleges typically consider only the highest score submitted and understand that it is completely normal to take the SAT more than once. 

Test Day Expectations

The SAT registration is offered on the College Board website, and you must register at least a month in advance, as testing spots often fill up quickly. Testing centers typically open at 7:45 a.m., and the exam begins around  8:00 a.m. The SAT lasts two hours and forty-one minutes and is divided into a reading and writing section, a math section, and a ten-minute break in between. The reading and writing portion allows seventy-one seconds per question, while the math portion allows ninety-five seconds per question. 

On test day, I recommend arriving a few minutes early with a valid ID, admissions ticket, pencil, and a water bottle. Additionally, during the ten-minute break, bring a light snack and keep your body moving to keep yourself energized for the math section, as the reading may cause fatigue. If the timing of the test does not work for you, it is worth noting that the SAT does offer accommodations that are easy to request.

While the SAT may appear intimidating, the most important piece of advice for the test is to understand what the question is truly asking. Remember: if you understand the question, you already know half of the answer.

All things considered, the SAT does not have to be a scary test that will determine your future. If the SAT is not something that is for you that is fine. If the SAT is something that will get you to where you need to be, that is also fine. Remember to study smarter, not harder, keep your head in the game, and take a few deep breaths. This test is only one piece of the bigger picture that is your future.

The post SAT Tips and Tricks appeared first on GirlSpring.

In these moments, there is a split second where one decides to conform or reject the pressure. The cycle goes, the more you agree, the easier it is to agree the next time. These tiny compromises slowly chip away at your sense of self as opposed to one big moment of weakness.

At its Core

Peer pressure, fundamentally, is a form of influence, whether good or bad. A spoken word or a silent nudge biased towards a specific action aimed to align with others instead of yourself.

We like to think that peer pressure is a teenage thing; it goes beyond that, and it becomes smarter, a lot more mature. From bad parties, bad people, and bad choices to overspending, overindulging, and overcommitting– peer pressure can influence anyone from any age group.

It’s not by definition a bad thing. For example, being around ambitious, intelligent people motivates someone to work harder and be better. Peer pressure becomes a problem when one action crosses a line, an action you normally wouldn’t do, an action that reflects what people want you to be rather than who you are.

The Subtle Art of Saying Yes (When You Mean No)

Peer pressure works because it preys on something deeply human– our need to belong. Our sense of belonging allows us to feel comfortable with those around us, but it comes at a cost. Think of the last time you said yes to someone reluctantly. The decision, though fleeting, had a sour aftertaste: resentment, guilt, regret.

The expectation to say yes when so many people are involved is what prompts responses, which eventually reduces down to one person asking. The trouble with saying yes to others is that habits stick. You start outsourcing your decisions, silencing your instincts, and eventually, you stop trusting your own judgment.

Your gut instincts are the ones you truly should always rely on. Even the slightest negative feeling should prompt you out of unsafe situations, as it is truly better to be safe than to deal with the consequences of giving in. Peer pressure never disappears. People will always have an opinion on how you should live your life because, in their eyes, it is the right way. The real change comes from trusting your inside voice, ensuring it doesn’t get drowned in the eruption of cheers when you say yes.

Questions to ask yourself before saying Yes

Do I wanna do this, or do I want to fit in?

Is the “Yes” from desire or fear?

If no one was watching or judging, would I still choose this?

Saying NO!

Rejecting an idea or action does not have to be dramatic or spiteful; it is simply not your place to be doing that action, so in your right, you can say no to the question. It also doesn’t need to be accompanied by an apology or promises to make amends. “No.” is a complete sentence. Refusing peer pressure should be done calmly and with confidence.

“No, that doesn’t work for me.”

“I have different priorities at the moment.”

“I don’t think I can right now.”

The world will not end when you say no to someone. In fact, because you are now given the freedom to do what you want, the world might just begin. Yes, not all peer pressure is bad. Oftentimes, it’s another person wanting to spend time with you. A true friend would ask you what you want to do instead of getting offended or throwing a fit and judging.

Redefine Belonging

At the end of the day, your oldest and closest companion is always yourself. Peer pressure challenges you, your identity, and your sense of self. Conforming essentially means betraying that. Does belonging really justify betraying yourself?

NO is never about conditional friendships and understanding. It’s about being understood for who you are. You do not really belong if you have to change yourself. Your life is not going to get bigger and better when you say yes to everything; it will definitely be more enriched if you say yes to the right things.

The best thing sometimes is smiling kindly at the crowd, saying a pleasant “No,” and making your way home safely.

Read more about how peer pressure can affect safety here!

The post Peer Pressure (& How to Not Fall for It) appeared first on GirlSpring.

As an upcoming senior who has grown a lot over the last few years, here are the essential tips for surviving and thriving in your first year of high school to help you have the best high school experience!

1. Don’t stress about the increase in workload

It sounds easier said than done, right? Having to do more work can be scary because it means more stress and less fun. You might be rethinking how ready you are. However, it is be doable!

Remember, the workload assigned in high school is designed for your age group, so everyone else will be having the same struggles (whether they admit it or not). Think back to when you were in elementary school when you were so worried about going to the next grade – well this is the same!

Well, good news, you made it! This year will be very similar to the past few years. You might be thinking it’s going to be impossible, but all of the sudden you’ll be heading to 10th grade and realizing you made it through!

      2. Be prepared for your friends to switch around – it’s natural!

One of the worst feelings can be losing a friend. Whether that be abruptly or slowly, it hurts all the same. But remember, you’re growing up and finding yourself, which sometimes means outgrowing certain friends. Your personalities might have matched in elementary or middle school, but people change over time, which is totally normal.

People never stay the same their whole lives, especially as they mature. Although this might be tough at first, you will meet other people later on who you might get along great with. With this in mind, be open to creating friendships with all different types of people! Just because you have different hobbies, doesn’t mean your personalities won’t go great together!

       3. Don’t be afraid to say no – or yes!

Given the increased workload in high school, you’re now at the age when, “my mom said I have to stay home and study,” is the best excuse for saying no to an invitation.

High school can be hard, especially when your friends start partaking in activities you may or may not want to join in on. If you don’t want to do those same things and don’t feel comfortable telling people that, there’s nothing wrong with slowly distancing yourself.

Moreover, growing up comes with freedom, and if you feel comfortable with something and you know you won’t be doing anything wrong, then don’t feel guilty about it.

      4. Learn to cope with jealousy

As you grow up, you might encounter more complex or difficult social situations than you did before. Maybe your two closest friends are having a sleepover without you, or the friend group you thought you were a part of is having a group function without you. Maybe you can’t afford the new store everyone is shopping at, or you’re the only one of your friends without a boyfriend or girlfriend, so you miss out on the double dates.

Dealing with jealousy in high school is inevitable. Some people you know may leave you feeling genuinely left out, but if you feel comfortable mentioning it to them, then go ahead. It’s important to remember that these things will happen now and then throughout your life, and you might even make someone feel like this without realizing it!

Try to keep in mind that if you’re comfortable with yourself, jealousy doesn’t sting as badly. Also, if someone is purposefully leaving you out, they are clearly dealing with their own insecurities, which has nothing to do with you.

What if people left you out but not purposefully? Feeling like no one even thought of you can sometimes hurt even worse. In cases like these, those people clearly aren’t your real friends, but that’s okay. Be happy with people you click with, and it’ll feel so much better than feeling left out by the “popular” crew.

        5. Join those clubs

During my freshman year of high school, I moved to a new city to attend a new school. Being in a new setting without knowing anyone on the first day of school was possibly one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. I can still feel the crippling anxiety I felt as I got out of the car.

I sat by someone who looked nice and tried to start conversation by asking, “what homeroom do you have?” After the conversation picked up, I realized it wasn’t so bad. Over the next month, I joined every club my schedule would allow, and that’s how I met my people!

Clubs are the best way to find friends with similar interests as you. Plus, they look great to colleges – a win-win! I cannot recommend anything as much as getting involved. As long as you don’t overwhelm yourself, you won’t regret it!

Here’s a cute book about transitioning into freshman year! And don’t forget to check out Girl Spring’s advice on freshman year tips!

The post Essential Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year of High School appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Start shopping for your dorm early.

Since there are hundreds of thousands of people going to college each fall, things are bound to be out of stock. I started my dorm shopping by making a list of everything that I needed to buy. I was constantly adding on items that I had forgotten about. Next, I bought things that were the most essential first, such as the bed spread, mattress topper (very important for a comfortable bed!), and a lamp. By starting my shopping early, I was able to avoid most of the shopping rush in late July when a lot of students were trying to finish off their dorm shopping. Also, by starting to shop early, I was able to spread out my shopping which made it much less stressful.

2. Get involved in an organization or club.

One of the best ways to make friends your freshman year is to join an organization or a club. Whether it is a church organization, a service club, or an ultimate frisbee club, it is always a great way to meet people with similar interests as you. I joined a church organization my freshman year and have found many of my closest friends there. It was definitely out of my comfort zone to go join an organization where I knew nobody but it was worth it in the end to put myself out there.

3. Try to avoid 8 A.M. class times.

If you’re anything like me, you hate getting up early. I had two classes at 8 A.M. my freshman year. I thought that since I woke up early for all of high school, then waking up for an 8 A.M. class every Tuesday and Thursday would be a breeze. However, I quickly found out that it was a lot different than high school. The workload was heavier than ever before, which meant later nights studying. Also, one of the hardest things for me was getting the motivation to go to the class when I knew it was just going to be going over notes. At college, your parents aren’t there to make you go to class, so it’s harder to make yourself go to an 8 A.M. class.

4. Be open-minded about changing majors.

Since 9th grade, I had been set on majoring in Pre-Vet and going to Vet school at Auburn. I never would have thought that I would change my major. However, as I was sitting in a Pre-Vet class only 3 weeks into my freshman year, I realized that I did not want to become a veterinarian. Even though it was a sudden realization, I was completely certain of it. I ended up changing my major to Pre-Nursing, which I have loved so far. I know people who have changed their major more than 3 times, so know that you don’t have to stick to one major. Do what you love and don’t be afraid to change your mind.

5. Give yourself grace during your first year. 

Your first year is a time of growth and learning. One thing that I had to remind myself was that it is okay to not be okay. For most of us, freshman year is the first time we are living away from home and have to be responsible for ourselves. You will learn and grow more than you would think during your freshman year. There were definitely highs and lows throughout the year, but you only learn from your lows. It is okay to not be put together all the time because it is a new experience that will make you stronger in the future.

The post Things No One Tells You Before College appeared first on GirlSpring.

Taking that first step into the world of embroidery with your new machine is as exciting as it is overwhelming. There’s a whole world of patterns, threads, and techniques waiting for you to explore. But where do you begin?

Diving into the right projects will help you develop the skills you need while minimizing frustration. Whether your goal is simple designs or intricate artwork, we’ve got the perfect practice projects for a brand-new embroidery machine.

Experiment With Small Fabric Swatches

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with your embroidery machine’s settings and stitches is by working with small fabric pieces. Begin by using inexpensive cotton fabric and spare threads to experiment with different stitch styles, tension adjustments, and patterns. Trying out your machine on swatches allows you to understand how it handles loops, zigzags, and experimental designs without worrying about ruining a larger project.

Before buying an embroidery machine, many people underestimate the learning curve of adjusting stitch length, density, and thread tension. These small trials will save you from uneven or broken threads later while teaching you patience and precision. Over time, these practice swatches may also serve as reference samples for future projects.

Embroider Designs on Pre-Made Items

Once you’re comfortable with swatches, try your hand at embellishing pre-made items like tote bags, towels, or pillowcases. These everyday objects offer flat surfaces that are relatively easy to work with, helping you hone your placement and alignment skills. For example, customizing a tote bag with a monogram or fun pattern will teach you how to stabilize fabric effectively while adding a personal touch to a practical item.

Towels are another great option, especially when just starting out. Their forgiving texture works well with loops and initials, and you’ll learn how to manage thicker material. Consider this an opportunity to be creative and functional at the same time. Creating a bespoke household item makes your practice feel productive without the pressure of designing from scratch.

Try Your Hand at Custom Patches

Creating custom patches serves as an excellent training exercise to work on layering, color blending, and design placement. Start with simple shapes, like circles or squares, and slowly progress to more complex patterns or images. By stitching on a stable base fabric, you’ll focus on learning about density without worrying about intricate garment shapes. Once finished, these patches can be sewn onto clothing, backpacks, or hats, which makes them practical and ornamental.

Custom patches mimic the final stage of embroidery without the additional stress of working directly on garments. They also allow you to experiment with adding embellishments, such as borders and layered thread patterns. This project also teaches hand-finishing techniques like trimming and assembly.

Getting comfortable with your embroidery machine is a gradual process, but each practice project above is perfect to build your skills step by step. Through small swatches, pre-made items, and custom patches, you’ll learn everything from basic settings to advanced design techniques.

The post Perfect Practice Projects for a Brand-New Embroidery Machine appeared first on GirlSpring.

Choose the Right Fit for a Flattering Silhouette

Finding the right fit can change how you feel in a sundress. You don’t have to squeeze into something tight or drown in a dress that’s two sizes too big. Look for a style that highlights your shape and lets you move comfortably, whether it’s cinched at the waist, flowy, or has adjustable straps that you can tweak.

Trying on different lengths, cuts, and patterns helps you figure out what makes you look and feel good. The confidence you feel when your clothes actually fit you right makes a major difference.

Play With Shoes To Set the Mood

Never underestimate the power of your shoes when you want to make your sundress stand out. Switching up your footwear can take the same dress from super chill to completely extra in seconds. Pair your sundress with sneakers for a confident, sporty look that’s perfect for running errands, exploring the city, or meeting up with friends. Slip into strappy sandals when you want to turn on full summer mode, maybe for a picnic or a day by the water. If you feel a little adventurous or want to go for that bold, country vibe, try on some boots. Even in the city, you can rock a pair of Western boots for a chic, outdoorsy vibe.

Elevate Your Look With a Hat

A hat is a practical fashion statement. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try something new, such as a floppy sunhat, a cute bucket hat, or even a sporty baseball cap. The right hat can add a whole new level of personality to your outfit and make your sundress pop in a sea of ordinary summer looks.

Confidence Is Key

If there’s one tip that matters more than all the rest, it’s to wear your sundress with confidence. The cutest outfit in the world won’t stand out if you’re not feeling it. Give yourself permission to choose colors, patterns, and accessories that match your energy. Walk into the room knowing you look great, and don’t be shy about showing off your personal style, even if it’s totally different from what everyone else is wearing. Your confidence is what people really notice, and it turns every outfit into a moment.

The post Tips for Making Your Sundress Look Stand Out appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Babysitting

Babysitting can be very lucrative! It teaches a lot of responsibility that comes with childcare. If you love kids, this is a relatively easy way to make money while enjoying yourself! Reach out to neighbors with young kids, friends who have little siblings, or even family members to put your name out there if they ever need a sitter. Parents also often recommend their babysitters to other friends, so if you get a few clients, then it can be easy to expand. This is very flexible and you can work on your own time, so there is no need to worry about work if out of town this summer.

2. Pet sitting

If you are in town on Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day, pet sitting could be a great way to make easy money because a lot of people take vacations and boarding facilities are full. There is a pretty high demand for pet sitters in the summertime! At popular vacation times, you can take on multiple households and really make some cash. Reach out to anybody you know with pets who could be going out of town at all this summer! The job is often easy and typically only requires you to stop by a few times throughout the day to care for the pet.

3. Social Media Manager for a Business

Working for a business does offer a steady and predictable flow of income. With so much business advertising relying on social media campaigns, many businesses could need somebody young to help them out. I think this would be a really fun job to have, especially if you are active on social media already. You could search for job openings near you to see if any businesses need people to work on social media.

3. Lifeguard

With this job, you can also get the benefit of working with a team and having scheduled hours with a supervisor. It also teaches responsibility and helps you gain important skills that could help you save a life. In addition, this job is very enjoyable! Hours are flexible and most of your job is sitting by a pool in the sun. Who doesn’t love a nice tan? You do have to complete a lifeguard certification course before taking on the job, but this job can be very rewarding to teens and has a social aspect in that most people working are fellow teens!

4. Restaurants

Many restaurants and fast food places require workers! This job would entail more of a schedule and structure as opposed to freelance work. It is fairly easy to find a job opening in this field because so many places have needed more workers after COVID. This job also has the benefits of working in a team environment, and is an overall very rewarding experience! Whether it is a server, hostess, or working the cash register, the restaurant industry could use more workers! The pay can be very good, as well!

6. Camp Counselor

So many programs put on day camps for children over summer break and are always in need of counselors! Sleep-away camps can be a fun way to earn some cash as well. You could get all the benefits of going to summer camp with more responsibility and a salary! If you enjoy working with kids, this job would also really suit you! It teaches you to be a leader and problem-solver, as well as basic childcare skills! If you love camp, this is the job for you!

7. Driver

Similar to babysitting, if you have a car and can drive, many busy parents are willing to pay you to drive their kids places. This is an easy way to make some quick cash and can be done alongside other jobs easily since it is not very time-consuming. Just remember to stay safe on the roads!

Click here to sign up for jobs on websites to find what you’re looking for in your area!

Indeed.com, Linkedin.com, Hireteen.com

Even if you just want to take it slow this summer, click here to see some fun ways to kick back and relax!

The post Summer Job Ideas for Teens appeared first on GirlSpring.

As the academic year nears it end, students across the nation and the globe find themselves trapped in the stress of final exams and AP Tests. For many, this time can be quite daunting and demanding, however with effective planning and preparation it can become a lot more manageable. Let’s take a look at some strategies and tips to help navigate through this crucial time with confidence and success.

1. Organize Your Schedule

Take stock of all your exams and their dates and timings. Create a clear, detailed timetable that outlines when and what you’ll be studying each day. Prioritize subjects based on their weightage, difficulty level, and your proficiency in them. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule to avoid burnout.

2. Utilize Resources

Make use of all available resources to aid your preparation. This includes textbooks, online resources, review books, and study guides. Additionally, many AP courses offer official practice exams and review materials on the College Board website. Take advantage of these resources to supplement your studying and gain valuable insights into the exam structure and content.

3. Seek Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your teachers or peers if you encounter any confusion or difficulty with the material. Understanding concepts thoroughly is key to performing well on exams. Take advantage of review sessions, office hours, or study groups to address any lingering questions or misconceptions.

4. Practice Time Management

Time management is critical during exams, particularly for AP tests, which are timed and require you to answer multiple-choice questions and essays within specific time limits. Practice timed exams under simulated testing conditions to improve your pacing and ensure that you can complete all sections within the allotted time.

5. Take Care of Yourself

In the midst of exam preparations, don’t neglect your well-being. Make sure to get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity. Taking breaks and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness can help alleviate stress and keep you focused and energized.

In conclusion, mastering exams is quite difficult but with careful planning, dilligent planning and a positive mindset, everything becomes a lot less stressful and more easy. Remember to stay positive, no matter the outcome and believe that you are doing your best. Success is not just about the outcome of a certain exam, but also about the knowledge and skills that you gain along the way. Good Luck!

For more exam tips, check out this Girl Spring article: Tips and Tricks for Your Exams!

Also, check out NYU’s self care tips for finals week.

The post A Guide to Preparing for AP Exams and Finals appeared first on GirlSpring.