How to Become Valedictorian

Weird Al Yankovic, Alicia Keys, and Jodi Foster. What do all of these celebrities have in common? They were all valedictorians of their class. Though being valedictorian won't make you a supermodel or singer, it can set you on an impressive path that can lead you to succeed in your college career and in the world at large. All you need is to have mental toughness, endurance, and an unbeatable work ethic. So how do you do it? Just follow these steps.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting Ready

1. Start young. Unfortunately, in most cases, you can't just waltz into your high school on the first day of freshman year and decide to be valedictorian. You'll need to have proved yourself in middle school by taking the most rigorous math and English courses that your middle school had to offer. Some middle schools don't have tracking for their classes, but some do offer Honors courses as early as seventh or eighth grade. Being in these courses will set you on a path to honors courses in high school, so make sure you've laid the groundwork for this.
   
   • You can move up in English more easily, but once you're "locked" into a math track, it'll be harder to move ahead. For example, if you're in regular Algebra in 8th grade, you'll have to go to regular Geometry in 9th unless you've really proven yourself. If you can take two math classes, as this can help you get ahead.
2. Learn how your school chooses its valedictorian. Some schools rank students with an unweighted GPA, while others award extra points for harder classes.^[1] Most schools do offer extra points for taking harder courses so you should aim to take these; and even if your school doesn't offer extra points for harder courses, you should still aim for success; after all, if you want to be valedictorian, then you probably want to go to a top-notch school, which means you'll have to take the most challenging classes anyway.
   
   • For example, if your school does use a weighted GPA to determine valedictorian, then you may receive a 4.0 for an "A" in regular classes, a 5.0 for an "A" in honors classes and a 6.0 for an "A" in AP classes.^[2]
   • A valedictorian also typically gives a graduation speech in front of their classmates. But if this is the part that appeals to you the most, then make sure that the speech-giver is the valedictorian. Some schools have the student body president give a speech, some have students vote for which student should give the speech, while others have the valedictorian and the student body president and another student give a speech.
   • Some schools have more than one valedictorian -- or as many as 29!
3. Choose your classes wisely. If your school does factor the weighted GPA into their decision to choose the valedictorian, then you should take the most rigorous courses whenever possible. If you think that the harder classes may be too tough for you, then you may need to rethink being valedictorian. To be the valedictorian, you have to get As in the hardest classes at your school pretty much every time. Are you up for the challenge?
   
   • Take AP classes over honors classes when you can, if they are worth more points.
   • Your electives can really hurt your weighted GPA because they tend to be considered regular classes. However, all students in your school will most likely be expected to take some electives, such as gym or art class. Whenever you can, though, try to take an elective that is worth more points, if you have the option. For example, don't take Creative Writing if it is considered a regular class; take AP Language and Composition if it is offered to everyone instead.
   • Sure, you may end up missing out on some fun classes over the course of your high school career. But those classes will NOT get you to be the valedictorian.
   • If your school has the option of not having to take gym if you do a sport, then consider picking up a sport if not taking gym will boost your GPA. If you want to be valedictorian, then you should also be well-rounded so you stand out in college applications for more than just your grades. You should obviously not take a sport, though, just to make your GPA higher, because the extra time you devote to sports may keep you away from your studies.
4. Remember that being the valedictorian will NOT guarantee you a spot to any elite college. If you want to be valedictorian, then you must be very ambitious, having your sights on elite schools such as Harvard, Yale, Duke, or Amherst. But remember that when you apply to colleges such as these, valedictorians will be a dime a dozen. Being valedictorian will keep you in the running and will impress admissions officers, but you want to avoid looking like a cold grade-obsessed automaton and show that you have depth, several other interests, and that you're a good citizen of your community.^[3]
   
   • Even William R. Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions at Harvard, recently said, “I think, it’s a bit of an anachronism. This has been a long tradition, but in the world of college admissions, it makes no real difference.”
   • Being valedictorian in addition to showing strengths in sports, community service, or the arts will help you be an amazing candidate. But being ranked #10 in your class and doing these same things won't make you look much worse.
   • Your SAT score will also have a major impact on your college acceptances. Many colleges place equal weight on your GPA and your SAT score -- that means your effort for four years of high school courses will amount to about as much as your efforts on a 3.5 hour exam! Sound fair? It isn't, but you've got to get used to it.

[Edit]Working Hard

1. Study smart. If you want to be a valedictorian, then you have to study smart to get good grades. This doesn't mean that you should spend all of your waking hours perched over your book, but it does mean that you should study as efficiently and thoroughly as possible. Here are some tips to get you studying hard:^[4]
   
   • Make an efficient study schedule. Maybe you will spend 2-3 hours of studying a night, or maybe you will study for 3-4 hours every other night. Whatever you do, make a plan in advance so you don't end up getting overwhelmed or procrastinate.
   • Pace yourself. Set a goal -- 10-15 pages per day, and don't go overboard too much or you'll burn out.
   • Take advantage of practice quizzes. Your history books, math textbooks, or other course material may come with practice questions that you can use to see how well you know the course materials. Even if your teacher doesn't use these resources, they can be valuable to you.
   • Make flashcards. If flashcards help you memorize historical concepts, foreign languages, or even mathematical operations, use them.
2. Stand out in the classroom. You don't have to be the teacher's pet to be stellar in the classroom. You should, however, arrive to class on time, participate in class discussion, and ask questions when you're confused about something. Being focused in the classroom will help you absorb the course information more, which will lead you to do better on tests, and it will also make your teacher like you more and will help you earn any in-class points allotted for the course, such as participation points.
   
   • Keep your chatter with other students to a minimum. You may be missing some important information.
   • Take stellar notes to study from. Don't just write down what the teacher is saying word for word -- try to put the notes in your own words so you really absorb the material.
   • Talk to your teacher after class occasionally. You don't have to annoy your teacher by always being there, but getting to know your teachers a bit more will help you stand out in their eyes.
3. Get organized. If you want to succeed in the classroom and throughout your studies, then you have to be organized. You need to have a notebook for every class, clearly labeled binders, a clean locker, and an organized desk at home. If your life is filled with clutter, then you won't be able to retain information as easily and you won't have as much to focus on your coursework as you'd want.^[5]
   
   • Keep a planner where you write down all of the homework due each day.
   • Keep a calendar over your desk where you can mark important test dates.
4. Read ahead. Reading ahead to the material that your teacher will cover the next day or next week will give you a leg up on the course content and will keep you from getting confused or not absorbing as much information as you could. As long as you're not covering anything too difficult that would be easier to comprehend if it were first explained by your teacher, you'll be giving yourself a leg up by doing this.^[6]
   
   • Reading ahead is a great way to give yourself an edge. Just don't bring it up when you participate in class or the teacher may get annoyed that you're stealing her thunder or confusing other students with additional information.
5. Get extra help. You may be thinking, "If I'm trying to be the valedictorian, then why would I need extra help?" This is where you're precisely wrong. If you want to be the valedictorian, then you have to get an edge over the competition. Get more information or more repetition of the subject matter, whether you ask your teacher for extra help after class, ask your parents for more help if they understand your homework better than you do, or even ask an older successful student for some assistance.
   
   • You can also invest in a private tutor, but those can get pretty pricey.

[Edit]Staying Centered

1. Participate in extracurricular activities. Always leave time for clubs, sports, volunteering, or other activities outside of class. Believe it or not, extracurricular commitments can boost your grades because they can help you organize your time better. Studies even show that student-athletes tend to do better in school than non-athletes.^[7]
   
   • This will also help you stay grounded and will keep you from obsessing over your studies too much.
2. Maintain your social life. You don't want to be holed up in your room, studying for ten hours under the glare of a too-bright light bulb. You want to have time to study, sure, but you also want to make time to pursue your friendships, go to parties, hang out at the movies, or even go to the school carnival. If you spend 100% of your time with your nose buried in a book, you may start to feel a little bit unhinged and lonely. You don't have to be the life of the party, but having at least a few meaningful friendships will make you feel more motivated to study. Be sure that you stay away from most of the drama at your school, for it can be very time consuming.^[8]
   
   • Find some friends that you can study with. Having a group of like-minded students can help you make studying more fun and productive. Try starting a study group for one of your classes and see how it works out; if you're able to stay focused, then you've just improved your chances of acing your classes.
3. Be aware of your competition, but don't obsess about rivals. You don't want to waste time on narcissism and nervous back-stabbing. Don't go around asking your rivals what they got on their tests, how much time they spent studying for the latest exam, or what grade they think they're going to get in a class. This will make you focus your efforts in the wrong places and will keep you focused on what you have to do.
   
   • Remember that everyone is different. Maybe you need to study for 4 hours to ace an exam and the student next to you only needs to study for 3 hours to do well. You don't have to be the most naturally gifted to be the valedictorian -- you just have to work the hardest.
4. Treat your body with care. Becoming valedictorian isn't a test of raw intellect, it's a test of endurance. Be healthy. Eat breakfast, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Only when your body is strong can you perform at the highest level. Though you can splurge on pizza and candy once in a while, eating power foods like nuts, vegetables, and proteins will keep you focused on your work and will keep you from crashing or losing steam.^[9]
   
   • You can still have a social life while avoiding drugs or alcohol. If you want to be valedictorian, then you have to stick with the right crowd.
5. Get plenty of rest. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night and going to bed around the same time and waking up around the same time will keep your body feeling energetic and strong, and will give you the fuel you need to pay attention in class, succeed in your exams, and to be a stellar student. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to study so you don't end up going to bed at three in the morning and sleeping through your classes.^[10]
   
   • Try to go to bed no later than 10 or 11 PM and give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour before you leave the house in the morning so you feel alert when you head to class.
6. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you want to be the valedictorian, then you have to relax a little bit. Don't tell yourself that every little grade matters and will influence your fate and your chances of going to a good college. Sure, grades are important, but so is being mentally sound and having great friendships. Remind yourself that it's not the end of the world if you don't get a perfect test grade -- you'll get 'em next time.^[11]
   
   • To be the valedictorian, you'll have to be in a calm state of mind or you may find that the pressure is suddenly too much to deal with.
   • Stay positive and always look forward -- doesn't waste your time stressing about your test grade from a month or a year ago. It just isn't worth it.

[Edit]Tips

• If you want to become a valedictorian, make sure you're not distracted and never give others the chance to excel over you when they shouldn't.
• Stay focused. If you really want to be valedictorian, then you have to fight for it.
• Becoming valedictorian is only half the battle. It only gets you half of the way. You also have to Write a Valedictorian Speech.
• Take as many Honors and AP classes as you can. If your school goes by weighted GPA, they give you more points than regular classes, allowing you to get over a 4.0 GPA.
• Stay away from drugs, alcohol, or bad influences. They will not help you become valedictorian and will have negative long term effects.
• Join as many groups and clubs at your school as you can, such as CSF and National Honor Society.
• If your school has the international baccalaureate program, it is advisable to join it because it gives you more rigorous courses to choose from.
• Don't spend a lot of time sitting in front of a TV or computer. It's not moving you forward at all. Spend your time and money on books and/or experiences instead.

[Edit]Warnings

• Becoming valedictorian is not a significant advantage that guarantees acceptance into any Ivy League school. Valedictorians get rejected all the time, often for those in second or third place. Do sports or other extracurricular activities too, unless they become too time-consuming.
• Remember: there's more to life than class rank! If you don't get valedictorian, who will care ten years from now? Most likely nobody! What will matter are the friends you kept and the passions you discovered. Make sure to have fun, just stay out of trouble!

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161188_b02]. 8 November 2019.
2. ↑ https://schoolboard.kgbsd.org/BoardPolicy/DownLoadPolicy/e839915e-792b-479f-bfd7-1ff266f0ad37
3. ↑ https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/1/18311548/college-admissions-secrets-myths
4. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
6. ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/reading
7. ↑ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/college-prep/stand-out/extracurriculars-matter-to-you-and-to-colleges
8. ↑ https://www.ucl.ac.uk/global-business-school-health/news/2023/apr/5-tips-balance-your-studies-alongside-your-social-life
9. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/self-care-4-ways-nourish-body-soul-2017111612736
10. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
11. ↑ https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/managing-stress-in-high-school/

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How to Take Better Notes

You already take diligent notes, but now you’re wondering how to up your note-taking game and start taking notes that are better and more useful for you. There are actually all kinds of note-taking methods and strategies you can use to make your notes as effective and clutter-free as possible, and we’ll show you how! We’ve also included some tips on the best ways to review your notes so you get the most out of them. Check out the steps below to get started.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Being Prepared

1. Gather your note-taking materials. It may sound pretty simple, but it's really important to have all of your note-taking materials organized and ready to go before the start of any class, meeting or lecture.^[1]
   
   • If you're writing with paper and pens, make sure you have a notebook with plenty of blank pages and extra writing utensils. If you're using a laptop, make sure it's fully charged or that you can sit near a power outlet.
   • If you wear glasses, make sure you have them with you in case the teacher/lecturer writes down any important information on a black or whiteboard. If you bring your glasses, make sure to bring a small microfiber cloth so that you are able to clean them should the need arise. Also, remember to position yourself in an area of the room where you can effectively see and hear the speaker.
2. Be sure to come prepared. Before you come to a class, lecture, or meeting, make sure to review your notes from the last time round. This will bring you fully up to speed and ready to pick up where you left off.^[2]
   
   • If you were advised to do any background reading to prepare for the class, make sure that you read and annotated the assignment. This will help you to understand any themes, concepts or ideas that the teacher/lecturer is likely to present in class. A good idea would be to outline the section, article, or chapter before hand. Write your outline on one side of the paper so that you can add your class notes to the other side.^[3]
   • Remember the old adage "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".
3. Be an active listener. When note-taking, many people make the mistake of mindlessly taking down every word, without really comprehending what is being said. Instead, make an effort to understand the topic while you're in class. Focus on what's really being said, then ask questions if you don't understand.^[4]
   
   • Determine the best time to ask questions, then raise your hand to get the instructor's attention. They'll appreciate that you're listening attentively and want to understand.
   • Do your best to understand the information during class so you won't have to work so hard during the review.
4. Take notes by hand. Although taking notes on your laptop is convenient, research shows note takers actually retain information better when they take notes by hand. This may be because people typing on a laptop tend to transcribe every word without understanding the meaning, while people writing by hand are forced to pick out relevant information in order to keep up.^[5]
   
   • If you do take notes by laptop, don't try to get down every word. Make sure you're understanding the meaning of what's being said.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions. When you come across something you don't understand, don't just jot it down and tell yourself that you'll worry about it later -- ask the teacher/lecturer for clarification.^[6]
   
   • Think about it -- if you find something confusing now, you'll find it twice as confusing during your note-review later.
   • Don't be afraid to ask the teacher/lecturer to repeat themselves either -- particularly if you feel that they've said something important.

[Edit]Making the Best Notes Possible

1. Focus on key words and concepts. The most important change you can make to improve your note-taking skills is to focus solely on taking down key words and concepts.^[7]
   
   • Identify the most relevant information. Write down individual words or key phrases that are most relevant to the topic at hand -- things like dates, names, theories, definitions -- only the most important details should make the cut. Eliminate all the filler words and secondary details -- if you wanted those things you could read a textbook.^[8]
   • Think about what you want to retain. Why are you taking the class? Why are you attending the seminar? Why did your employer send you to the conference? While it may be your first instinct to try to write down what you hear or see verbatim, you have to remember that you are taking notes in order to learn something from them -- you're not writing a novella.
   • Prioritize any "new" information. Don't waste time writing down information that you already know -- this is useless to you and just wastes time. Focus on writing down any new information that you've never learned before -- this will give you the most value from your note-taking.
2. Use the "question, answer, evidence" method. This is a very effective method of taking notes, as it forces you to engage with the material as you write and allows you to describe the topic in your own words. This technique of paraphrasing information has been proven to help students understand and retain material much more effectively.^[9]
   
   • Instead of copying down line after line of information, listen carefully to what the speaker is saying and make an effort to understand the material. Once you've done that, formulate your notes as a series of questions raised by the material, then fill in your own answers.
   • For example, if the question was "what is the central theme of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?", the answer could be "more than a tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet is about the consequences of holding grudges".
   • Then underneath this answer, you can provide evidence for your conclusion by pointing to specific examples from within the text. This strategy allows you to record all of the relevant information, in a concise, easy-to-read format.
3. Use shorthand. The average student writes 1/3 word per second, while the average speaker speaks at a rate of 2/3 words per second. Therefore, developing your own system of shorthand writing can help you to write more efficiently and avoid falling behind.^[10]
   
   • Try writing things like "wd" for would, "cd" for could and "w/" for with. Write a plus sign for the word "and". Also try to abbreviate long words that appear again and again throughout the class or lecture -- for example, instead of writing "popular sovereignty" 25 times over the course of a history class, write "pop sov".
   • Of course, it's essential that you're able to decipher your own shorthand later on -- if you think you might have difficulty, try writing out a key on the inside cover of your copy.You could also go back and fill in the full-length version of the words after class.
   • If the speaker is still going too fast for you despite your shorthand, consider bringing a recording device to your next class -- this will allow you to listen a second time and fill in any gaps in your notes.
4. Make your notes visually appealing. You will be reluctant to go back and study your notes if they are messy, disorganized and difficult to read, so it's important that they look nice! Here are some tips on how to create more visually appealing notes:
   
   • Always start on a fresh page. You'll find your notes much easier to read if you start on a fresh, blank page for each new class or topic. Put the date in the top right-hand corner and only write on one side of each page, especially if you're writing with very inky pens.
   • Make sure your writing is legible. Taking notes will be a complete waste of time if you can't read them afterwards! No matter how fast you write, make sure your writing is small, neat and legible, and avoid using cursive handwriting if possible.
   • Use wide margins. Line each page with a pen and ruler, giving yourself a wide margin on the left-hand side. This will prevent the page from becoming too overcrowded and will leave you space to write in any additional information once you review your notes.
   • Use symbols and diagrams. Things like arrows, dots and boxes, diagrams, charts, and other visual aids are often great ways to associate and remember key concepts, especially if you're a visual learner.
5. Color-code your notes. Many people find that adding a splash of color to their notes helps to make the information more readable and easier to retain.
   
   • This is due to the fact that color stimulates the creative side of your brain, making your notes more interesting and therefore easier to retain. Color-coding helps you to link color with memory, allowing you to remember the contents of your notes with relatively little effort.
   • Try using different colored pens for different parts of your notes -- for example, you could write questions in red, definitions in blue and conclusions in green.
   • You could also use a highlighter pen to highlight key words, dates, and definitions. Don't go overboard though -- you shouldn't mistake highlighting your notes for actual study.
6. Take notes from your textbook. After a class or lecture, you may want to supplement your notes with information from a textbook. Taking notes from a textbook is another skill worth mastering.^[11]
   
   • Preview the material: Before you jump straight into reading a text, preview the material to get a sense of what it's about. Read any introductions and conclusions, headers and sub-headers, and the first and last line of every paragraph. Also glance over any charts, illustrations or diagrams.
   • Actively read the text: Now go back to the beginning of the text and read it thoroughly from start to finish. Once you have finished a paragraph, go back and highlight any key words, facts, concepts or important quotes. Look for visual cues in the textbook itself -- things like bold or italicized words and the use of color or bullet points are often used to highlight significant points.
   • Take notes: Once you've thoroughly read the text, go back and make notes from the information you highlighted. Try not to copy full sentences from the text -- this simply wastes time -- and paraphrase using your own words where possible.

[Edit]Reviewing Your Notes

1. Review your notes later in the day. Reviewing your notes after class, or later the same day will help you to retain the information much more effectively. You don't need to study them intensely -- just spend 15 to 20 minutes going back over them each night.^[12]
   
   • Fill in any blanks. Use your review time to fill in any additional information that you remember from the class or lecture.
   • Write a summary. Another effective tool for committing your notes to memory is to summarize the information contained in your notes at the bottom of the page.
2. Test yourself. Test yourself on your understanding of the material by covering up your notes and trying to explain the topic to yourself -- out loud or in your head.^[13]
   
   • See how many of the important details you can remember, then read the notes again to recap on any information you might have missed.
   • Explain the material to a friend. Teaching or explaining the material to a friend is a good way to test whether you've fully understood the topic and whether your notes deal with the topic comprehensively.
3. Memorize your notes. You'll really see the benefit of having good notes when it comes to exam time and you have to memorize all of the material. If you have been consistently reviewing your notes for 20 to 30 minutes each night, you'll find the memorization process much easier. Here are some popular memorization techniques you can try:^[14]
   
   • Line-by-line method: If you have to memorize a chunk of text, one good technique is to read the first line a couple of times, then try to repeat it out loud without looking at the page. Read the second line a couple of times, then try to repeat the first and second line out loud, without looking at the page. Keep going in this fashion until you can repeat the entire chunk of text without looking at the page.
   • Story method: This method involves turning the information you have to memorize into a simple story that's easy to remember. For example, if you wanted to remember the first three elements of the periodic table (hydrogen, helium, and lithium) you could use the following story "(H)arriet and (He)nry went to the (Li)brary". The story doesn't need to make sense -- in fact, the sillier it is, the better.
   • Mnemonic devices: Using mnemonic devices is a good way to remember lists of words in a particular order. To make a mnemonic, simply take the first letter of each word you wish to remember and come up with a short sentence where each word starts with those letters. For example, to remember the lines on a musical staff EGBDF you could use the mnemonic "Every Good Boy Does Fine".
   • For more detailed instructions on popular and effective memorization techniques, see this article.

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Listen accurately your teacher and use colourful highlighters to make them more organized.
• Keep your subjects separate. Having lots of stuff in one binder/folder/notebook is messy and confusing.
• If the speaker repeats something more than twice, then it's probably important and worth paying attention to.
• When you take notes, underline keywords that might appear on your test.
• Make sure to have a separate notebook or page for each of your subjects, and remember to label.
• Label your notes in either bullets or numbers. Create a title for your notes so you know where it is kept and it is well organized for whenever you need to study them for an upcoming test.
• If you are reading a book for an English literature class, make sure you have a pack of Post-It notes at hand, since you may not be allowed to write in the actual book.
• Remember, notes are for making your textbook easier to read so you don't have to read the whole textbook. Don't write every sentence word-to-word otherwise you won't learn anything.
• After reviewing your notes, find quizzes online or have someone at home write questions about the topic. If you can't answer questions about the subject with your notes, you might need to write better notes next time.
• Write down what the speaker is saying but with different wording, it helps get the actual idea into your mind.
• If the school allows it, different brightly-colored highlighters can be used. That way, when you see the colors, you will want to take a look at it. However, do not highlight everything!
• Use colorful pens to have organized and clean notes. Try to incorporate different colors, not just one color.
• Type your notes during class. Then at home write them.
• You can even record your classroom lectures using various apps, if your school/college allows it.
• Use software, such as Evernote or Microsoft Office OneNote, to arrange notes.
• Be sure to have several pencils and/or pens, in case the pencil breaks or becomes too short, or the pen clogs or dries up.
• Make two to three-page notes in one day or as per the requirement―add these into your main file.
• If you have an open-note test, use your notes wisely. Try not to use them unless you really need them.
• Although computers make it easier to take notes, try to write down your notes. Studies have proved that hand-writing notes helps in effective recollection (not to mention, it improves your writing speed too).

[Edit]Warnings

• Don't be distracted by people who are not the speaker.
• Ask your teacher/ professor before you use a recording device.
• Have a separate sheet or bring sticky notes for asides, and (optionally) number what you wrote down on both sheets, marking what corresponds to what.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• At least two pens or pencils
• An eraser, for pencils that do not have erasers attached.
• Glasses or other aids
• Plenty of paper
• Highlighters (at least two colors) or colored pens
• At least one pack of different colored sticky notes.
• A binder or folder to organize your notes (keep it neat).

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Take Minutes
• Take Lecture Notes
• Take Notes
• Organize Notes
• Stay on Top of Homework

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161434_b01]. 29 May 2020.
2. ↑ https://academicresourcecenter.harvard.edu/how-prepare-class
3. ↑ http://www.academictips.org/acad/literature/notetaking.html
4. ↑ [v161434_b01]. 29 May 2020.
5. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/take-notes-by-hand-for-better-long-term-comprehension.html
6. ↑ [v161434_b01]. 29 May 2020.
7. ↑ [v161434_b01]. 29 May 2020.
8. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
9. ↑ https://library.defiance.edu/c.php?g=334125&p=2244461
10. ↑ https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-notetakingabbreviations.pdf
11. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-notes-while-reading/
12. ↑ [v161434_b01]. 29 May 2020.
13. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
14. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/

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How to Take Care of a Ladybug

If you've caught an adorable ladybug and you want to keep it for a while as a pet, they're easy to care for! In this article, we'll tell you how to set up a ladybug habitat and feed it so your ladybug is happy and healthy. Just remember to release your ladybug after a few days since they tend to thrive best in their natural habitat.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Look underneath leaves, inside hollow trees, and in areas with lush growth to catch ladybugs.
• Put leaves, twigs, and soil into a plastic container to create a habitat. Make sure the container has holes so your ladybug gets fresh air.
• Feed your ladybug aphids, honey, raisins, and lettuce every day. Place a damp paper towel in the habitat to give the ladybug water.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Check leaves, twigs, and blades of grass for ladybugs.

1. Look for ladybugs in fields and pick them up by hand. You'll probably have pretty good luck finding them in late spring and early summer before it gets very hot and dry. If you've got a garden, start looking there, or check nearby fields and meadows. When you see a ladybug, gently pluck it between your fingers and hold it in your cupped hands until you can put it in a jar or temporary storage container.^[1]
   
   • If the weather is cooling down, look for ladybugs underneath rocks or in hollow trees since they're trying to find warm spots.^[2]
   • If you don't want to pick up the ladybug, rest your hand on the surface next to it and wait for the ladybug to crawl right on or sweep a butterfly net along the edges of tall grass to scoop up ladybugs.

[Edit]Store the ladybug in a jar for now.

1. A glass jar is the perfect container to temporarily house the ladybug. As long as you poke a few holes in the container, your ladybug will be fine for a few hours while you get its habitat set up.^[3]
   
   • A cardboard food box with resealable flaps make excellent temporary housing for ladybugs. Plus, it's easy to poke small holes into the top of the box.
   • Plan on moving it to a bigger habitat container within a few hours. Glass traps heat, so you don't want to keep the ladybug in there for much longer.

[Edit]Choose a storage container for the habitat.

1. Pick a plastic container that has holes for air circulation. You can buy small clear containers like Kritter Keepers that are designed for insects, or use any plastic storage container you have—the bigger, the better so your ladybug has room to fly around. If it doesn't have holes for air circulation, punch holes apart on the lid of the container—make sure the holes aren't so big that the ladybug can get out!^[4]
   
   • To coax the ladybug to its new habitat, use a soft brush to gently brush it into the container.
   • If you put several ladybugs into 1 habitat, use a larger container instead of a small insect keeper so they have plenty of room.

[Edit]Put leaves, sticks, and soil in the plastic container.

1. Dirt, twigs, and leaves mimic the ladybug's natural habitat. To make your ladybug feel at home, collect a few natural items from where you took the ladybug and put them into the container.^[5] For instance, spread soil in the bottom and drop in a handful of grass or leaves.^[6]
   
   • If you can’t find any good natural structures, fold a few pieces of cardboard and drop them into the container to give your ladybug something to climb or hide under.
   • It's totally fine to put flowers into your habitat—ladybugs love sunflowers, marigolds, and cosmos.

[Edit]Place a damp paper towel in the container.

1. A damp paper towel is a good water source for your ladybug. It doesn't take a lot to quench a ladybug's thirst! A damp paper towel or cotton ball is all you need—just check the paper towel or cotton ball after a day or two to make sure it hasn't dried out.^[7]
   
   • Don't leave a small dish of water in the habitat since your ladybug might fall in and couldn't get out.
   • If you don't want to leave a paper towel or cotton ball in the habitat, fill a spray bottle with water and mist the inside walls of the habitat every day.

[Edit]Feed your ladybug honey, raisins, or lettuce.

1. Lettuce, honey, and raisins are easy-to-find foods that ladybugs eat. To make it easier for your ladybug to eat, soak a few raisins in water for a minute before putting them into the habitat. Add a leaf from outside or a fresh lettuce leaf. Ladybugs also get energy from honey—put a small dab of honey in a bottlecap and add 2 to 3 drops of water. These foods can make up your ladybug's main diet unless you can find a good source of aphids.^[8]
   
   • Although ladybugs eat a lot for their size, you only need to put food into the habitat once or twice a day. Remove uneaten food when you put the fresh food in.

[Edit]Give your ladybug aphids (if possible).

1. Aphids are a ladybug's favorite food!^[9] You can find them on the undersides of leaves and stems of flowering plants and trees—aphids look like very tiny, semi-translucent insects that are light green, brown, or black in color. If you're taking care of several ladybugs, put a few leaves or branches with aphids into the habitat since 1 ladybug can eat up to 25 aphids a day!^[10]
   
   • If you're having trouble finding aphids, look at the plants around where you caught your ladybug—ladybugs tend to stick close to sources of aphids.
   • Ladybugs also eat tiny insects like mites, whiteflies, and scale insects that are also found on plant leaves and stems.

[Edit]Release your ladybug within a week.

1. Ladybugs do best in nature, so let yours go after a few days. Unfortunately, ladybugs will only survive for up to 2 weeks in captivity. Enjoy taking care of a ladybug and studying it, but let it go back to where you found it. Nature is a ladybug's true home!^[11]
   
   • If you notice your ladybug hiding constantly, it might be a sign that the ladybug wants to be released back into the wild. As hard as it might be to let it go, it's probably best to return your ladybug outdoors.
   • Try to release your ladybug at the end of summer while it’s still warm outside. Otherwise, it may struggle to find food and shelter.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]Tips

• If you can't find aphids, try feeding your Ladybugs apples or lettuce.
• To attract ladybugs after dark, set up a simple light tent—plug in a small floodlight or UV light on the side of your house and put a chair in front of it. Drape a white cloth over the chair and wait for the ladybugs to land on the sheet.^[12]
• If you love watching ladybugs outdoors, build a ladybug house or make a ladybug feeder so they'll come to you. Hang a section of bamboo outside and put soft raisins in the tube. The fruit attracts ladybugs and they'll crawl, hide, or fly around the bamboo tube.^[13]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Plastic storage container like a Kritter Keepers
• Twigs, leaves, and soil
• Raisins, honey, and lettuce
• Paper towels or cotton balls
• Butterfly net, optional

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Take Care of a Ladybug
• Build a Ladybug House
• Make a Bug Terrarium

[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about caring for a ladybug, check out our in-depth with [v162239_b01].

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.lostladybug.org/howto.php
2. ↑ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/insects/ladybug/
3. ↑ http://www.lostladybug.org/howto.php
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/eh-ytq2BnhY?t=48
5. ↑ [v162239_b01]. 22 February 2023.
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/eh-ytq2BnhY?t=61
7. ↑ https://whatbugisthat.com/what-do-ladybugs-drink/
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/aizlANffHEI?t=108
9. ↑ [v162239_b01]. 22 February 2023.
10. ↑ https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/ladybirds
11. ↑ https://www.cuteness.com/article/raise-lady-bugs
12. ↑ http://www.lostladybug.org/howto.php
13. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-a-ladybug-feeder-attract-them-to-your-garden-169681

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How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Overcome fear and get comfortable with discomfort

It can certainly be challenging and a little scary to step out of your comfort zone, but facing unfamiliar challenges can help you feel happier and more fulfilled in the long run. You can end up discovering a lot about yourself and your abilities when you make an effort to take risks and try new things. To help you begin this transformation, we’ve rounded up the best, most effective strategies for stepping out of your comfort zone, embarking on new adventures, and expanding your personal horizons.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Acknowledge your fears.

1. Ask yourself what’s holding you back from making a change. It’s totally natural to feel scared or nervous at the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone. But when you allow those fears to hold you back, you could end up missing a lot of great opportunities. To begin the process of breaking out of your comfort zone, be honest with yourself and ask yourself what exactly you’re afraid of. Once you’re able to recognize your fears, it can be easier to make changes that directly address your worries.^[1]
   
   • Ask yourself if you’re making excuses to avoid leaving your comfort zone. For example, did you turn down a project because you didn’t have time, or because you were afraid of presenting in front of your peers?
   • It might help to keep a journal and write down your honest thoughts and feelings. When you’re done, read back over what you wrote and see if you can identify any patterns in your behavior or thinking.

[Edit]Set goals for yourself.

1. You’ll be more motivated to make changes if you have a goal in mind. Ask yourself why you want to step out of your comfort zone. Is it important to your job? Your academic success? Your personal life? Once you’ve identified your “why,” set goals that are based on your reasoning and will ultimately help you achieve your desired results.^[2]
   
   • For example, you might want to step out of your comfort zone and make more friends to combat feelings of loneliness. With this reason in mind, you might then make it a goal to talk to new people at work or school.

[Edit]Picture your ideal reality to motivate yourself.

1. Think about the best-case scenario if you were to take a risk. If you need some incentive to take that first step out of your comfort zone, take a few moments to list out all of the best things that can come out of your actions. For example, think of the best-case scenario when it comes to making a career switch. You might make more money, be more satisfied with your work, and meet new people who share your interests.^[3]
   
   • Another example would be if you took a chance and joined a volunteer organization. Some of the best things that could happen include making new friends, discovering a new passion of yours, and feeling a sense of pride toward the work you’re doing.

[Edit]Reframe discomfort as progress.

1. Overcome fear by adopting a positive mindset. Whenever you try something new and make a move to step out of your comfort zone, remind yourself that the discomfort you’re feeling is ultimately progress that’s leading you to achieve your goals. Getting comfortable with discomfort is just like exercising a muscle; you have to continuously do it to get stronger and better. ^[4]
   
   • Stay positive by practicing gratitude. Remind yourself of the good things you have in your life and all of the progress you’ve already made.

[Edit]Take small steps to overcome challenges.

1. Start off easy and slowly work your way toward scarier things. There’s no need to dive into the deep end right away. Write down the things that make you uncomfortable or that you’re hesitant to try. Then, order them from easiest to hardest in terms of how difficult you think it’ll be to overcome them. Once you’ve made your list, start tackling the easier things and gradually work your way up to harder challenges.^[5]
   
   • Think of this list like a to-do list and make each item as specific as possible.
   • For example, if talking to new people makes you uncomfortable, add items like, “Ask for directions from someone,” “Talk to a store clerk,” and “Make conversation with a stranger.”

[Edit]Research new experiences ahead of time.

1. You'll be more comfortable if you have some information beforehand. The fear of the unknown is what holds a lot of people back from trying new things. If you’re feeling a bit anxious about trying something new, do some digging online or ask friends or family for advice. This will leave you feeling a little less lost, and can even help you get excited about the change.^[6]
   
   • For example, if you’re moving to New York City but don't know anything about it, research the different neighborhoods you could live in, how to navigate the subway system, and all the fun things you can do in the city.
   • Utilize community forums like Reddit or Quora to read about other people’s experiences and advice.
   • Always practice caution and use your best judgment when consulting information on the internet.

[Edit]Make small changes to your daily habits.

1. Freshen up your routine to avoid staying in a rut. Take baby steps at first and change just one or two things about your daily routine every single day. Stepping out of your comfort zone is all about continuing to move and not allowing yourself to get settled too deeply into one specific habit. Once you've made stepping out of your comfort zone into a daily routine, it'll be much easier to handle bigger challenges in the future.^[7]
   
   • For example, try new foods, go to a new grocery store instead of your usual shop, or listen to a different genre of music. Every day is a chance to learn something new.

[Edit]Look for completely new experiences.

1. Take risks to find new passions and interests. You’ll never know if you enjoy something until you take a leap of faith and try it. While this can certainly be a nerve-wracking thought, putting yourself out there and making an effort to try new things or learn something new can be extremely rewarding. Think about things you’ve always wanted to try, or make a bucket list and slowly work to cross off items one at a time.^[8]
   
   • For example, try out a new sport, sign up for a class that sounds interesting, travel to a new city or country, or make an effort to make new friends.
   • It’s okay to break up these experiences into smaller steps. For example, if you want to try writing and publishing a short story to step out of your comfort zone, start by writing 500 words a day to get into the flow of writing.

[Edit]Change your environment to help you grow.

1. Get rid of things that’ll give you an excuse to not try something. For example, if your goal is to socialize with more people, turn off your phone when you go to a party or gathering so you won’t be tempted to use it as a distraction. Your environment can hinder or help your progress, so do what you can to optimize it to guarantee success.^[9]
   
   • Another example would be prepping your gym bag the night before if your goal is to work out every morning. This reduces the amount of work you have to do in the morning, so there’s no excuse not to head to the gym once you get up.

[Edit]Reward yourself for trying new things.

1. Treat yourself to stay motivated and energized. For example, whenever you do something that’s out of your comfort zone, buy yourself a small treat, take yourself out to a nice meal, or spend time doing other activities that you enjoy. This will give you some more incentive to step out and try new things.^[10]
   
   • For example, each time you step out of your comfort zone and talk to a new person, you might reward yourself with reading a chapter of a book you love.

[Edit]Minimize your discomfort to gain courage.

1. Incorporate things that are familiar to you during new situations. Find small ways to tweak the situation and make it more palatable for yourself. For example, if you’re nervous about speaking to new people, steer the conversation toward a topic you’re passionate about to make it more enjoyable and engaging for yourself. Instead of just abandoning the challenge altogether, come up with ways to make it more manageable and less scary.^[11]
   
   • As another example, if talking to big groups in large, noisy settings makes you uneasy, find a quieter place to talk to eliminate one of the things that makes you uncomfortable.

[Edit]Let yourself make mistakes.

1. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect right away. Fear of failure keeps a lot of people from stepping out of their comfort zones, but it’s important to remember that making mistakes is what makes you human. When it comes down to it, learning from your mistakes is ultimately how you get better and grow.^[12]
   
   • Instead of berating yourself for doing something wrong, be sure to point out the things you did well and compliment yourself for your accomplishments, no matter how small.

[Edit]Be kind to yourself.

1. Practice positive self-talk to up your confidence. If you constantly tell yourself “I can’t do this,” it’ll be much harder to motivate yourself to go out and try new things. That’s why it’s important to change your negative thoughts into positive, uplifting ones. Tell yourself things like, “I can do this,” “I’m strong,” and “I’m fearless” to give yourself courage and positive energy.^[13]
   
   • Using positive affirmations can help change your perspective on your fears and your own abilities. If you believe you can do something, you’ll be much more motivated to try it.

[Edit]Bring a buddy for support.

1. Having a friend around can ease your discomfort. There's no reason you can't rely on friends or family to help you get out of your comfort zone. For example, if you set a goal to hike somewhere new every weekend, bring a friend along. It'll be more fun to reach the end of the trail with a buddy, and they can make you feel more comfortable navigating the unfamiliar terrain.^[14]
   
   • Or, if you’re nervous when it comes to public speaking, practice giving a speech in front of your friends and family first.
   • If you have a friend who’s also trying to do things that fall outside of their comfort zone, use this as an opportunity to tackle your challenges together and support one another.

[Edit]Surround yourself with supportive people.

1. Ask friends and family for encouragement and positivity. Tell your closest friends, family members, or partner what you’re trying to do and why. Chances are they’ll be more than happy to get behind you and cheer you on. Whenever you feel hesitant, just know you have a whole team of people ready to celebrate your accomplishments.^[15]
   

[Edit]Follow in a role model’s footsteps.

1. Emulating a role model can give you courage and confidence. Good role models can have a powerful effect on how you perceive yourself and the world around you. Think about a person in your life or a famous figure who embodies many of the qualities you desire. For example, choose a role model who’s fearless, outspoken, and honest. If you make an effort to copy their positive actions, it might be a lot easier to step out of your comfort zone.^[16]
   
   • Think about your role model’s worldviews and values as well. Are these things that you can relate to? Do you think their outlook can help you take steps out of your comfort zone?

[Edit]Give yourself an ultimatum for motivation.

1. Come up with consequences if you don’t follow through. If you find yourself hesitating, it may help to put some mechanisms in place that’ll force you to take the plunge. For example, tell yourself that if you don’t practice your speech, you won’t get to watch your favorite show. Coming up with some sort of consequence will help you avoid making excuses and putting off the things that scare you.^[17]
   
   • Rather than tangible consequences, it can also be effective to think about the things you might be forfeiting by not taking risks.
   • For example, remind yourself that not applying for a new job means you won’t get the pay raise you want or the opportunity to move to a new city.

[Edit]Use the worst-case scenario to rationalize your fears.

1. Thinking about the worst-case scenario helps you stay realistic. Ask yourself “What’s the worst that could happen?” then think about ways you could deal with those circumstances if they were to happen. Forcing yourself to take a more objective view on your fears can help put them into perspective, and you might find that there’s less to be nervous about than you originally thought.^[18]
   
   • Avoid answering your question with unlikely possibilities like, “I could get fired” if you’re thinking about your job. If you find yourself thinking such things, go back and ask yourself how realistic those outcomes actually are.
   • Let's say you want to take a cross-country road trip, but all you can think about is getting stranded if you break down or run out of gas. Prepare by making a plan for this. For example, bring along an extra gas tank and a radio to get in touch with emergency services.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Expand Your Mind
• Be Bold
• Stop Hesitating
• Be a Nonconformist

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/07/if-youre-not-outside-your-comfort-zone-you-wont-learn-anything
2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/06/10/how-to-step-out-of-your-comfort-zone-and-achieve-the-impossible/?sh=3226457a2a89
3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/01/30/how-to-get-comfortable-taking-risks-according-to-these-eight-entrepreneurs/?sh=29bd41c63992
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shift-mind/201108/breaking-free-your-comfort-zone
5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/phobias.html
6. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/04/26/overcoming-fear-10-ways-to-step-outside-your-comfort-zone/#773281b3882d
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shift-mind/201108/breaking-free-your-comfort-zone
8. ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/the-importance-of-stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone/
9. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2022/02/28/5-ways-to-step-outside-of-your-comfort-zone/?sh=3896aeff6ed8
10. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/01/30/how-to-get-comfortable-taking-risks-according-to-these-eight-entrepreneurs/?sh=29bd41c63992
11. ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/07/if-youre-not-outside-your-comfort-zone-you-wont-learn-anything
12. ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/the-importance-of-stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone/
13. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/04/17/13-mental-tricks-to-get-yourself-out-of-your-comfort-zone/?sh=1145fa8e5ec4
14. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/04/26/overcoming-fear-10-ways-to-step-outside-your-comfort-zone/#773281b3882d
15. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/01/30/how-to-get-comfortable-taking-risks-according-to-these-eight-entrepreneurs/?sh=29bd41c63992
16. ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1262726.pdf
17. ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/07/if-youre-not-outside-your-comfort-zone-you-wont-learn-anything
18. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/04/26/overcoming-fear-10-ways-to-step-outside-your-comfort-zone/#59699d1e882d

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