Brain Food: Go Nuts for High Scores
Optimal performance in sports depends on a carefully-calibrated regimen of skills training, conditioning, nutrition, rest, and coaching. Why should optimal performance in academics and tests be any different? Protein is a powerful driver of peak cognitive function, in large part because neurotransmitter activity in the brain runs on amino acids, which come from protein. The better the fuel, the more efficient our brains operate. In addition, good protein boosts energy, mental clarity, and mood, while helping to manage both pain and stress. Of course, these benefits accrue from good sources of protein. So rather than packing Big Macs and Buffalo wings on test day, be more strategic in your selections. For example, nuts are chock full of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Researchers seem to uncover new benefits to eating nuts every year, from low blood pressure to weight control to longevity. Experts agree that walnuts are particular…
Brain Food: Eating for Excellence
Did your parents ever give you a big plate of fish for dinner, telling you it was “brain food”? Maybe you wondered how it made any sense that salmon could make you smarter, but as it turns out, there’s a little bit of truth to it. Nutritionists and physicians have studied so-called superfoods for decades, decoding the science behind their supposed effects on the human body, and there have been tons of foods with observed positive impacts on the brain: Fish, of course, but more specifically fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, trout and sardines. Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant that’s a staple in curries. Blueberries, blackberries, and other dark berries are full of antioxidants and can combat inflammation across the whole body. Broccoli, which supplies the Vitamin K that’s a building block of the fat in brain cells. Nuts of every kind have nutrients that are linked to…
Build Your Willpower to Improve Your Scores
Anyone who has ever sat down to take a four-hour standardized exam knows all too well that testing is not just an intellectual exercise. Exams like the SAT and ACT are grueling physical and psychological ordeals. If you want your best test scores, you can’t just focus on learning test content: you must also strengthen your body and mind. Any process that demands commitment over time for true improvement runs on willpower. When your will is strong, you make time to meet with your tutor, to improve your vocabulary every day, and to sit for high-quality practice tests. When your will is strong, you can focus on the task in front of you to derive the most experiential value. And, of course, when your will is strong, you can bring your best to every question on a standardized test, no matter how bored, distracted, or tired you are. So how…
5 Proven Methods to Enhance Learning
Successfully preparing for the SAT or ACT, or just about any test for that matter, requires integrating a wide variety of information. Not only do you have to master concepts in multiple disciplines—from fractional algebra to the correct use of punctuation—your best score will come when you can match these concepts with an array of test-taking techniques. Over the years, test prep professionals have compiled every tip, trick, equation, fact, and technique you need to get the best score possible—but remembering them is a whole ‘nother ball-game. Raise your academic game with these five proven methods for enhancing learning, maximizing retention, and integrating skills: 1. Take Notes by Hand In class or a tutoring session, you might feel like you understand everything coming out of your teacher’s mouth. But the fact is, no matter how much sense a technique might make in the moment, your ability to apply what…
Happiness = Higher Scores
Thomas Edison might have been estimating when he calculated that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration, but he had a point. Most of our success stems from the hard work we put in ahead of time. That last percentage point is tricky, though. How much of an impact can inspiration really make on results? Would you believe 12%? Happiness and productivity share a really splendid relationship: more of the former leads to an increase in the latter. Happiness, in
Brain Food: Chocolate for a Sweet Score
Any serious student of test preparation can attest that the road to peak performance on test day can be grueling. But earning your very best test scores makes the struggle and sacrifice worthwhile. As Serena Williams said, “Victory is very, very sweet. It tastes better than any dessert you’ve ever had.” But if you do it right, you may be able to enjoy a little dessert on the way to victory… Proper nutrition makes a massive difference any time the moment demands your best. One of the most important items on your checklist when packing (the night before, naturally) for your SAT or ACT has to be food. The right snacks will support you in the stretch, while the wrong ones will undermine your effort. Obviously, you want to bring healthy snacks like nuts and fruit, but save a little room for something sweet, as long as you like chocolate.…