I was working in Investment Banking at the time, so needless to say I worked long hours and had to squeeze in GMAT prep at nights and occasional free weekends. Turns out chatting at the water cooler actually does help, because little did I know, a colleague in a different division was also in the same boat as I. So we decided to become study buddies and met up three times a week.

During our very first session we realized that our skills complemented each other’s. While I was strong in the Verbal Section, he was a Quant Guru who needed to improve his sentence correction and reading comprehension. Together, we tackled almost every OG question successfully. More importantly, through discussion we were able to flesh out sound reasoning that related back to the basic concepts, which we could then hone individually.

My time management improved and I became more efficient. Where I used to slip in an episode or two of 30 Rock during my numerous breaks and shamelessly still kudos myself on a hard night’s work, I could now get some much needed sleep rather than dream about Liz & Tracy. I stopped procrastinating! Once we established our study routine it was easier not to slack as we had preset breaks where we would discuss mistakes and doubts.

Most importantly, and most of you can sympathize with this, I got the motivation I needed to study. At times it really can get pretty difficult to solve those OG problems and read through the Manhattan GMAT Verbal books, there are 6 of them. But, by meeting at different locations such as coffee shops, local libraries and small eateries it became more social and just that little less painful. At least I wasn’t cooped up alone in my room late at night all the time. Funnily enough, studying with a partner also helped me study better individually as I wanted to prep better for our next session.

Studying with a partner also instilled in me that sense of accountability. I did not want to be the one who had not done the problems we assigned ourselves, and let down the team so to speak.  It would have also been a pretty unproductive session had I done that.

This experience made us both realise the importance of studying with a partner, someone who has a similar background to mine or whose work and study schedule are in sync with mine. That is thrwhy we started StudyPal.co, where you can find a StudyPal or a StudyGuru in your city studying for the same test as you.

-Akkshay Chugh
CEO, StudyPal.co

Join Us and lets change the way people study. To find a study partner near you, sign up at www.studypal.co today!

The Allard Hall Building
Spacious and breezy; this building, also famous as the Law Library; is perhaps one of the best places to study in the area. The jaw dropping background of the beautiful mountains and the silent library provides just the ideal setting for settling down and get some serious work done.

Calhoun’s Bakery – 3035 West Broadway
Open twenty four hours a day; it is the perfect place for pulling an all-nighter with lots of fooding options at your beck and call. The WiFi is great; though you have to buy something every three hours to continue using it. The seating is plush and comfy and is perfect for those extra-long study sessions.

The Basement of Koerner Library
If rumours have it, this place is definitely the quietest one on the campus. If you have some really difficult cramming to be done or if you are one of those lovers of complete silence; this is the perfect escapade for you!

The Atrium of the Forestry Building
A perfect escapade for the hustle and bustle of the campus; the atrium is a great place to settle down with your books and get some serious prep done. There is a Tim Horton’s just below it; to fuel your caffeine demands every once in a while. The place is closed by 6pm though; and is apt for the day hangouts only.

Marine Drive Common’s Block
From group study rooms to silent study areas, high top tables and comfy couches-you name it and this awesome place has it! Depending on how you prefer your studying; there is an option for everyone. If you prefer studying with a partner, it is one of those places where you can easily find yourself a spot to discuss and study.

The list doesn’t end here. Vancouver is a vibrant city, and there are many discoveries to be made. We brought to you a list that we found great enough, but as the saying goes, “there is always that one more place left to go!” So, what exactly are you waiting for? Grab your books and step out in the town. Who knows, you might find your own study spot or find inspiration from one in the list that improves your test scores like you never imagined!

Need  a study buddy? Signup at www.studypal.co today!

With CET just a month away we wanted to share a few study tips coming straight from our experts who have been there done that.

TIP #1: Focus:

Before you start to pick up those huge books and start to scribble just wait there. First things first, set the environment where you study. Today we live in the world with numerous distractions and our addiction towards smartphones and those apps are great time killers. So just shut it. Remain focussed and start with a goal in mind “to get into a top B-school”.

#determination #dedication

TIP #2 Basics:

Get through the basics quickly, remember the difficulty level of the questions is very low in CET so get through the syllabus. You have been doing it for a year or so now, so this should not take time. The syllabus is very basic with most of the concepts taken from the 10^th grade.

#revision #syllabus

TIP #3 Study with a pal:

Studying together with someone who is going to take CET is quite helpful. You can discuss your doubts, challenge each other and work together to achieve the common goal. If you haven’t found one yet, you’ll surely find one at Studypal.co

#teaming-up #Study-partner

TIP #4 Speed and Mocks:

CET is a time based exam. You need to work hard to improve your speed of solving and calculating. You may gain it by doing speed drills, just set the time and always better it. Vedic maths may also help. You should be able to solve a question in about 30-35 seconds. We recommend you to at least take 20 mock exams so that you get the timing right. If you haven’t started on your mocks yet just log on to oliveboard.com and start taking mock exams.

#30seconds #mocks

Final Tip:

Remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision and eat healthy.

Good luck!

Enrolling the CFA program will have an impact on your private life and relationships with your friends, partner and family. If you want to successfully complete the program you will have to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to the learning process. The CFA program is not very demanding in terms of new knowledge, but it takes a lot of time to go through the entire curriculum and solve decent number of practice problems. You will have to spend certain amount of your free time on the CFA program and make clear cuts in your social life.

Although many people will say that if you organize yourself well, you will manage to achieve both personal and professional goals, it rarely happens that you are a successful business man, the best friend always ready to jump in and an incredible boyfriend/girlfriend or a family man at the same time.

It always helps to find a study partner for the CFA, someone who is going through a similar situation as you and can motivate you for the exam. You can find one on StudyPal.co

On the other hand, it is crucial to find the best possible work-life balance and organize the learning process so you can still spend some time with your friends. The most important step is to “negotiate” certain terms with the most important people in your life, before you enrol the CFA program. You have to explain in detail what does your new obligation mean for them, warn them in advance that you will not be available all the time and get their support. True friends and loving partners/family will understand. Try to negotiate certain number of hours or certain periods (e.g. Friday from 7pm-11pm) in the week when you will dedicate your time to people you care the most about, and don’t cheat. When it comes to family or girlfriend/boyfriend time, relax and dedicate a quality time. This is where TimePrep helps a lot – dedicating regular study time cannot be made easier.

Since you have to dedicate certain fixed and, more or less, consistent blocks of time on a weekly basis you will have to cut some other activities off in order to successfully complete the program. An average CFA candidate works in the financial industry which is known for long working hours. Unless you can spend some time learning in your office, you will have to study after or before work. That means you will have to reduce time you spend on other activities such as sports, going out, hobbies, travelling, etc.

Make a list of priorities, and don’t entirely cut off activities that are very important to you. In addition, get rid of less important but time consuming activities, hobbies and habits – just make a clear cut.

You are a human being and you need support from people you care the most. Their support will motivate you and give energy to push forward through the curriculum. There is no worse thing than to sit and learn while aware of the fact that someone is mad at you since you have not put him/her into your agenda.

Good luck!

I am often hungrier while writing an article about food rather than while I’m cooking it. Thinking can make us pretty hungry. According to medical researchers, our brain cells need double the energy as the other cells in our body, causing our body to crave food to restore this energy during intellectual activities like test prep.

So if you are preparing for standardized tests and often get the munchies, it is merely your brain insisting on a glucose boost. Sorry to be a damper on a guilt free study binge by stating the obvious, but over-snacking and eating the wrong things during your hunger pangs will certainly be counterproductive. It can cause your brain to get too much glucose and slow down. Not so smart after all!

However, there is nothing better than a healthy snack to keep your mental juices flowing.  So why don’t we make this snack time doubly productive by eating not just healthy but brainy foods too.

There are four main nutritional components that help our brains function to their full potential and even reinforce new brain cells. Here is a list of healthy powder foods that will provide the right nourishment for those long study days.

1. Glucose (carbohydrate) – The energy giver
   
   • Banana smoothies
   • Bean and corn salads
   • Popcorn
   • Lentil soups
   • Whole grain crackers with hummus

    

2. Fatty acids (omega 3-6) – The brain lubricant
   • Smoked salmon or grilled sardine fingers snacks
   • Avocado and chia smoothie
   • Walnuts
   • Cashew nuts
   • Flax seed rich energy bars
   • Tahini (sesame paste) dip

3. Antioxidants – The restorer
   
   • All kinds of berries
   • Spinach soups
   • Steamed garlic broccoli
   • DIY Energy drink: Coconut water with chia seeds
   • A variety of teas

    

4. Amino acids (protein) – The protector
   
   • Grilled fish, meat, liver and tofu snacks
   • Egg white salads
   • Yogurt snacks with honey and flax powder

And here are two simple and quick recipes for you and your study buddy.

AVOCADO SMOOTHIE

Serves – 2 glasses
Prep time – 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 avocado
3 tablespoons chopped dates
5 tablespoons 0% fat greek yogurt
½ cup Soymilk
¾ cup water
2 tablespoons chia seeds

Methods:

Mix the soymilk, water and chia seeds in a glass and leave aside letting the chia seeds absorb the water and fluff up.

Put the avocado, dates and greek yogurt in a blender and blend till they form a smooth paste.

Put the avocado paste in a mixing bowl with the soymilk mix and gently combine the ingredients together with a spatula.

Chill in the refrigerator and drink the cold avocado smoothie during your study break to give your brain a jumpstart!

BEAN SALAD

Serves – 3
Prep time – 20 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup red beans
½ cup sweet corn
½ cup chopped coriander leaves
¼ cup spring onions
¼ cup chopped walnuts

Dressing:

½ a lime, juiced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon honey

Method:

Mix together all the ingredients for the dressing and leave aside.
Put the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss till the produce have come together nicely.

Mix in the dressing and serve chilled.

Remember to graze through your study days, eat nutritious snacks and keep it light.

Enjoy!

1. Tell us about CollegePond and its Founders

Collegepond is an online/offline-counseling career guidance, test preparation and admissions counseling outfit. We help talented students achieve their goal of studying at top Universities across the globe. We have guided over 2000 students in obtaining admission to the elite universities in USA, France, NZ, Australia, Singapore, UK and Hong Kong. Our strength lies in highlighting the most optimal path in achieving students’ career ambitions. Our directors are also featured in Education Times regularly.

More information about us can be found on www.collegepond.com.

Suraj Bajaj completed his undergraduate dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School and College of Arts & Sciences. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.  Suraj has spent 10 years working at leading investment banks and Big 4 Accounting firms where, in addition to his work responsibilities, he was involved in recruiting new graduates as well as lateral hires.  He has also passed the CPA examination and has written articles for various journals. Over the past seven years, Suraj has been involved in helping aspiring, talented young individuals set their career objectives and develop an action plan to achieve the same. He has guided students in obtaining admission to the elite universities in the US, France, Australia and United Kingdom. Suraj heads Collegepond’s counseling division and works with students to ensure that they are on course to achieve their desired career path.

Jimeet Sanghavi has worked at Citigroup & Bloomberg and has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Stony Brook University. His spectrum of experience ranges from being an IT Analyst to Key-Account Manager to University Recruiting Captain to Teacher and Faculty Member. He decided to pursue his love of teaching and counseling which he had been doing even from USA over the last 5 years.Thanks to his recruiting efforts, he has an excellent rapport with the Career Centers of these universities which helps gauge the job placement scenarios of different schools every year. Jimeet heads Collegepond’s test preparation division and helps students crack the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and SAT exams.

2. How should students considering GRE start their test prep?

You should approach GRE in a way similar to training for a marathon. You need to build up gradually and be steady throughout. It is unlike a college exam where you take crash courses and study at last minute and scrape through.

GRE is an exam of aptitude as well as your nerves. You need to condition yourself with a lot of mock exams periodically to assess whether your efforts are being reflected in your scores. One simple recommendation to improve your GRE score is to become an avid reader.  By reading, we mean understanding the grammar, contextual reference and word usage and not just skim through a page-turning novel. Also, it is important to brush up your high school algebra and geometry (not trigonometry) and remember the formulas at a bare minimum.

We also recommend studying with a study partner of forming a study group. You can find a GRE study partner at StudyPal.co

3. What are the resources students must use for their GRE test prep?

There are various reference books available in the market and on the internet.  It is important that students utilize the Powerprep material provided by ETS when registering for the exam. It comes with 2 mock exams which are almost a replica of the GRE exam. It is important to thoroughly exhaust the question-set provided in this software.

4. How long does one require to prepare for the GRE?

On average a student requires about 200 hours of study. This encompasses reading, tutoring classes, homework, mock exams, analysis of exams, etc

5. What are your top 4 study tips for students?

(a) Practice is the key. The more you practice the better you become.

(b) More often than not, GRE is more an exam of your grit and confidence than what you know. You need to be confident, not let a difficult question affect your mindset for the next one

(c) Time-management is important. Solving something correctly in the appropriate amount of time is crucial. It is also important to manage your time between your GRE prep, work, & family commitments.

(d) Form a study group; it helps to keep you motivated and on schedule.

Group studying is a common approach used in almost all educational systems around the world. From school to college, students organize themselves in groups for homework and exam preparation. The reason behind the activity is that a group of people is smarter and more productive than an individual.

If you study in a group you will solve problems more efficiently. Sometimes you will contribute to the group and at times the group will clarify certain topics or queries you may have. Teamwork makes the whole process less stressful and more pleasant because you meet people with similar interests and backgrounds who will motivate you to achieve common goals.

A very important aspect of studying is time management. If someone in the team takes care about the progress of the group, the group can leverage on its teamwork and complete the process on time. It is advisable that the entire group has a single agenda and an appointed team member to monitor the progress of the group. This team member should use various time management tools such as TimePrep iOS apps for the CFA Exam to ensure that the team’s goals are met in a timely manner.

While a team approach to studying can yield numerous positive effects you should refrain from excessive socializing, talking about non CFA topics or just networking. The common goal in fact will only help you in staying focused and being sensitive to other team members’ aspirations. You will be encouraged to come prepared  for the study sessions and help the group stay on schedule.

In order to successfully prepare for the CFA exam, we would suggest the following:

• Find a small team of candidates with similar motivation, background and same level of preparedness, on www.StudyPal.co
• Organize either on-line or physical space for study sessions.
• Never meet without an agenda – discussion about certain topics (pages or sections/practice problems).
• Dedicate one person for process/time management in order to be both effective and efficient.
• Ensure the group discipline and manage time carefully.

Good luck!

 TimePrep for CFA