LIFE

Back-to-school season is upon us, girls. No doubt you’re concerned with finding the perf pair of shoes to go with your first-day outfit and making sure you have *the* coolest backpack. But there’s one accessory that’s even more important, and it’s everything you need to dominate this school year: the BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series. Below, we’re giving you the lowdown on your new go-to good grade-getting guide (say that three times fast), *plus* we're spilling our 3 all-time top tips for every other BTS sitch. That's not all: Three lucky girls will become the coolest cats in the classroom when they win their own BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series set (see deets to enter below!).

The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series is a *revolutionary* study guide series just for middle school students from the brains behind Brain Quest. It's built on a simple and sneaky concept—borrowing notes from the smartest kid in your class. But not just one class, five of them. Each book touches on a certain subject—Math, Science, American History, English Language Arts and World History—and is the only guide you will need for each.

Inside the book, you'll find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized: Critical ideas highlighted in neon colors. Definitions explained. Doodles that illuminate tricky concepts in marker. Mnemonics for memorable shortcuts. And quizzes to recap it all! Your parents will love them too—The BIG FAT NOTEBOOKS meet Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards and state history standards, and are vetted by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning teachers. They make learning fun and are perf for every kid who grew up on Brain Quest.

Combine the BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series with these three tips and you'll ace. it. all...

Tip 1: Get your beauty rest.
In order to be spritely during science and on top of your game in geometry, your body has to be fully awake. Hit the pillow an extra 30 minutes earlier than you usually would on a school night—you'll thank yourself when your alarm chirps in the a.m.

Tip 2: Pack your bags.
Pencils? Check. Paper? Check. The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series? Check! A good night of sleep isn't the only thing you'll need this school year. Pack your book bag full of the essentials every night before school so you never have to be the one whisper-yelling, "Psst! Can I borrow a pencil?!" in the middle of a lesson. Be the lender, not the borrower.

Tip 3: Allow time for learning.
In order to be successful in school, you need to give yourself the ability to do so. So instead of jumping straight into video games or binge-watching Netflix as soon as you get home, make a schedule. Set aside pockets of time to review your notes, create study guides and confer with your classmates via text. Allow for breaks in between each study sesh so that your brain can rest (here's where the video games and Netflix come in!).

THE BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series is out now from Workman Publishing. Become a total smarty-pants, get more details and snag copies here.

Want to get your hands on the THE BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series? GL is giving away three sets to three lucky girls. To enter, leave a comment below telling GL what your fave subject to study in school is—and that's it! Winners will be chosen at random. What are you waiting for? Get to commentin'!

by GL | 8/16/2016