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hi i'm in 7th grade and i recently took the SATs for the talent search (not for college lol!). well i took it and got a 1060 which i think is actually pretty good for a 7th grader. but 3 people in my grade got like 1100 something and this boy even got a 1370 (which is unbelievably good! that's almost a 1400!). idk..but i'm just so mad, i mean how come i couldn't get those scores? am i just stupid!! my sister also got a better score. i always thought i was pretty smart since i got good grades a lot, but now for the first time, i feel stupid. what's wrong with me?

Hiya,
Well...I'm not American so I'm not sure on how good or bad the grades are, but you say 3 people in your grade got 1100 - that makes it sound like most people didn't!! I always think that over half marks is good, over three quarters is excellent, so try judging your marks on that :)
And just because you didn't get the top score doens't mean you're stupid - it just means that that one boy has no life and probably spent the whole of the last year revising :P
If you still think you didn't do so well, then I would put it down to a bad day or just being unlucky with your questions!!
Here are a couple of exam tips for next time anyway -
*When you get stuck, or get a mental block, recite the alphabet. Going through familiar things in your head can help you concentrate :)
*Read the question through lots and break it up until you understand it.
*However tempting it is to cram-revise, don't revise during the half an hour before the exam!! It'll just muddle you and you'll be fine if you've revised enough beforehand anyway :)
Good luck and I promise you you're not stupid!! I know it's hard when you don't get the best results ever, but the main thing is that you tried your best and got a good result, no matter what other people got!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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iunno why i'm late for most things because i sleep in. i get like 10 hours of sleep a day or i need 10 hours of sleep a day if i dunget 10 hours i sleep in so i get 10 hours. how can i make myself wake up without stalling and needing more sleep?

I dunno about anyone else, but I always feel better if I wake up naturally - unfortunately, you probably can't do that when you need to be somewhere, lol!! Try setting your alarm clock half an hour early so you still have time to laze in bed and wake up without being late!! You could set your alarm to go off every ten minutes as well, or get your friends/parents to come in and put your favourite (happy/cheerful/loud) song on to wake you up! You could even set your alarm to the radio, so the radio comes on instead of that awful buzzing sound. Maybe set two or three alarms?
Maybe you could get a really nice breakfast cereal so you want to get up and eat it? And try going to bed earlier :)
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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Im trying to find a good book to read for school project andi cnat find one .... i've recently been reading books that involve drugs and relation ship.... and i like well really anyhting fiction that isnot fantsy, science ficion. or non-fiction PLEASE HELP

Try Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding? It's considered a GCSE text and it's really funny!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I like this kid jeremy alot. i just need him to notice me. he knows who i am i just want him to want me. any tips?

Hiya,
Just be yourself :) Be confident around him, but not arrogant. Don't be afraid to say hi or smile in the hallways!! Guys are pretty dense, but he should get the idea from that that you at least want to be friends :) Maybe ask for his email address or phone number? You can flirt online/by text as well by adding kisses after your goodbyes :)
Good luck!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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No matter how late I go to bed, it always takes me at least an hour to get to sleep and I always wake up early. If I go to bed early in order to get more sleep, I don't drop off until around one and I usually wake up at half seven to eight am. My friends and family all seem to be able to get to sleep easily and usually don't wake up until around eleven on non school days, how do I get more sleep? I always keep the same routine at night and I have tried everything, it doesn't matter how tired I am I just can't sleep. What should I do?

Hiya,
D'ya go on the computer/playstation/watch TV just before going to bed? Try not to - it can keep you awake longer, as can eating or drinking (even cocoa) before going to bed, so try and cut out on those two :)
Don't panic about not getting to sleep - turn the radio on if it's too quiet, or turn your light back on and read a book or magazine until you feel sleepy. Just don't lie there thinking, 'damn I have to sleep!' because you never will :P
Have you tried lavender pillows? I recommend lavender pillows, cammomile baths and hot water bottles for getting to sleep!!
Also make sure that your room isn't too hot or cold!
Good luck :)
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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theres this really annoying ugly ignorent kid at my school saying stuff to me and id like to give him some good comebacks because im sick of his attitude and the way he talks to girls... anyone have any good comebacks?

‘Yeah, you’d be pretty good looking if it wasn’t for your face.’
If he says ‘suck my ****’ or whatever  ‘sorry, my mother told me not to put small things in my mouth.’
‘Happy national moron week. Thanks for participating!’
(Then get one of your friends to say) ‘Aww, that’s offensive to morons!’
Good luck!! And remember to walk away once you’ve said your line – it’s way more impressive than starting a slanging match!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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its really werid bc last year i was IT! i was like queen be i was alot liek regina off mean girls except i wasnt mean at all, i was freinds with everyone and alot of people wanted to be like me.But its really werid this year its diff im not regina and im more like gretchen or one of those other girls and its like im miserable evreyone says im popular and all but i dont feel like i am i kno this seems really stuck up and all but i need help badly bc im not happy im failing and im jus actin totally diff.. i need advice on what hair styles are in what clothes are in wether it matters if your hair is short or long to be pretty b.c if i dont starighten up im gonna go like insane lol!
Even if u anwser this question i will rate a 5 if i anwser it adn it helps ill leave a really good comment!
Thanks
****

Hiya,
Go to your hairdressers and see what style and length of hair suits you? It doens't really matter what's in, because if you look stupid in that haircut, there's no point!! Maybe try some wigs on to see what suits your face? Fringes are pretty big at the moment, but not block fringes - wispy ones. If you're American, I dunno what you call them? Bangs maybe? Anyway, if you aren't English, fringes are the hair that covers your forehead. Long hair is good because you can do anything with it and it always looks pretty if it suits you. Just make sure you don't just always leave your hair down - do stuff with it sometimes!
You could just need a change in image - dye your hair if you're allowed?
Tiered skirts (i.e. ones with lots of layers), big pretty belts, casual dresses over jeans, long necklaces and the whole 'hippy' seventies thing seems to be coming back in the summer!
Things might be slightly different where you are though, so watch what the popular kids are wearing, and what items of clothing seem to be in a lot of shops, and go for it!!
Remember, the coolest people are the ones who aren't afraid to be themselves :)
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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Hey, I really want to get better at dance. Like, ballet? I can't get my leg high enough and my 5th position stinks. My teacher is getting on our case because most of us can only get to 3rd position. So does anyone know any exercises (tried and true) that me and my friends can do to get our legs higher and get our 5th position good? Oh and only if you know what I'm talking about or are/have been a dancer. Thanks so much!

Hi,
I'm not a dancer but I do do karate and for that, we have to do some very high kicks. We have this one stretch that works really well and makes your legs really flexible, but it takes a while of doing it. Sorry if this is difficult to understand, I'll explain as clearly as I can -
Lie flat on the ground (on a comfy mat or carpet) with your legs and arms straight out on the ground too. Your legs should be together and your arms at your sides. Raise one of your legs to as high as you possibly can by yourself, and then get a friend to push it back a tiny bit, until it hurts - but not until it kills!! Stop when it starts hurting, and make sure you warm up first to avoid hurting yourself. Hold for ten seconds and then lower your leg down slowly. Repeat with the other leg. Do this every day, morning and night if you're really keen. I've only been doing it a couple of months and I can already kick way higher than before!! My friend, who's been doing it a bit longer, can now get her leg to almost touch her face!!
Hope that helped, and sorry I couldn't give any advice on the pirouettes! Maybe try staring at a certain spot every time you go round and focus on it every time you pass it?
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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Hey, I'm a really good student and everything, I'm also real smart. I'm in a gifted school, but I'm just not motivated. I really need some motivation!! thx =)

It all depends on what year you're in - when I was in years 7-9 I just couldn't be bothered because our only exams were our SATs, and in Britain they aren't important. Now I'm in year 10 and working towards GCSEs, there's like a real purpose to what I'm doing. Try and look at it that way!!
Have a goal to work towards as well - if you don't know what you want to be yet, think of something! If you do, think of every piece of work you are doing as something that is helping you to get there :)
Maybe you could study and do homework with friends at the weekend? Sure beats doing it by yourself!! Plus there's always someone to help out if you get stuck!
Start off by doing the work for the subject you hate, then for one you like, then one you hate, yadda yadda yadda - don't just avoid doing the stuff you don't like!! Take a break every half hour or so and give yourself a mini reward (e.g. chocolate, sun bathing when the weather gets warmer, a break from work, ringing up a friend, etc) each time you complete a piece of work :)
And finally, think that, once you get through this, you can hang out with your friends!! Try and stay away from MSN and any interesting sites or the TV while you're doing homework, although listening to the radio/a CD might help!
Hope that helped!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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ok im really selfconsious about my boobs but recently i had mark onmy boobs and they look like strech marks and i dunno y i would have them i mean my boobs aint even that big and im not fat of anything.. wut could it b from?

ahhh..
shaiina

Hiya,
Don't worry about it!! Honestly, anyone and everyone can get stretch marks for no apparant reason during any time of their lives, but especially when you're growing. Moisturise loads (esp. on your tummy to help prevent them showing up there too) (cocoa or shea butter would be best for the moisturiser) and they should fade in time :)
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I really want to change my religion, I am a Roman Catholic I just don't believe in their thoughs and such. I am not sure what I want to be. Does any oen have any past experience? Is it like a legal thing if you want to change religions; like you have to get papers? Any help or comments or info about other religions would be greatly appreiciated!

Spritually, there are no papers, but some religions do require you to go through 'courses' and then be baptised/initiated/etc into their religion, especially if you want to get married to a very orthodox jew, for example, and have to become a jew yourself to do so. Your religion will be on records such as the Census, but I'm pretty sure that, next time it comes around, you can just put your new religion down and the records will be officially changed.
I personally changed from Christian to Wiccan last year, but in the eyes of the law I am still a Christian until I write on the Census that I am otherwise.
Pretty much all religions will require you to be initiated/inducted/baptised/whatever into their religion if you want a funeral or a naming ceremony/christaning/etc in their church/temple/whatever, but not if you just want to visit their place of worship.
And remember that you don't HAVE to be a religion - you could be an athiest. Some random examples of religions you could research are:
Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Church of England, Wiccanism, Hinduism, Athiest, Zoroastrianism, Rastafarian, Mormon, Baha'i, Shinto, Humanitarianism, Jainism, or Unitarianism. There are loads more so just keep on looking until you find something you're happy with :)
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I am 15 and have been going out with the same guy for 4 years. I lost my virginity 2 him when I was 14. He is starting to act way to controlling and we have gotten into several fist fights and he forces me to have sex with him sometimes. I met a guy on the internet that lives 1700 miles away. We have been talking for a while and I think I am in love with him. Is it possible to love someone that far away? He also says he loves me back, and wants to meet. Thanks

OK, I've got three things to say to you -
1. However hard it may seem, GET OUT of this relationship!! You don't need a guy who treats you like that, you deserve so much better!! Tell someone what's going on - maybe a school counsellor or your friends? If it's too hard, just send your closest friend the link to this in an email. Even though you might feel like you should stay with him or owe him something because you lost your virginity to him, you DON'T. You have to get out of there before it gets worse!
2. Yes, it is possible - it's possible to be in love with anyone!
3. Be very careful with this guy. He could be some creepy paedophile or anything. Make sure you've told him your real age and seen him on webcam, and that if you do meet him, you do it in a neutral, busy and public place, such as a cafe. Make sure you take a friend with you as well, and NEVER go anywhere with him if he isn't who he says he is!! Also, make sure that you don't just love the idea of being with someone, anyone else other than your abusive boyfriend. Break up with him, let that settle down, and then think about this guy.
Good luck!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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i'm REALLY bored right now, and i was wondering if anyone knew any really good/ funny weblinks i can go to

Try www.opendiary.com, where you can create your own online diary :) There's also www.madblast.com or www.jokefrog.com (I recommend 'Mr ABC' (put your speakers up and make sure there are no rents in the room!!) and all the other animations on that list)! Hope you like them!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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When it comes to dating and what-not, do guys prefer looks or personality? If looks, then what primarily are they interested in? If personality, then what kind of traits do they like?

Hiya,
Every guy is different, just like all girls are, and they are all looking for different things. A lot of it depends on age - most teenage guys will prefer a girl they know won't care about having such a serious relationship, but older guys might be looking for something a little more serious and/or romantic.
Guys do tend to go for looks first, but don't panic and think that you're ugly!! I'm sure you're really pretty! The best anyone can do is make the most of their best feature, smile and be confident! Looking confident really helps to draw people to you, and smiling makes you seem open and approachable.
However, although guys do tend to go for looks first, you don't have to be drop-dead-miss-world-style-gorgeous to get a date. They are gonna want someone with a decent personality (most likely someone who isn't too clingy and can make them laugh) in the long run! No-one wants to be tied down to Ms. Bitch, even if she's also Ms. Beautiful!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I can't wake up in the morning. My bus comes at 6:45, and I've been waking up at 630. is there anything i can do to get more sleep? i usually cant fall asleep until 12

Hiya,
Are you on the PC a lot before you go to bed? That can often keep you awake, as can eating bananas, cheese, or drinking coffee or tea. Try coming off the computer/not eating or drinking an hour or so earlier that you normally do before going to bed. Try and get to bed for eleven - sleeping for one hour before midnight is supposed to be much better for you than sleeping for two hours after it.
Also, check that your room isn't too hot or cold, or that if you burn incense or eat in there, there aren't any strong smells. If you can't sleep in the light, turn all the lights off and get blackout curtains. If you don't like the dark, then get a little light - you don't have to have it on all night; knowing that you can just reach out and press it at any point when you want to could be reassuring. Try listening to the radio if it seems too quiet. You could also buy a lavender pillow or drink cammomile tea before bed to try and make your sleep deeper. Maybe you could even set your alarm half an hour early so you can still lie in bed and think, 'I don't want to get up!' without making yourself late?
Finally, don't stress that you can't get to sleep - that'll just make things worse. Just lie in bed and relax, because consciously trying to get to sleep will actually make it harder to do so.
Good luck!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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i wanna do track in spring, but i can't run and i have no stamina or anything. i can't run for more than two minutes without havin g to stop how can i get in shape?

Start off by walking briskly for ten or twenty minutes a day, and once you start finding that easy (i.e. you're not out of breath at any point), try walking briskly uphill. Professional runners train by running uphill so that when they come to run on a track, they find it a lot easier. Work your way up to jogging uphill (it doesn't have to be an actual hill - a steeply sloped road will do) - start by cycling if the jogging is too hard - and eventually run (it can be slowly if you want) up! This might take you quite a while to accomplish though, so be patient and remember you'll get there eventually!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I am thinking about dating this Christian, even though I am not religious. Please dont tell me not to care what his religion is-because I don't. I just want to know other people's opinions on christians. I want to know how they act and how other people view them. Thank you!

Well...I'm gonna say that all Christian's are different too. However, if this guy is orthodox (i.e. very Christian), he may not believe in sex before marriage, he may pray (bear in mind this is a VERY stereotyped view) or go to church every sunday (meaning you couldn't spend sundays with him)...etc etc etc. The only way you can really find out is by asking him about his faith because, although you're sick of hearing it, EVERY Christian is very different.
Personal experiences I've had with Christians? I'd say the majority of them are very nice people, but some are a little prejudiced (again a VERY stereotyped view, sorry if I offend anyone here). However, I can't see that being any kind of problem unless you are a wiccan or pagan. At school I've had some adversitiy to my religion (wicca) from strict Christians, but that's not their fault - the Bible tells them, 'thou shalt not suffer a witch to live', and 'you shall not practise divination or sorcery' (Exodus and Psalms) and they're just following what they should as a good Christian. Unless he really is very strict, his religion shouldn't affect the relationship.
As a religion they tend to be quite forgiving. Christians are no different to anyone else - many are Christians on pure principle, as many babies are baptised as tradition rather than a desire to carry on the faith, so you'll find them as regular as yourself. I was baptised and have never been to church. It doesn't effect most people.
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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I'm looking for some really great teen fictional books. Can anyone recommend some to me, or even if you can't, a great website that has a list of them? I'm looking for a book along the storyline of like love and romance.... but even if you have a book name that's not about that but it's a great book, thats good too! THANKS!!

Try Meg Cabot, the Guy Next Door. That's pretty good. Her Princess Diaries books are OK up until around book 3, but after that they get a little repetitive.
The 'Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging' series ('Confessions of Georgia Nicholson') are seriously funny!! (By Louise Rennison).
If you're looking for a more 'serious' romance book, try Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman. Very sad!!
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is very romantic but you might find it a bit old - fashioned.
The 'Girls...' series, by Jaqueline Wilson, is very funny and covers a lot of issues. The series has four books, Girls out Late, Girls in Love, Girls in Tears and Girls under Pressure.
Hope you like some of those!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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my dog bites alot, we can not stop him. sometimes he is good somtimes he is bad. how do i cure his problem?

Hiya,
What breed is your dog? Some breeds are just prone to being snappy (esp. Jack Russels) so you can't do much short of paying thousands for classes or a trainer.
Do you know anyone who self-trained their dog? Try and get advice off them, or even get them to train your dog.
I have also heard that, if you fill a coke can with stones and throw it at your dog when they bark or bite (not to hit them but make it close so they are scared) it makes them grow out of barking because they grow to associate it with this nasty coke can thing. If that doesn't work, try other noises such as clapping or stomping.
Good luck!!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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Ok, I have the opportunity to go to this really good highschool, where you can have 2 years of college finished when you graduate and it looks better on your college application and everything.The problem is,I know some people that go there and they said that htey were straight A students, and when they got there they started making C's and D's, and that it was ALOT of stress and they never get to do anything anymore.Everybody keeps telling me to go, that I can handle it, but I don't really want to, and I'm scared to. At my school now, everything is going good, and there's a guy that I really like, and I would never get to see him again if I went to that other school. I just have no idea what to do. I don't want to give up a great opportunity, but I don't want to go either. I have alrady prayed about it, but I'm still confused. Please help! And please, no rude answers, I'm stressed enough as it is. Thanks! I'll rate!

P.S. Sorry so long!!

Hey,
I went through the exact same thing. I go to a school where you are so pressured to get A's that in the end you just stop caring. You get so damn stressed and it's really not good. I can honestly say that pretty much everyone in my school regrets choosing to go there.
You can still get A's and really good grades going to any other school if you work hard, and it'll be way more rewarding for you personally to go somewhere else and be one of the only ones to get A's than to go somewhere where if you don't, you feel bad.
I would have said go for it if you hadn't said that people's grades go down because of the stress. You don't need that. As long as you work hard, you'll be fine wherever you are!!
Is there any way you can apply to that school's college AFTER you finish at normal school? That way you get the best of both worlds.
Make a list of advantages and disadvantages for both as well, if may help you get things into perspective!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx

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