- Attend Class. The single most important thing you can do to make
the most of your college experience -- and maintain your grades -- is to
attend class. College grades correlate more closely with class attendance
than with any other single factor, including your ACT score, your high
school grades and even the amount of time you study. Make it a point to
attend every class.
- Develop Good Study Skills. The most common problem faced by the
majority of incoming students is the lack of study skills - or not knowing
how to study. Many bright students never had to study in high school;
they could get good grades simply by going to class and doing the
homework. Then they come to college to find that they are expected to
learn on their own, and they don't have the study skills to accomplish
that.
- Manage Your Time. In high school, most students do not have to
plan their time; their classes and activities set their schedules for
them. College is different. For one thing, classes alone do not offer
that much structure; you are in class for only 12-16 hours of all the
hours in the week. It is important, therefore, to plan your free time; it
is easy when you have "all the time in the world" not to accomplish
anything. In addition to making a schedule, other things such as a job
and involvement in campus activities can actually make you use your study
time more efficiently. Many students say that they study better when they
are slightly pushed for time. So, finding the ideal balance between work
and leisure is at the heart of time management. Unfortunately, the
balance needs constant monitoring and adjustment.
It is strongly recommended to get a calendar to keep track of deadlines,
appointments, and regularly scheduled commitments. The Counseling and
Testing Center also offers a session on time management which you may find
helpful.
- Become Involved In Campus Life. Students who get involved in the
campus community are more likely to succeed academically, as well as
socially. You can facilitate this kind of integration in several ways.
First, live in the residence halls if possible, especially during your
first year. It is a great way to meet people, and the residence hall
structure offers a support system of older students and Resident Advisors
who can help you over the initial rough spots in adjusting to college
life. Secondly, become selectively involved in campus activities. This
is an ideal way to continue an outside interest, to try something you've
always wanted to, to develop skills, to meet people, to find out about
yourself, and to make a contribution to the academic community. Most
activities require no prior expertise or experience; so if you have always
wanted to be in a play, write for the school newspaper, or run for student
government, this is a great opportunity for it.
- Hold A Job. More and more students work while in college. However,
some
students and parents fear that working, especially during the first
semester, is detrimental to grades. Studies show that just the reverse is
true; students who work part-time (no more than 12-15 hours per week) are
more likely to attain their educational goals than students who do not
work. The key is to keep the job part-time, and it is better if the job
is on campus. If you work off campus, be careful not to let a part-time
job become full-time. Remember that exams come at the same time usually
around the holiday rush. So try to find a job on campus where people
understand and support your academic priorities.
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