Ten Unbreakable Rules for Academic Success in College

You've heard the stories...some exaggerated, some real...about students at the top of their high school classes who found college extremely difficult. The truth is that most college freshmen do need some time to adjust to the increased demands of college academics.

To shorten the adjustment period and earn the best possible grades during your first semester, try these suggestions.

1. Do not cut class. Cutting is the quickest way to dig an academic hole for yourself.

2. There are no days off. Don't get behind. Don't procrastinate. Never. Catching up in high school may be fairly easy; that's not so in college.

3. In class, listen attentively and take good notes. Highlight the areas your instructor emphasizes.

4. Don't be shy about asking questions or getting help if you have a question or are having trouble understanding something. Visit with your instructor after class or during his/her office hours, ask a classmate for clarification, seek out help in the campus learning center, or turn to Google or Yahoo. Just don't delay.

5. Put together a semester long calendar which lists the dates your papers are due and the dates on which your examinations are scheduled to take place. Then, pencil in the dates on which you will review for exams and prepare your papers, while not giving you too much to do during any one week. Careful planning can really help take the pressure off.

6. Never do a reading assignment without having a highlighter handy. The better you highlight when reading, the more efficiently and quickly you will be able to review later.

7. Your exams can tell you a lot about your instructor and what to expect on future exams. Review and analyze them.

8. Talk to students who have taken courses with your instructors. They can often provide valuable insight. I'll never forget how much I was helped by a student a year ahead of me who told me that my Western Civilization professor asked at least one question about the church on every exam and often focused on Popes and timelines.

9. Take advantage of any opportunities you have to start or join study groups. They can really help you.

10. Think before you speak or (especially) write. College faculty love to challenge students. Don't be afraid, just be prepared.

College academics, like life, can be an up and down ride. You'll almost certainly experience some highs and at least a few (hopefully short lived) lows. But if you have a reasonable amount of ambition, manage your time well, and follow the suggestions above, you have little to worry about.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Daniel Z. Kane is a university dean with websites on scholarships, college admission, financial aid, online degrees, and online colleges.

If You want to use this article on your website then select COPY THIS ARTICLE in the Menu on the right side!

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated