10 Tip FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS

1. ATTEND CLASS.

Go to every class. Don’t miss class—even if attendance isn’t taken. You aren’t going for the professor—you’re going for you. Don’t skip one class to study or to do work for another class, and don’t miss class because you haven’t done an assignment. Don’t skip class to take someone to, or pickup someone from, the airport (UBER!). You will get sick at some point; save your absences for those days.

2. ATTEND OFFICE HOURS.

Get to know your professor. Let him or her get to know you as more than a name and face. Show you care and are invested in the class. Visit office hours BEFORE your grade is at risk! Ask questions and seek clarification. Don’t worry about being a “suck up” or “brown noser.” Professors like students who show an interest in their classes. That can actually help your grade!

3. CHECK the LMS & EMAIL FREQUENTLY.

Log on at least every morning and night. Professors post announcements and update grades all the time and you need to be aware of changes to the class schedule or assignments.

4. SIT in the GOLDEN T.

Research shows that students who sit in the front row or center spot of each row earn the highest grades. These students are the most engaged in the lecture or discussion.

5. TAKE & REVIEW NOTES DAILY.

In every class. Without fail. Label them with the date and topic. Even if the professor lectures from PowerPoint, they will likely just be an outline and not of much help when it comes time to study for an exam. Print the PowerPoint slides in Handout form (2 to a page) and take notes next to each slide filling in the details by hand. Review your notes after class and fill in any gaps, correct mistakes, and determine if you need to seek clarification.

6. PARTICIPATE.

Engage in class. Ask questions. Be respectful of others’ contributions. This can count for as much as 20-25% of your course grade. Much of this grade is subjective (the more your professor likes you, the higher your participation grade will be). Be on time. Don’t leave early. Silence your phone. Be prepared; have books and supplies needed.

7. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT.

If and when it is offered, be sure to do it! Extra credit is a gift that can be critical in determining your final grade.

8. COMPLETE A SEMESTER CALENDAR & POST IT EVERYWHERE.

Write all assignments and due dates on the calendar. Try to fit it all on 1 or 2 pages so you can see the big picture of the semester. Record the dates in your phone.

9. FIND A STUDY SPOT.

Find a place other than your dorm room to study every day. Make sure it is suited to your needs in terms of noise level, temperature, lighting, etc.

10. START EARLY.

Begin studying 5 days before a test and start writing a paper at least 5 days in advance (much farther in advance for a research paper!)

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