Being successful in college
A challenge
College is a challenge for most students. You'll have more freedom than you've ever had. You may choose how many courses to take, what time to schedule them and even whether to attend every class or not.
With this freedom comes a great deal of responsibility. If you goof off, sleep or party too much, you'll soon get behind in your studies and pay the price one way or another — getting bad grades, failing, or having to drop classes and pay to take them again the next semester.
Most colleges offer classes or assistance in developing college skills such as note taking, studying, researching and writing, getting organized, and managing time. Many also offer tutoring to help students master certain subjects, or they offer mentoring programs, which match a student with a faculty or staff member who can provide advice and guidance. Ask for help at the first sign of trouble. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get back on track.
Keys to success in college:
- Show up for class.
- Have your work done on time.
- Set up a daily schedule and stick to it.
- Assess and improve your study habits.
- Study with a group.
- Choose teachers who actively involve you in learning.
- See your instructors outside class.
- Learn from criticism.
- Improve your critical thinking skills.
- Be the best writer you can be.
- Know how to find and work with information on your campus.
- Find a great academic advisor or counselor.
- Learn what helping resources your campus offers and where they are located.
- Visit your campus career center.
- Understand why you are in college.
- Find and get to know one individual on campus who cares about your survival.
- If you're attending classes full time, try not to work more than 20 hours a week.
- Get involved in campus activities.
- Take your health seriously.
- Try to have realistic expectations.
Source: Your College Experience: Strategies for Success by John N. Gardner and A. Jerome Jewler, © Wadsworth Publishing Co. Used by permission.