Strategies for College Success

Linda O'Brien emphasizes that, 

when you miss classes, you miss lectures, notes, class discussions, homework explanations, and assignments. Without meaning to, you may also miss quizzes and test."

• Use an academic planner
• Break down assignments
• Use three-ring notebooks for class notes
• Organize and save computer work
• Keep returned papers, quizzes, and tests
• Have phone numbers for classmates
• Get organized for the next day"

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle 

One of the biggest mistakes college students make is thinking that they have lots of time to get things done. In college, you can't wait until the last minute to do your assignments or to study for tests. It just doesn't work.

• Don't overextend yourself
• Be organized
• Schedule 90-minute study sessions
• Make efficient use of your time
• Learn to say no
• Make "To Do" lists and prioritize tasks"

You'll enjoy college more and get higher grades if you follow these tips:

• Do every class assignment
• Learn how to adapt to different instructors
• Sit in front of the class
• Be a good group member
• Be on time to each class
• Participate in class
• Communicate with your instructors"

• Be an active listener
• Take notes to help you pay attention
• Take notes that are easy to read
• Recognize important information
• Go over your notes as soon as possible
• Get lecture notes if you miss a class"

• SURVEY the assignment to get an overview
• READ with a purpose
• REVIEW to check your comprehension"

• Find a good place to study
• Get started
• Know your learning style
• Organize your study time
• Know how to study for tests
• Know how to memorize and remember information
• Learn computer applications
• Develop your public speaking skills
• Know how to write a good paper"

• Get off to a good start
• Develop a plan
• Mark the questions you want to return to
• Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions
• Know how to approach essay questions
• Look for key words in True/False questions
• Be prepared for open book tests
• Improve your math test scores
• Check your answers
• Go over all returned tests"

A little anxiety before a test improves your concentration and alertness. Excessive worry, or test anxiety, can lower your test score.

• To reduce test anxiety, study enough to feel confident that you know the material.
• Practice positive thinking and relaxation techniques"

Colleges provide a wide variety of services in order to help students get the most out of their college experience, such as:

• Academic Advisor
• Career Services
• Clubs/Activities
• Computer Labs
• Counseling Services
• Disability Services
• Financial Aid
• Health Services
• Library, etc."