Fundamentals for Student Success
8 Immediate Steps
I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of a person to elevate their life by a
conscious endeavor.
Attitude is extremely important for your success. But let's assume you now have that great attitude. You are objective and optimistic, determined and deliberate. Now, let's turn that attitude into action! Here are some quick, easy tips you can start instantly. You'll see the rewards in no time!
1.Visit professors often - And you thought getting up early was hard. Most students find the idea of visiting professors outside of class terrifying. Consider this a business relationship that must be carefully cultivated. You want your professor to think of you as one of his or her most interested, active students. This will benefit you in many ways. You will get better grades. You will have good references when you go to your next job. You will improve your communication skills and self-confidence. Research indicates that one success indicator for college students is contact with faculty members.
2. Attend all classes - There is nothing like class attendance to keep you up with your academic work. Never, never miss class. Never, never miss class. One more time. Never, never miss class. If you find yourself missing class for reasons you can't quite explain, get some counseling, seriously.
3. Sit in the first three rows in class - This helps you focus (it's harder to sleep on the front row) and helps the professor learn to recognize you. Please do not believe that sitting in the back row with a hat pulled down over your face makes you invisible to the professor. And maybe it isn't cool to sit up front, but you may have noticed that professors are not up on what's cool and what's not, and the professors give the grades, not your peers.
4. Be on campus from 8 to 5 - Quit telling yourself that you aren't a morning person. Most of us said that ourselves before we got a job with required attendance. The university day starts early, and you should too. This, again, is something that requires a change in habit, a change in expectation. You must consciously coach yourself through this until it becomes easy. If you work with a focus through an eight-hour day, you will be successful. The great advantage to this is that your evenings and weekends are typically free for the things you enjoy. Take a look at our sample schedule for ideas on how to plan your week!
5. Use a day-planner and make a daily to-do list - These are the essentials of good time management. The day-planner helps you keep all your appointments straight and build your daily to-do list. Use it to keep notes of things you need to do or remember as you go through the day. (This means you have to actually carry it with you) If you have the habit of referring to your day-planner often, you will be able to juggle more things in your day because you will not have to rely on your memory. This has the additional benefit of reducing stress, because you can stop worrying about trying to keep so much in your head. Develop a habit of spending 10 minutes at the end of each day looking at what you've completed, considering your progress toward your goals, and planning your next day. Take a look at our time management tips to start planning your semester!
6. Read the assignment BEFORE class - Most students read after class. You should be prepared and read the chapter before the professor goes over key topics. You get one chance at getting good class notes, and you will more thoroughly understand what is going on if you are familiar with the material when you get there.
7. Finish written projects in time for advance critique - Learning requires both doing and being coached on what you did. Drafting your paper early and having it critiqued means you can learn before you turn the paper in. Obviously this means good grades and a better education.
8. Review and rewrite class notes the same day - Fill in blanks in your notes and organize while it's still fresh in your mind. This will not only give you a review, but you'll have great notes to study by later.