Keys to college success

1. In the classroom

Taking notes. Lecture notes:

1. Sit near the front of the class to avoid distractions.

2. Be a good listener.

3. If there is something you don’t understand ASK.

4. Immediately after a lecture, without looking at your notes try to recall on a separate paper as much as you can what you have heard & learned. Then review tour actual lecture notes to confirm and / or supplement your memory.

5. During your next study session quickly recall on paper what you learned. Then review & recognize your lecture notes in your own words.

6. Repeat the recall process several times over several days to commit the new information to memory.

Dealing with professors and tough classes:

• Go see your professors during their posted office hours. They have to sit there whether you show up or not so take advantage of the opportunity.

• Talk to other students to find out the real scoop, which professor to avoid.

• Don’t be afraid to ask other students & professors for copies of old exams.

• Make sure your professor knows your name.

• Problems with faculty should be handled honestly & calmly.

WHAT IRRITATES PROFESSORS & INSTRUCTORS:

1.Sleeping in class.

2.Not going to class.

3.Brown nosing.

4.Lack of responsibility.

5.excuses.

2. STUDY STRATEGIES

Time management:

• Learn to say no.

1. Saying no to partying, movies, etc. does not make you a terrible person.

• DON’T STUDY MORE THAN 2 HOURS AT A TIME.

• USE TRAVEL TIME TO STUDY. Pop a study or lecture tape into your car’s cassette player; put on those earphones if you ride the train or car pool.

• USE TWO SCHEDULES

1. Create an hour-by-hour weekly schedule.

2. Create a semester schedule showing midterms, finals, due dates & other important events.

• USE THE 30-3-2 SCHEDULE

1. Study for 30 min.

2. Take a 3 min. break.

3. Upon returning, take an extra 2 min. to mentally review what you have just read.

Study. Study. Study:

• STUDYING WITH SMOOTHING MUSIC in the background can enhance your concentration.

• Floral scented candles & mixed floral potpourri facilitate learning.

• Studying in a soft chair or on a cushy bed may not be a good strategy.

• Active learning may require walking around the room or sitting on the edge of the chair.

• Wake up your body. Wake up your mind.

• STUDY SPACE: Your regular study space should be as quiet & comfortable as possible & large enough to have easy access to everything you need to studying.