There's just no avoiding it, college is hard. You have to choose a
school and a program. You have to decide on a major. You have to work
out how you're going to pay for tuition, find a place to live and get
your books. If all of that isn't enough for you, now you have to do the
hard part, THE WORK! If I haven't scared you away yet, you're probably
wondering how to succeed in college. Don't worry, I've got your back,
here are ten excellent tips to help you succeed in college.
1. Use the Force
If
you have made it this far, you must have a strong desire to get your
degree. In other words, you hold the force! Use your dreams and goals as
motivation to keep you going. With homework and late nights studying
you may begin to question why you're doing what you're doing. If you
ever get to this point, (which I am afraid you will) take a step back
and remember why you are doing what you are doing. Constantly remind
yourself that YOU and only YOU are in charge of your future.
2. Don't Settle
You
may have had to settle on a date to the prom in high school. You may
have to settle for tuna when you want grilled cheese. But you never,
ever, have to settle on a professor. This is a common mistake that
students make these days. You are in charge of your education; you're
paying for it aren't you? Make the most of it! If you after a few
classes you find that you don't like you professor, or you feel like
you're not going to get much out of the class, TRANSFER. There are also
many tools out there available to students that allow them to research
and rate professors. Put these resources to use and make the most out of
college.
3. GO TO CLASS
Seems self
explanatory doesn't it? Going to class is important for sure. But, you
would be surprised how many students just don't go to class. Most
college professors don't enforce attendance policies, and neither to the
schools. So staying in bed can be way too easy. Get yourself to class
every time and you will notice a huge difference.
4. Retrain Your Brain
Today,
with iPods, phones, and laptops information and entertainment are
constantly at our fingertips. Since we've become used to this luxury, it
can be hard to sit through a lecture and pay attention. If you want to
succeed in school, it's time to retrain your attention span. Force
yourself to pay attention and take notes, and you'll do better.
5. Actually do Your Homework
Novel
idea isn't it? But really, set a time for studying. Remove
distractions, friends, and roommates and get to the grindstone. A good
rule of thumb to use is for every one hour of class add 2 hours of study
time.
6. Answer Questions the Right Way
I
know, this one seems kind of dumb, but it is actually very important.
Most professors complain these days about how students don't seem to
answer the questions they pose fully or accurately. If you don't
understand the question, ask. Take your time to answer and be detailed.
7. Take Your Test, Then Re-Take Your Test
Once
you get a study guide from your professor, it is helpful to make
yourself a pre test. Take the test that you've made and correct it. This
will help you prepare for the test. Take the test. Once you get your
test back, look over the answers that you got wrong and figure out the
right answer. This will get you ready for your final.
8. Take Advantage of Your Professor
Most
students don't realize that their professors are there to help them
learn. Your professor wants you to succeed. Most professors are required
to be in their on campus office for at least 4 hours a week. This
office time is for you! If you have a question about an assignment or
you need help, take advantage of your professor and his or her office
time and put it to use.
9. Get Your Feet Wet
There
are a lot of college counselors out there that will strongly encourage
you to choose you're major right away. However, it is a better idea to
start with a few classes before you decide on a major. You need to get
into school and get your feet wet. Try new things, rediscover yourself
and find what makes you happy. Once you've found your dream field, then
you can decide on a major. Otherwise you may think you want one thing,
and find that you don't.
10. Stay Happy
With
all the hard work that goes in to earning your college degree there is
one thing that remains the most important. YOUR DREAM. If you feel tired
and down trodden and don't want to go to school anymore it can help to
remember why you are there and what you love. Take some fun classes once
in a while to boost creativity and your spirits.