ing to college for the first time or wrapping up your final year,
attending campus courses or taking online classes, make the new school
year your best one yet. Improve your chances of success by keeping these
back to school resolutions.
1. Schedule at least an hour of study time every day
Ok, so take one day off on the weekend, but otherwise, your studies should be a part of your daily schedule. And for full-time students, you might need to schedule at least two hours a day. Write it in your calendar, tell your family and friends, and treat it as sacred time. Even if you don't have assignments due, you can use this time to review notes and catch up on supplemental reading. It doesn't take long for college coursework to spiral out of control, and spending a little time each day is vital to ensuring you stay on top of your classes.
2. Talk to your professor at the first sign of trouble
If you are lost in the subject matter, don't wait to contact your professor. It might be embarrassing to admit you are having difficulty but waiting could be disastrous. Put your pride on the shelf and go to your professor's office hours as soon as you feel yourself losing grip on the course content. Students enrolled in online degree programs should send their instructor an email requesting assistance or try to set up a phone call.
3. Sit up front
Sure, your classmates might think you are angling for Teacher's Pet status, but who cares? Sitting up front helps in several ways. It eliminates distractions from the students sitting in front of you, and it can help you hear better--particularly in large lecture halls. What's more, if you know the teacher can see you clearly, you are more likely to pay attention and take notes than check your Facebook status. Online students can do the equivalent by being sure they are logged in for class chats and webinars on time and keeping other windows and programs closed.
4. Join a study group
The quality of study groups can vary dramatically. Some are more about being social than actually studying. However, try a couple different ones if necessary to find one that fits your personality and learning style. Not only are study groups good motivation to get work done, they provide a sounding board to clarify assignment instructions and clear up misunderstandings of course material. Online students should look for other students to act as accountability partners via email.
5. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
Most people need at least eight hours to function properly although some need more or less. Turn in and get up at the same time each day, even the weekends, to ensure your body gets the rest it needs. There is simply no way to ace a class if you are half-asleep during lectures and your mind is too exhausted to focus on exam questions.
6. Try one new activity each semester
College is a time of discovery, but those discoveries don't always have to happen in a classroom. If you live on campus, join a club, play Frisbee golf or simply step out of your comfort zone once a semester and see what happens. The same goes for online and adult learners. If your schedule is too packed to fit in another commitment, carve out time to spend a day at a museum, the zoo or the beach. The important thing is you are making time to rest and re-energize, which will help you focus on your studies in the long run.
Degree holders tend to earn more and have less unemployment than those who skip going to college. But you only reap those benefits if you actually finish your degree program. Resolve to manage your time and create good study habits that can carry you through this year and the ones to come.
1. Schedule at least an hour of study time every day
Ok, so take one day off on the weekend, but otherwise, your studies should be a part of your daily schedule. And for full-time students, you might need to schedule at least two hours a day. Write it in your calendar, tell your family and friends, and treat it as sacred time. Even if you don't have assignments due, you can use this time to review notes and catch up on supplemental reading. It doesn't take long for college coursework to spiral out of control, and spending a little time each day is vital to ensuring you stay on top of your classes.
2. Talk to your professor at the first sign of trouble
If you are lost in the subject matter, don't wait to contact your professor. It might be embarrassing to admit you are having difficulty but waiting could be disastrous. Put your pride on the shelf and go to your professor's office hours as soon as you feel yourself losing grip on the course content. Students enrolled in online degree programs should send their instructor an email requesting assistance or try to set up a phone call.
3. Sit up front
Sure, your classmates might think you are angling for Teacher's Pet status, but who cares? Sitting up front helps in several ways. It eliminates distractions from the students sitting in front of you, and it can help you hear better--particularly in large lecture halls. What's more, if you know the teacher can see you clearly, you are more likely to pay attention and take notes than check your Facebook status. Online students can do the equivalent by being sure they are logged in for class chats and webinars on time and keeping other windows and programs closed.
4. Join a study group
The quality of study groups can vary dramatically. Some are more about being social than actually studying. However, try a couple different ones if necessary to find one that fits your personality and learning style. Not only are study groups good motivation to get work done, they provide a sounding board to clarify assignment instructions and clear up misunderstandings of course material. Online students should look for other students to act as accountability partners via email.
5. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
Most people need at least eight hours to function properly although some need more or less. Turn in and get up at the same time each day, even the weekends, to ensure your body gets the rest it needs. There is simply no way to ace a class if you are half-asleep during lectures and your mind is too exhausted to focus on exam questions.
6. Try one new activity each semester
College is a time of discovery, but those discoveries don't always have to happen in a classroom. If you live on campus, join a club, play Frisbee golf or simply step out of your comfort zone once a semester and see what happens. The same goes for online and adult learners. If your schedule is too packed to fit in another commitment, carve out time to spend a day at a museum, the zoo or the beach. The important thing is you are making time to rest and re-energize, which will help you focus on your studies in the long run.
Degree holders tend to earn more and have less unemployment than those who skip going to college. But you only reap those benefits if you actually finish your degree program. Resolve to manage your time and create good study habits that can carry you through this year and the ones to come.
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