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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – You’ve moved into your college dorm, met your roommate, and attended a couple of social events. So far, so good. Now it’s time to hit the books.
It’s an experience you’ve been anticipating with both excitement and fear. You did fine in high school and are looking forward to fresh challenges, but you’ve also heard that college coursework is different and difficult. That’s true, but there are some time-tested strategies that will help you make the grade in your new environment.
Attend all of your classes
That may sound simple, but college is a different world. In addition to your academic life, your sleeping and eating patterns and social life all may change—and not necessarily for the better. To ensure classroom success, you need to start by showing up. You’ll have many professors who won’t mandate attendance or comment on your absence. But they will expect you to complete and understand every assignment. Besides, getting to know your professors and taking part in lively classroom discussions are among the most rewarding pieces of a college education.
Complete work when it’s assigned
Don’t put off homework until the last minute. That’s especially true when it comes to cracking open your new textbooks. You can be hit hard if you don’t keep up with the reading, which often requires intense concentration. If you’re used to skimming, plan to dive in to get a good understanding of your new college material. A general rule of thumb is to spend three hours studying out of class—reading, writing papers, preparing for exams, etc.—for each hour you spend in class.
Meet with professors to address concerns
If you are struggling, speak up. Schedule time to meet with your professors to discuss your concerns. Most professors won’t offer extra-credit assignments to boost grades, but they will help you to better understand their expectations and your responsibilities. In addition, they can steer you toward additional campus assistance, such as tutoring services and academic resource centers. Such centers often provide no-cost assistance with time management, study skills, note taking, test preparation, and test performance. They also may provide help with math and writing skills, and with learning disability issues. Your academic adviser also is available to assist you, so make time to meet with him or her shortly after arriving on campus and before any issues arise.
Take ownership of your education
That’s really the bottom line. You were admitted into the college because the school believed in you. Now believe in yourself. But be responsible and realistic. If you’re not doing well in a class, don’t expect everything to “work itself out in the end.” Take action. Now. This can mean everything from making sure you are studying in an appropriate setting to reducing the time you are spending on extracurricular activities. Whatever is needed, you have to figure it out and do it.
It may take a while to get your college bearings, but it’ll be worth it. The experience will change your life and help you to become the person you are meant to be.
You’ll know all is well when you catch yourself working to learn something not because you were assigned to learn it, but because it’s something you want to know. That’s when you’ve truly taken ownership of your college education.
Joan McLean, Ph.D., is the associate dean for academic advising and a professor of politics and government at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. www.owu.edu
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