How to keep a 4.0 in my first year of college? Study skills? Any other college advice?
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Posted on : 24-03-2010 | By : My Study Coach | In : study skills
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Loading ...I am starting my forst year of college next month. I am going full time and my classes are math 101, freshman composition(english), biology or chemistry (forgot, but both hard) and psychology 1….I really want to start on good terms and hold a 4.0. What could I do to ensure that? What kind of study routine should I have? Any other advice?
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Read all your assigned texts. Even if you are not a note-taker in general, you will absorb enough just reading and attending class. You will figure out the best way for you to study, whether its flash cards or just reviewing your class notes more than twice. Figure out what time of day you study best. For instance, I focus on that sort of thing best in the early afternoon, where as my husband is a late night person.
My other recommendation is to take a day off, or at least an afternoon, once a week. You will need the time to just sit around.
Getting sleep help build your memory. Do not cram…Your luck will run out in the future. Most importantly get to know your teachers better. Just go to their office even just to say hi….they come in handy for those letters of recommendation. Teacher are mre likely to give the better grade if they put a face to the student. Remember online classes tests are open book.
Here are 10 things to do for class.
1. Make sure you read the assigned reading assignments prior to each class. That way the lectures will make a lot more sense.
2. Sit toward the front and center of the class. You’ll be able to focus more on what the prof says and there will fewer distractions.
3. Do not email or text during class.
4. Listen for key words and phrases from the prof. “In summary,” “the three key points are,” “the crucial passage here is.” Try to capture that info and the themes of the class.
5. Don’t skip class. If you do, you won’t know what the prof is emphasizing. Also, you can’t just show up. You have to be mentally prepared.
6. Re-write your notes within 24 hours of the lecture. That will implant the information in your brain and prepare you for the next class.
7. If your prof posts his lecture or notes on-line, read them and save them.
8. Meet with your prof early in the semester or quarter. Try to establish a relationship so that you’re not just another face in the crowd. If there’s something you don’t understand, be specific. Don’t just say, “I don’t get this.”
9. Form a study group of 3 to 5 people in the class. It’s a great way to get different “takes” on what the prof is saying.
10. Class discussion may be part of your grade. So, be prepared to get to discuss the subject.
There’s lot more to do including how to take notes and how to prepare for tests. When it comes to notes, google “Cornell Note Taking method.” It’s a terrific system for taking and organizing notes.