I've always been one to love school growing up, and coming to college didn't change that. I always get excited during back to school season and I get to read through my syllabi and get ready for my classes. Although I struggled a little bit adjusting to college my first semester, I bounced back and was able to ace my second. So here are a few tips from a now college sophomore, on how to ace your classes right out of the gates.
1. As soon as you get a syllabus, print it out!
I literally stalk Canvas starting a week before classes begin to see if my professors have published the course and given us the syllabus. Once it's there, I print it out and start highlighting important dates & information making sure I understand it all. I then put it in the notebook or binder associated with that class and bring it to my first day of class
2. Have separate notebooks/binders for each class!
I know in high school a lot of people would purchase a 5-subject notebook and use it for all of their classes, but I suggest staying away from this in college. It can get easily disorganized and when you're looking for specific notes for a class in a rush, it makes it harder to find. I use separate notebooks and binders for each of my classes and it saves me so much time. It will cost you a little more, but you'll stay organized and on top of things.
3. Use color when taking notes!
Growing up I've been told that my notebooks are "well-organized, children's coloring books", and I take that as a compliment. When taking notes, I used colored pens & highlighters. It keeps me more interested and it's appealing to look at. If colorful pens aren't your thing, I sometimes also use black pens & colorful highlighters as it will pop out to you when studying.
4. Use. Your. Textbooks.
I rarely opened my textbooks first semester and it not only was a waste of money but also a waste of a grade. Your textbooks are there for a reason, use them! You'll understand what's going on during your lectures and a lot of times questions on tests come from your textbooks!
5. Take notes while reading!
When I read chapters in my textbooks, I take notes in the pages or in my notebook. I also write down any questions I may have to ask in the next class so I'm not confused! It breaks down what you're reading and it'll make more sense to you and you'll retain the information more!
6. Start studying at least 1 week before!
I know it may seem like a week is a long time, but studying a little bit each day is way better for your brain than cramming the night before! For big tests, I try to start studying two weeks in advance or as soon as I know the test is coming, depending on the class. But for a smaller test, one week in advance increasing the study time a little each day works well!
7. Take study breaks!
I don't understand how people can literally sit there and study for hours straight every night. Instead, I suggest studying for 25-40 minutes, then take a 5-10 minute break and repeat. Your brain will retain the information better and you won't get worn out as easily. Take it slow! Don't cram!
8. Listen to music while studying!
Yes, I did just say that. Listen to music, but not your current favorite playlist or artist. I listen to either meditation or classical music while studying as it's calm and there aren't any lyrics. It is calming and relaxing, but I also won't get distracted! Keep it on a low volume too!
9. Go to office hours!
Office hours literally saved me in a class last semester. I thought I knew what I was doing, but come test time I had no idea. I would write down questions in lectures or when studying and go to office hours and ask them! I would also go before I felt I was falling behind, that way I never actually did fall behind.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
I absolutely hate asking for help and admitting I can't do things on my own, but sometimes you really can't do things alone. You need help sometimes, and it's nothing to be ashamed of! There are so many resources on college campuses like your professors, tutors and advisors that all want to help you and see you succeed! Let them!
Now, of course, I'm no expert and these aren't the only things you should do. I also can't ensure you will 'ace' all of your classes if you do these things, but they've all worked for me in the past and others too! Best of luck this semester and make the most of it!
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