Success in College

Notes for Incoming Freshmen

SUCCESS IN COLLEGE

1) If possible, always read ahead and ask leading questions that encourage the instructor to develop their ideas.

2) Try to NEVER be late but if you are, NEVER ask questions for at least 10 minutes because they may have already been covered.
Ask a friend after class.

3) During breaks (Winter, Spring, & Summer), read in your intended field (25 pg/day) or read in areas akin to
your upcoming classes (use the Internet) and learn the vocabulary of the class you will be taking.

Quick Tips:

1) Learn how to refill jet ink cartridges (save $100 a quarter).

2) Meet your instructors during their office hours after the second week..

3) If you "party", do it Friday OR Saturday - NOT both!

4) Use appropriate textbook techniques for the particular field.

5) Fight appropriate battles with teachers - don't be a pita.

6) Write with blue or black ink - stay away from purple, green, pink, and especially red.

7) Type or use a word processor for everything - always use spell check and a grammar checker, if available.

8) BE PREPARED FOR CLASS - pens, pencils #2, blank paper, lined paper, notes to study (text if emphasized).

9) If confused - ask for analogies and examples.

10) Don't waste your valuable time - limit all alcohol, tv, Internet, socializing, etc.

11) If you're ill - talk with your instructor immediately about papers, notes, & exams.

12) If you have multiple exams on same day - ask to take the last one early (day before) and explain why.

13) When you have a life trauma in college (we all have them) - talk with your profs and try to stay in the class.
80% will understand and give you extra help or time.

14) KEEP HEALTHY: Watch your food & vitamins, College is a virus factory.

15) Avoid certain expressions - Minimize swearing unless the teacher swears, and resist overusing the word, "like".

16) Some college courses are like high school, some are like graduate school - teachers have egos too.

17) In college - no one cares if in high school you were a cheerleader, a varsity jock or jockette, a valedictorian or salutorian,
a national merit honors, or an "A" student. You're starting over, because in college there is no
difference between a person with a GED and a high school honors graduate.
In college there is no A+ but there is a 25-30% drop rate.

18) Practice reading until you can read silently 350 words per minute. You'll need it!

19) Approach College wisely - Depending on your life circumstances, it may be best go up in degree steps;
an AA degree with a 3.0 is better than 3.5 years of college with a 4.0 GPA but no degree.

20) Grades matter the most if you plan to go to another degree or graduate school!

21) Always sit up front (or in the back if it's a small class).

22) Counterbalance your class load with p.e., dance, yoga, or classes in totally different fields.

23) If at the edge of a grade - ask for extra credit but not a replacement for a missed grade unless it was previously okayed.

For a meta-educational experience:

Find out about the instructor's interests (ask about their thesis or dissertation)

Any discussions about a topic are okay but the more controversial the more it requires a professional demeanor.

For Jobs - Go to the campus tutoring center and check for other on campus employment - you'll meet instructors!

Course Notes -

Philosophy - do not evangelize, get Cliff notes.

Chemistry - do not ask about drugs unless it's the topic.

Biology - do not ask about drugs unless it's the topic.

Psychology - do not discuss your own issues unless you're asked.

Math, physics, engineering - do all your homework daily; NEVER get behind.

Health sciences - ask to sit in occasionally in the prof's other classes.

Accounting - look the part of an accountant.

Art - look the part of an artist, learn the basics.

Communication, speech - look the part of the professional speaker.

Sociology - do not focus on racism or feminism (unless it's topical).

Govern, politics - always address all political sides.

P.E. - take it seriously, give it your best.

Performance arts (drama, music) - take them seriously.

Business - don't be focused on just the money aspect.

History - be prepared to read, a lot.

Exam Tip:

If given a 5-option multiple choice type: obvious wrong, right, conditional right, opposite to right, true not related, combo.

In class essays: print if possible - outline ideas first, use jargon.

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