As newly graduated high school seniors start to get ready for their
freshman year of college, making their lists of dorm necessities,
getting new clothes, and scheduling classes, it’s important to keep in
mind that college is a lot different than high school. While I was
waiting to talk to an adviser one day, I picked up a sheet called
“College Survival Tips from Successful Students”. I thought I’d share it
with you here, as well as add some comments (in purple) from one more
successful (so far) college student – yours truly! :)
Here is some advice regarding classes.
CLASSES
- Go to classes. It helps. Go even if somebody says it’s a blowoff class. Agreed. You never know when the professor is going to spring some news onto the class, announce a project, or tell you some important info that is sure to be on the Midterm/Final. I’m not saying you can’t skip one here or there, but definitely don’t make it a habit. It only hurts you in the end!
- Don’t try to write down every word the professor says. It is sometimes better to concentrate on listening to what they say and to write down the key points. A tape recorder might help. If you try to write down every word, you’re going to explode! I mean, seriously, good luck. Definitely hone the skills of picking out key points, which will typically be what the professor writes on the board, goes on and on about, emphasizes, or flat out says will be on the test. Make sure you get the main ideas of lectures, important vocab, and any formulas, details, or certain info that you feel will be important.
- Don’t be intimidated by the
class. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in fear of looking stupid –
other students are probably in the same boat. I
struggle with this myself – as someone who tends to be shy in classes, I
find it difficult to ask a question if no one else seems to be confused
or unclear. But the funny thing is, usually there are a lot of others
who breathe a collective sigh of relief when someone asks the question
that’s on everyone’s minds. And if you’re confused, it’s always worth
the slight embarrassment you might feel asking a question – rather that
than not knowing the info when a professor asks or it’s on a test!
- Don’t be intimidated by
professors. It may be scary the first time you call your professor in
their office or at home, but most will take the time to help. In
most cases, the professors are there to help YOU. Going to office hours
can only help you understand, not to mention, forming good
relationships with professors will help you uncover interests, have
someone to work under in the future, and give you killer recommendations
when you need them!
- Don’t drop a course at the first sign of trouble. Ask the professor to help or to recommend a tutor. At OSU, you have 3 weeks to drop without any academic repercussions. So if on the first day of class you feel lost and distraught, don’t stress too much! Start talking to your TA or professor, going to office hours if you are struggling at first, and there are always tutors (even free ones!) you can get into contact with
- Learn to write well. Even if you don’t have all the information, you may get some credit on an exam if you make yourself clear. Writing is essential in college. Maybe in high school you got by winging essays and slacking on research, but for the most part, your writing is what your professor knows of you, especially in larger classes. So make it good! It’s a skill you will need for a lifetime. If you aren’t the strongest writer, make use of the Writing Center on campus. It’s free and they’re there to help! I believe there is a location in Mendenhall Lab and Thompson Library. If it’s a foreign language, there’s also a writing center in Hagerty Hall that deals with foreign language papers.
