College 101 - Post 1 of 8 - Getting Started

Most colleges and universities have started classes by now.  This series of will cover eight strategies and advice for freshmen or returning students to follow in order to have a successful semester.

First, resolve to go to every class.  It is a mindset – the question is NOT, "Will I go to class today?"  It is a given that you will go!  And:

·       Be rested and fed.

·       Take water is desired and permitted.

·       Sit as close to the front as possible.  (It is true that the ’A’ students sit in the front!)

·       Be prepared!  This means paper and writing utensils.  Don’t be the person whispering to those around you to borrow what you didn’t bring!

·       Be active – listen and take notes.

During the first week:

·       Review all syllabi.

·       Record all exams and project due dates on your calendar.

·       Preview the textbooks and start to read.  (If there is a financial problem that prohibits you from purchasing a book, talk to the professor or see if you can get one from the Library.)

·       Start to review and learn any notes you take this week.

The next post will look at how to manage your time.  This is crucial to any success and often a problem for students.

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.   Click on the upper right link.