The Extra Mile

“Go the extra mile, it’s not crowded.” 

This is from an ad for a fitness club, but it also applies to academics.  Most people do “just enough” to get by.  Successful people do a little bit more – they go the extra mile.  This applies to your studying in a variety of ways:

* Start early to prepare for an exam.

* Ask questions if you do not understand something.

* Review your notes after every class.

* Use a variety of active learning strategies – do more than just “reread” and “review.”

* Read AND outline the textbook chapter, then coordinate with lecture notes.

* Take advantage of tutoring, review sessions, workshops about studying, etc.

* Talk to your professors outside of class if possible.

* Sit in the front of the lecture hall and away from distractions such as friends and windows.

* If the professor gives a study guide for an exam, do the whole thing yourself – don’t divide it up and share with friends.  AND write the answers out, don’t just think about them.  Perhaps put them on study cards and then quiz yourself.

There are many more, but you get the idea.  Go above and beyond doing just enough to get by! 

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First Semester Success: Study Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is now available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.