Looking Ahead to Your First Semester

This morning I met with freshmen and helped them plan their classes for the fall semester.  Given that the students really don't know what to expect, there were a few quick tips I suggested they keep in mind:

• Go to class!  When there is no one to tell you what to do, it is surprisingly easy to skip one class which can then quickly become a pattern.  Don't give yourself an option - you are going to all your classes!
• There is a lot more reading and it is much more in-depth than in high school.  For the most part your professors expect that you have read, understood and retained the information in the book, even though they may not announce this daily in class.
• You are the main person responsible for your learning.
• The learning will happen outside of class, not during class.
• Keep on top of things beginning with week one.  The first week seems pretty easy but the semester moves very quickly and it is easy to get behind.

The start of the fall semester is exciting, particularly for a freshman.  Whether this is your first semester or you are an experienced student, before you get into the semester think about what positive habits you will follow and resolve to do so!  Good luck and enjoy!
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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, barnesandnoble.com and wordassociation.com.  Click on the upper right link.