Successful Habit #3 - Stay Organized

Just like in high school, there are multiple professors giving you assignments, scheduling tests, assigning projects, etc.  It is vitally important that you stay organized so that nothing falls through the cracks.  Here are some ideas:

·       Keep your papers for each class separate and together.  Do not use just one notebook.  Either get multiple spiral notebooks or a loose-leaf binder with dividers.

·       Write down major assignments and tests on a master, monthly calendar and also in your planner.

·       Write down all assignments and quizzes in your daily planner.   Keep this with you and check it all the time.  Some students write these things down in their notes, but that only works if you are always looking at your notes.

·       Keep the syllabus for each class and look at it all the time.  (This assumes that you thoroughly read it at the beginning of the semester so you are familiar with the attendance policy, grading policy, flow of semester, etc.)  Not all professors will remind you that there is an exam coming up.

·       Keep all returned work until you have received your final grade.  If you think the professor made an error it helps if you can show the grades you received.

Where many students fall short is the day to day time and effort to stay organized.   Even though it does takes daily effort, it is well worth the pay-off of easily knowing where everything is and what is happening in each class.

Next blog will look at your personal habits that enable you to do your best work.

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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.