| As you think ahead to finishing high school and beginning college life, you may feel many things—excited, nervous, and overwhelmed—or maybe even all three. Preparing now for some of the changes you will experience will make the transition much easier. Here are a few thoughts to consider.
Get Organized
You have to structure your time differently in college. It's that simple. In high school, your class schedule is created for you, and there's someone watching over your shoulder to be sure that you are where you're supposed to be. In college, your schedule is much more flexible, and you are the only one responsible for you. You'll only see most professors two or three times a week for class, and they may not give as many reminders about tests, quizzes or assignments as your teachers do now. However, you will have what you need to take charge. Most professors will hand out a syllabus on the first day of class. The syllabus describes the goals of the class, lists the professor's office hours, assigns required materials and texts and provides other important details for the upcoming semester. Often, that includes due dates for exams and assignments. To keep important dates organized (now and in college):
1. Write down all the due dates for assignments, midterms and exams in one place. You may already be using a planner to write down assignments, but if not, find one that works for you and start learning to use it.
2. Plan a study schedule around important dates to avoid last-minute cramming or "all-nighters.” It may take some time to get used to this, but well-planned studying will reduce school-related stress and anxiety.
3. Use a pencil. Your teachers/professors – and you – may need to make changes as the semester progresses. Just be flexible.
Focus on Study Habits
Go to class and do your assignments. These are the two most obvious study tips, but they are essential to succeeding in high school or college. College requires a lot more effort and more independent work than has been required of you in the past. There is a great deal of assigned reading, which is very time consuming. Some of it will be very challenging and require time and thought to comprehend. It's up to you to ensure your success. With all of the fun and distractions that college campuses have to offer, it's difficult to stay focused. In order to have a good time and keep up with your work, consider the following tips:
1. Stay on top of assignments by working in 30- to 45-minute intervals. Textbook readings – especially primary sources – can be difficult to digest but are much more manageable in short sections. This technique also applies to major assignments you have now.
2. Schedule plenty of breaks. Get on Facebook, go to the gym, play video games with your roommate, attend a concert, have dinner with friends, etc. This is really important – otherwise, it's easy to get overwhelmed or bored.
3. Take reasonable breaks. You need to give your brain a rest, but be smart about it. Playing Guitar Hero or sunbathing on the quad is fine; doing it for four hours when you have a lot of work to do isn't.
4. Prioritize your work. Urgent assignments should done first, of course, but always keep an eye on what is coming up. Doing large assignments in smaller pieces over a longer period of time will keep you sane and help you stay focused.
5. Talk to your teachers. In college, you'll have more time to interact one on one. Professors have set "office hours” for each semester. They use this time to meet students individually so they can ask questions and discuss assignments. Spend some time with the professor who teaches your most difficult class, or one who you find intimidating, and find something to talk to them about, even if it does not relate to the class at all. Making a connection will reduce your anxiety in that class and work to your advantage should you ever need help.
Be Selective
In high school, ambitious students can get over-involved in extracurricular activities – with good intentions. Most college-bound students want to build up their resumes. But it shouldn't be surprising that if you've joined the art club, debate team and Spanish club, are a varsity athlete and have a role in the school play … you no longer have time to study! While all college admissions counselors look for different experiences in their students, you might be surprised to find that the counselors place the most value in students who are deeply, meaningfully involved in a smaller number of activities. Remember: Academics are still the most important factor, you cannot sacrifice grades for activities. So, consider these suggestions:
1. Narrow down your activities. This is very important – don't spread yourself too thin! Colleges still look at grades and test scores before anything else. And while they are looking for well-rounded students, no one is looking for an exhausted, over-stressed, burnt-out student.
2. Take responsibility. Once you've se ... |
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