Tips for a Successful Semester
- Know the specific deadlines, policies, and procedures relating to your academic status, course withdrawal, course repeats, course registration, and major program application and admission.
- Keep track of all grades in each course. At any point and time in the semester you should know exactly what grade you have in each course. To do this, you must understand how the professor calculates your course grade as described in the course syllabus. Also, you will need to log each test score, paper grade, quiz score etc.
- Go to class! It is impossible to replace the learning that occurs by attending and participating in class. “Getting the notes” is not the same as attending class.
- Prioritize and organize your study and personal time into daily and weekly patterns of effectiveness. Maintain regular study hours and establish study environments in order to be productive throughout the entire semester.
- Develop timelines and keep semester, monthly and weekly calendars for dates when course assignments are due. Plan and prepare for exams and papers in advance.
- Go to office hours, ask questions, and talk with instructors.
- Review continuously in your courses. When you get exams and papers back discuss them thoroughly with your instructor. Studying for final examinations begins now!
- Develop a network of resources. Make a list of phone numbers and email addresses of your faculty, TA's, advisors, tutors, and at least one other student from each class.
- Communicate, collaborate, and correspond with your family and friends as well as your campus support network.
- Utilize the appropriate campus services starting at the beginning of the semester.
