A good tip if you're thinking about going to college is to get all of your general education out of the way. This means that you take your basic classes at a community college so that when you're finally at college, you're able to take good classes that are worth the money.
Learn how to write an essay using the "5 Paragraph Essay" format. This is a simple essay format that is often taught in elementary or middle school. Although it is simple to learn, it is invaluable in college. This format will help you easily get through most essay assignments.
If the campus you are attending is large, it is important to familiarize yourself with it during the first week. You should know how to get to the cafeteria, library, the Professor's offices, college security, study rooms and the student center. Knowing the location of places you have to go saves time.
A credit card is often necessary, particularly if you are going to school far away from home. However, be smart about your decision. Research your options and select a card that has a low interest rate. Also, make sure there aren't any annuals fees and don't be tempted by high credit limits. Those are just a recipe for disaster.
Once you start college, you should schedule an appointment with your adviser to set up a study plan. Your academic adviser will help you choose your classes, your activities and make plans for your future. Meet with your adviser on a regular basis to talk about your progress and make sure you stay on the right track.
When you are planning your schedule, do your best to refrain from scheduling classes that are too early in the morning or too late at night. These classes can be very difficult, as you will often miss these classes due to the time. Schedule classes back to back in the middle of the day.
You must study everyday to be successful. There are many ways to fill your time in school, but you must focus on your education as well. Regardless of how much homework you have, dedicate at least an hour a day to studying. There may be days that your work load is lighter but still do something academic during that period of time. It will make studying a routine.
Find out if your college or university has a tutoring center. Most colleges do offer these programs, often run by peer tutors. Seeking help from a fellow student can be a huge help in classes in which you struggle. Come to your sessions armed with specific questions to enable your tutor to make the most of your time.
If you are struggling with one or more of your college courses, seek tutoring help. Many college students think it costs a fortune to hire a tutor; the truth is that most college campuses provide their students with low-cost or free tutoring services. Speak with a financial counselor for more information.
If you are unsure about which major to choose, use your first two years of college to take a wide variety of courses in addition to your core courses. You may find yourself interested in things you might otherwise never have considered. An eclectic course of study gives you greater insight into possible career choices.
Study during the day. It is best to study when you are awake and at your most alert. Studying at night or when you are already fatigued can lead to you spending more time than is usually necessary to comprehend something. Studying while you are wide awake will help you retain information faster and more easily.
Develop a system with your roommate for studying. Decide on certain quiet times each day for your dorm room so that it can be used for studying completely. If you or your roommate know these times, you can make the conscious choice to stick around or leave the room.
Attend every class unless you are sick. Unlike when you were in high school, most of the time you are not required to attend all of your classes. However, if you stay home you may miss valuable information or the opportunity to meet other students and get to know your teachers.
Taking classes is important but you should also find some kind of activities you can do on campus. All colleges have a lot of clubs or teams you can join, but you could also volunteer for an association or even start your own club. You will be able to add this experience on your resume.
One of the smartest ways to study during your college career is to purchase index cards and use them as flashcards. On these cards, make sure that you write all of the important terms and use them to study. Also, these cards are mobile as you can bring them anywhere you want during the day.
We are hoping that after reading this article you will be more prepared to face your college experience head on. These tips are tried and true and should help you get the most out of leaving home. Remember to stay positive and hopefully you will be the best you can be in college.