College Success: Tips for a Successful Semester



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You know the drill...on the first day of every semester, you're happy to be on campus, your hopes and confidence for academic success are high, and you're absolutely certain that any old behaviors, personal drama, job demands and/or family responsibilities that previously held you back (in high school or in a previous semester) will no longer be an issue.  THIS semester will be different.  You're sure of that.

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Then...around week five of the semester, things start to shift.  You're feeling the full impact of what being a college student entails.  Papers and classroom presentations are coming due.  Midterm exams are right around the corner.  You have a group project to contribute to.  Your boss/significant other/friends/family/etc. are getting on your nerves, you're feeling overwhelmed by all you need to do...and you haven't even opened your textbook yet.  The behaviors you swore were behind you begin creeping back in.  How did you get into this crazy predicament...again???

Here are some suggestions and tips to improve your skills and have a more successful semester:


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Managing your time is crucial.  It's virtually impossible to get everything done on time if you are not organized.  If you don't own a planner, get one (or download an app on your mobile device...just be sure it's something you will look at several times a day).  When you get the syllabus (course outline) for each class, put all of the important information on your planner--including reading assignments, quizzes, midterm and final exam dates, research paper and/or class presentation due dates.  Then block out your work schedule, family obligations, outside appointments, etc. every week. Finally, schedule two hours of study time each week for every credit for which you're registered (ex:  taking 15 credits X 2 hours study time = 30 hours study time every week).   If you need assistance with this process, meet with a professional staff member in the Learning Center in Elston 523.



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Procrastination is a college student's worst enemy.  If you have procrastinated (and still have done well) in the past, don't be fooled by the belief that you only get good grades when you get things done last minute.  This will not work in college.  You have a busy life, class requirements seem to become due around the same time, and leaving work to the last minute will make you feel crazy and overwhelmed.  The worst part is that you will not have learned the topic as well as you could have, causing you trouble next semester, such as if the course you're taking is a prerequisite for another course.  Get organized and stay current with your work.

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Your course syllabus is a contract between you and your professor.  It clearly defines the professor's responsibilities, the rules and regulations for how the class is structured and the behaviors expected, and what is expected of you as a student and how your grade will be determined.  If after reading and going over the syllabus, you're not willing or are unable to do everything required, then drop the class.  However, if you choose to stay in the class, it is understood that you agree to and are bound by the conditions of the course syllabus. 

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Successful students ask for help when they need it.  Professors list their office hours on the syllabus, and this is when you can get extra help (before and after your class may not be convenient, as the professor may need to get to another class).  Also, SCCC offers many other services to help students succeed (Counseling, Tutoring, Learning Center, Math Lab, Accounting Lab, TRIO, Computer Lab,
Employment Services) and they are all FREE to registered students. 

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The way in which you read a textbook or took notes in high school will no longer work in college.  If you're struggling with how to effectively tackle your reading assignments, and take better, more organized notes, meet with a professional staff member in the Learning Center.

Go to class every day, get there on time, and show up prepared.  Do your reading assignments before class, write down questions you want to ask the professor.  Bring a notebook and something to write with every time.  Focus on the class only (no texting, talking, or other shenanigans), and take notes during the lecture.  Show the same respect for your professors and class mates that you require them to give you.

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Set your priorities and get comfortable with saying "no."  College must be your first priority.  If you need to do homework, start a paper, or read for tomorrow morning's lecture, then you need to turn down other activities.  Say no.  If it is your priority to finish college with the best grades you can earn in the shortest amount of time possible, you have to focus on that priority and say no to anything that gets in the way of that.

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Develop a good relationship with your faculty advisor.  Your advisor is perhaps the most important person in your college experience.  He/she will advise and guide you toward graduation, but because you are an adult and are in control, you make the final decisions about what to do.  Your advisor can also refer you to campus support services, tell you about internships in your field, and even write a recommendation letter for getting into another college or for a job.  

The secret to this is getting to know your advisor, and having them get to know you.  Drop in during office hours (posted on their door) and let them know how you're doing, what your career goals are, and so on.  Your advisor can be an awesome ally to have...but you have to take the first step to make it happen.

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Well, these tips are enough to get you started.  Talk with your professors, advisor, a counselor, coach or mentor to help get you on (and keep you on) the right track toward academic success...this semester and beyond.  Good luck!

QUESTION:  What tips do you have for academic success?

(c) 2011-2016 Robyn King.  All Rights Reserved.