For some college students, success may appear to be easy. This thinking is often misleading and harmful to success.
I must confess that I fell victim to that misconception. But I managed to turn my grades from an ‘F’ to a ‘C’ in two classes. I achieved this with hard work and use of recoursesavailable for all students.
I have come up with eight key steps to success in college that I hope my fellow college students will use, if they don’t already.
ASK QUESTIONS
The first step in a successful college education is to overcome fear of asking questions. Students should also ask their professors to clarify any assignments that are vague.
I didn’t ask questions in the beginning for my Biology and Music Appreciation classes. As a result, I was failing those classes and had to ask questions about the content that was covered throughout the semester.
USE THE LEARNING LAB
The second step is to make use of the Learning Lab’s tutor resources for help with assignments. This option is great because the tutors are students who excelled in the subject in which they offer assistance.
I used this option, and it made the content in my Biology I class easier to understand.
DO ALL WORK
Another step to success is to do all the assignments and extra credit. Don’t leave any points behind. Every point is helpful to your final grade.
I took advantage of this step. It helped me achieve passing grades in all my classes.
I made the mistake of procrastinating on my assignments at the beginning of two of my classes. I needed to learn how to balance being a mother and a full-time college student. Keep in mind that a little enjoyment can help. While you’re working hard, studying and completing all your assignments, save some time for fun. It’s good to maintain a healthy balance.
STUDY FOR EVERYTHING
Studying for all exams and tests is another way for students to have a successful education experience. Don’t slack off or assume you will do fine. This is also a highly important step to being a great and effective college student. College classes often put a disproportionately large emphasis on exams and tests. While you may do fine doing the required assignments, doing extra credit assignments can help bring grades up from failing to passing.
USE ONLINE RESOURCES
Utilize any online resources used in courses. Some instructors will post their PowerPoint notes online. Make sure to print them out. Notes are important to study for exams, and it can be tough to write the information down quickly.
CONNECT WITH CLASSMATES
Make friends with your classmates, so they can help with your assignments. Students can also help if you misplace your notes, forget what assignments were given or the details of the required assignment. Students can work together to study for exams by sharing notes or studying in groups by quizzing each other.
GET A COMPUTER
Coming to campus or a public library for every assignment can make success difficult. Having a computer at your house is a great tool for any student. Using computers on campus is helpful for completing assignments, but those resources are not available all the time.
I know buying a computer can be expensive, so you should explore the computer banc. This is an advantage for students on financial aid receiving a Pell Grant or any student with proof of low-income status. Go to www.computerbanc.org for more information. The computer banc fliers are available at the career development office and placed in new students’ folders at the advising and counseling office.
Having a home computer allows a student to work any time, alleviating stress of completing assignments on a deadline. This is especially helpful to students balancing school, a job and/or a family.
A home computer also lets you access online resources for classes, check emails for assignments or class cancellations, and completing writing assignments at home.
If all students make use of these options then we can all as students have a successful college experience, performing well in school.
If you value your education, take advantage and follow the steps I have stated. I save the most important step for class:
ATTEND CLASS
Attending classes is very important and if a student is ill, has a doctor’s appointment, or a family emergency, please your instructors, if you will be missing class(es). This way they can email you about the assignments missed, so that you can make them up.
I hope everyone that makes use of what I said in this article finds your college experience a joyful and proud experience.
Stacy Minton can be reached at 217-786-2311 or [email protected].