Study Tips

One of the biggest differences from high school to college is the learning and teaching experience. In college, the roles are reversed from what you're used to in high school with your professor supplying the information to all the responsibility put on you.

Here are a few of my study tips and advice to help you succeed in college; hope it helps and let me know your tips for success!

Before Class:
1. Read the Textbook: Take the time to read the chapter and take notes outlining important terms and ideas. This is essential because in most classes questions in the exam will come from exclusive textbook information.

*Make sure you ask the professor what textbook you need. You may be able to get an online version or older edition which will save money. Also ask how long you'll be using the textbook. For example, in my English class we only used a book for two weeks so I rented instead of buying.

2. While Reading the Textbook Make Note of Questions or Any Confusion: I put these questions on a post-it note and bring it to class. If the professor doesn't cover it in class, ask. If things still don't make sense arrange an appointment during your professor's office hours or sign up for a free tutor on campus.

3. Highlight: Not only is this fun but it's an amazing and effective technique that will help you when you go back a couple of days later to study for the quiz or exam. This will work if you stick to a system:
- Pick three colors that are attractive to you (this will attract your attention and make studying a little less boring)
     ex. Green: Definitions, Yellow: Equations, Purple: Important information, ideas or facts

Class Tips:
1. See if your teacher Uses PowerPoint

2. Check if the PowerPoints Are Online: Professors will usually put these up on blackboard. If they don't and they're good power points, ask them to send it to you or make it available to the class.

3. Find Out if Quizzes Are Open Note: In my chemistry class we're allowed to use any handwritten notes and power points during quizzes. If we were allowed notes but not printed power points I would unfortunately copy the slides during class so I wouldn't have to rush before the quiz. But if you're allowed to use the printed power points or have closed quizzes: Print the PowerPoints!

Here's how to print the PowerPoints:

                            Fix the setting to 3 slides with lines to allow you to take notes on the side.

The lines allow you to add any additional notes/diagrams the professor may give in class or you can use it to simplify or emphasis ideas. 

This all may seem a bit intimidating (having to do work? teach myself?) but the good news is college is a clean slate. Your GPA, study habits and reputation in high school doesn't matter anymore. You now have to chance to become the student you want to be. College may have higher stakes than high school, but you also have more freedom to control your future. Good Luck!