Get a planner/calendar book!

You need one and life will be hard without it. So do it with no questions asked.

The Syllabus

On the first day of class the professor will hand out a syllabus, stating the professor's policies, grading scheme and the class schedule (test dates, homework, etc.). These one or two pages are very important and can determine how well you do in the class.

We suggest, that evening after the first day of classes, you take the syllabus and list all the test dates in your planner (you better get one) and when homework assignments are due.

Remember in college professors don't remind you when homework is due. You will be sitting in class quietly gathering your books, when the teacher says, "ok see you next week, leave your homework on my desk". You turn to your classmate with a frantic look on your face, "we had homework due?" He'll reply, "Yeah man, look at the syllabus."

Don't let that happen to you. Always consult the syllabus at the start of each week, so you have your assignments in on time.

Note Taking

Hopefully we have convinced you to always go to class, but if you go to class and DON'T pay attention, you are defeating the purpose. I know many of your will start the weekend on Thursday night and show up to your Friday class too tired to open your eyes, but you won't learn anything if you just show up.

If you are there, at least take some notes. Most professors base the exams/class on lecture notes and NOT the textbooks. So you MUST take notes. Copying someone's notes or asking someone what the professor went over in class is not the same as being there, that trick doesn't work and you grade will confirm this.

Basic Studying

"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win". - Michael Jordan

Most of us will admit we have no idea how to study. Is reading the textbook studying? Are doing practice problems studying? The answer is yes and no. After much debate we have come to a "good routine" to study.

1st - The night before look at the syllabus and see what the professor is going to discuss in class then open the textbook and READ the chapters (don't do it after the lecture).

2nd - Go to class. Since you read the chapter you can probably answer or ask some questions in class, which will earn you some brownie points with the professor.

3rd - That night (yes the same day) before you go to bed REVIEW your notes. If you look at your notes within 24 hours of writing them you will most likely retain that information.

4th - Do homework or practice problems the next day or before the next class.

5th - repeat number one! This system will allow your brain to retain more information, that way you won't have stay up to 5 am cramming before a test. Believe us this system works!

Too much Napping

Many people are faced with this inspecting problem -- TOO MUCH NAPPING!

If you have a three-hour break between classes it is so easy to take a nap and chill. If you don't have a class until 1pm it is so easy to sleep until 12:45pm. This may not seem like a problem now but eventually those naps add up. You find yourself sleeping all the time. For some reason college makes you extremely sleepy.

WAKE UP

Avoid sleeping ALL THE TIME. If your classes don't begin until 12pm wake up at 10am and do some studying or get a work-study job, but do something!