1. Are you attending all of your classes regularly?
Skipping class is the Number One Reason for student failures.
2. Are you studying at least 25 hours a week?
College is a full-time job. Attending class, studying, and completing assignments should take at least 40 hours per week.
3. Are you reviewing all class material—such as reading assignments, lecture notes and quizzes—on a weekly basis?
If you review all material each week, preparing for an exam is a much easier task.
4. Are you scheduling “personal” time?
Everyone needs down time, but students need to learn to manage their “personal” time. Set aside time each week to relax, hang out with your friends, and participate in campus activities.
5. Do you know the institutional withdrawal date (last day to withdraw from a class with a grade “W”)?
After this date, students cannot withdraw from a class.
6. Are you starting your assignments early?
The UNEXPECTED happens! You get sick…your computer crashes…your dog eats your homework. Begin your assignments early so you have adequate time to deal with unexpected events and still complete your work on time.
7. Have you met with your advisor?
Students need to meet with their assigned academic advisor each semester to plan and update their academic schedule.
8. Have you visited your professors during their office hours?
Professors enjoy helping their students. Find out what your professors’ office hours are, and make every effort to visit each of them to discuss your progress in their class.
9. Have you arranged tutoring sessions for your more challenging classes?
Scheduling regular tutoring sessions does not indicate a weakness. Actually, it shows the student is strong enough—and smart enough—to identify and address any issues they may have with their more difficult subjects. Many students seek tutoring in order to improve their progress in courses in which they already have a good grade.
10. Have your formed or joined a study group?
Studying complex material is usually more efficient in a study group. Individual students often bring new and different perspectives, ideas, and questions to the course subject and help to broaden the scope of understanding for everyone in the group. It’s also a great way to make new friends on campus!