To achieve your academic goals and make the most of your academic program, spend some time reviewing these strategy tips below. These tips are designed to help you make good decisions about your academic program and to be a more effective student:
Tip 1: Be ready for the challenge
- Complete your Academic Skills Assessments your first semester so you can register for appropriate level courses in writing, reading, and math. This allows you to build a solid foundation for your academic program.
- Complete prerequisite courses. Refer to the Web or the current catalog for prerequisites and course descriptions before registering for courses. You risk falling behind or failing if you attempt to take a course without first completing the prerequisites. Instructors expect that you have mastered the material taught in prerequisite courses.
- Use resources that are available such as tutors.
- Check with an advisor to see when courses are scheduled so that your prerequisites have been completed. Some courses are offered only once a year.
Tip 2: Manage your school time effectively
- Use a school planner or calendar. Carefully review each syllabus and list assignments, exams, papers and projects along with their due dates in your calendar. Schedule blocks of time to study well before each due date.
- Break large assignments and tasks into smaller component parts. For example, break a term paper into manageable tasks such as finding a topic, conducting research, creating an outline, writing the first draft, and making final revisions. Make a list of all the tasks required to complete a major assignment. You’ll find that crossing items off of the list is quite rewarding and the list helps you stay on task.
- Log into online class at least several times a week and be prepared to participate.
- Attend all on-campus classes by arriving on time and not leaving early.
- Complete assignments on time.
Tip 3: Register for a course load that is realistic and manageable
- Consider your commitments to work, family, and extracurricular activities. Decide how important each commitment is and balance school among them.
- Register for the appropriate number of classes. Taking too many classes and then having to withdraw wastes your time and money.
- Expect to study 3 to 4 hours each week for every credit that you are registered for. Most full-time working students take one, possibly two, courses each semester. If you need help choosing a manageable course load, ask your advisor.
- Take a “big-picture” approach when you prioritize your lists and tasks. Look over the entire semester when planning each day’s work. Which assignments are due first? Which are most difficult?
- Make use of idle time. Have you ever noticed how much time you spend commuting, standing in lines, or waiting in lobbies? Carry a short reading assignment or flash cards for studying. Ten minutes here and there add up and help you get more done.
- Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. Be flexible and remember that there will always be interruptions and distractions. Try to have a schedule that allows for them.
Tip 4: Understand that grades and your Grade Point Average (GPA) impact your academic goals. Grades affect your:
- Ability to graduate
- Ability to graduate with honors
- Eligibility for financial aid
- Eligibility for scholarships
- Chances of getting into graduate school
- Ability to get the job you want