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Challenges
are all part of the college experience.
But, you don't have to suffer stress if
you have an academic plan...
Don't
Break These College Rules!
By
Jason Olexa
October/November 2002
The
CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- There's
no denying college is tough. Between the
exams, papers, roommates, and lectures,
you'll need every bit of advice you can
get to keep academically motivated. Lucky
for you, that's what Drs. Sherrie Nist and
Jodi Patrick Holschuh had in mind when they
penned College Rules! How to Study, Survive,
and Succeed in College (Ten Speed Press,
2002). Read on for their advice on making
the most of your campus
stay.
Ready, Set, Go!
"The first challenge is getting off
to a good start," says Nist, a professor
at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
A strong foundation is critical to a successful
college career. Fall behind early, and you'll
find yourself playing catch-up for the rest
of the semester, the
authors say.
Be sure to keep up from the very beginning.
Be
Prepared
Don't wait until the day before class to
read that 20-page assignment. It'll hurt
when your prof' asks you to explain a passage
from it in detail -- which you didn't get
to yet, since you're only on page three.
Also, suggest Nist and Holschuh, keep informed
on current events, and expand your mind
by reading. "Students
just need to read," says Nist. "Newspapers,
novels... anything!"
Don't Just Study More, Study Right
Studying in college is different from studying
in high school. "[You may] think you're
just going to study more,but you
have to study differently,"explains
Nist. In other words, you need to be able
to connect new information with what you've
already learned, and know how to process
it, she explains. For example, in high school
chem' class, you learned how to concoct
safe solutions. However, as an undergrad',
your prof' may want you to theorize why
the solutions mix well, and how they assist
with the breakdown of hard products.
Remember
also that in college, you're responsible
for learning on your own. Just because your
prof' didn't cover something in class, doesn't
mean it won't show up on the exam.
All
Work and No Play? No Way!
"We don't expect you to have your nose
in a book all day," says Nist. Get
involved in plenty of extra curricular activities,
make friends, and have some fun, she insists.
Finding balance
is the way to become a well-rounded student.
Holschuh,
who is an assistant professor in the division
of academic assistance at the University
of Georgia, recommends learning more about
what's going on around campus. "Visiting
your institution's Web page [to] find out
about some social stuff," she advises.
It's the best way to get involved, and you'll
be all set to get into the swing of the
social scene.
"Be a student for 40 hours a week,"
suggests Nist. That way, you'll keep up
with your reading, but still have plenty
of time to blow off some steam.
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