HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE STUDENT

I. How is college NOT like High School?

        Classes are fewer

        Graded assignments/tests are fewer
 
        Classes are often larger (like this one)

        You will be expected to do more than simply memorize facts
 

II. Implications

        Even though less time is spent in class, work load is NOT less

        Your learning is now your responsibility

        Discipline is required to do required reading/studying, as I won't make
            you do it

        If you don't understand something, it your responsibility to ask questions

        Your main goal over first 2-3 semesters it to discover your academic
            talents/desires
 
 

III. Preparing for lecture

        Read assigned pages/chapters BEFORE coming to class

        Note what parts of the readings made sense to you, and which ones did not.
            It will be these things you will want to pay special attention in
            lecture to.

        Come with note book
 

IV. Note taking skills

        Be polite; don't talk to others during lecture

        Write down the information presented in as organized a way as possible

        As you write notes, make sure you understand what you're writing

        Don't write too much (every cough lecturer makes) or too little
            (Packer doodles, etc.)

        At end of each week, sit down and re-write notes to make them well
            organized and clear
 
 

V. Test-taking skills

        Re-read your own notes, making sure you know what material you are not
            clear about

        Form a study group, in which you and others will go over notes again.
            Share insights  with each other, so that you will understand all
            material presented

        If you're still not clear about some things, come and talk to me

        Work through questions in your study guide

        Don't try and spend your time trying to guess what will or will not be
            on the test.
 
        You won't know. Rather, spend your time LEARNING material covered.