Read 10 Tips to Survive College.
First, respond to TWO of these prompts that you find most interesting or most pertinent to you now.
Second, explain in a short response (2-3 sentences) what your main concern about college is right now.
Finally, respond to two concerns from your classmates.
#8 was the most important tip for me. When he says "Learn material the first time it's presented," he isn't joking. Far too many college students will leave an hour long class - filled with discussion, readings, and notes - and then head back to the dorm to play video games or surf the web or head the rec center to work out or head to the student lounge to hang out with friends. I'm not saying those things are bad or they shouldn't be done. They should. In fact, those things are all vital. However, they can be done LATER.
ReplyDeleteThe best tip is to get into the habit of going to the library or somewhere where you can get some work done (it might be a coffee shop, your dorm, or even a quiet spot on campus) and pour over your notes or readings to learn the key concepts from that day.
Why? This will save you hours and hours when you cram the night before a test. I recall one of my former students tweeting that there was nothing like learning a semester of Psychology in one night at the Starbucks in Barnes & Noble. That is the worst kind of learning possible.
Likewise, another piece of advice that Connor Hutton shared when I visited with him yesterday that ties in with this tip is to actually prepare for class. That means if you are to read 3 chapters prior to class, force yourself to actually sit down and read them and take notes on them. That way, during the lecture on those chapters the next day, you will have a leg up on most of the other students who neglected to do the readings. I cannot tell you how vital this really is. Connor said that even if you're confused by the readings, you will still catch on quicker to the lecture because you have laid the foundation by reading the actual chapters. Plus, here is your chance to ask the professor questions to do three things: 1. prove you did the actual work 2. to deepen your understanding. 3. to make an impression on this professor, who may one day line you up with an internship or write you a recommendation.
#2 was vital for me. After I earned my AA at NCTC and transferred to Bemidji State University, I had my ideal college experience in mind: I wanted to get all A's (I failed at that, but I did have several quarters where I did earn a 4.0). I wanted to leave an impression on my professors on how good of a writer I was (I did by eventually earning thesis of the year in 2006). I wanted to get an RA position so it would look good on a resume and to also get free rent.
ReplyDeleteWith these goals clearly in mind, I was able to maneuver myself into situations that allowed me to meet other people (both students and professors) who would have a profound impact on my college experience and later my professional life.
#8 - Learn the material the first time. I always catch myself trying to study the night before and its hard for me to grasp it all. When I actually do learn new topics the first time I have a much greater understanding of it, and also I don't have to study as much on that topic as I do on another.
ReplyDelete#5 Triage Ruthlessly - Picking the most important classes or the ones that pertain to what you are majoring in will be very beneficial. That is what you future job will look at and know that you understand what you are going to do.
My main concern about college right now is finding out what I want to major in. There is so many different paths that a person could take but I want to find the one that I would love. I feel like I am over thinking on what I want to be and it will take me a long time to decide. I also don't want to waste money on classes try to decide what I want to do.
#8 - luckily for you, Emily, you have a study hall this semester, so it's a great time to build the habit (and it's not an easy habit to build but it's vital) of learning the material from your first block class or prepping a little extra for your last two blocks.
DeleteI'm in the same boat as you when it comes to majors. I know I love psychology, but I hear so many horror stories of people loving something until they major in it. It's a bit disconcerting.
DeleteI agree with not wasting money on classes to try and decide what you want to do.
Delete#4: Setting goals for yourself is a way to push yourself to do better. Going through the motions, and having no clear reason what you want to take away from a particular class would make it difficult to succeed. It is extremely hard to do this in high school because there are many classes that are mandatory that you take, yet they have nothing to do with the career you want to go into. In this instance, they say to set a goal to even getting a B. This concept is also hard in high school because they give people with 4.0 GPA so much praise. I like how they're trying to say that getting a B isn't a bad thing, especially in a class that isn't that important to your future.
ReplyDeleteWhat worked best for me was to write down small things you can accomplish THAT DAY. When you have been doing that for a while and it's almost second nature, move onto something that may take a bit more time. I think it's a great thing to do while we are young. If we are in the habit of setting goals and achieving them, we won't have to worry about the future as much.
DeleteI agree. Getting a B isn't a bad thing, especially in a class that isn't important to what you're plans are. The classes that aren't that important just need to to be passed without putting to much pressure on the important classes.
DeleteI like the idea of writing all the small things that you have accomplished that day. I am the type of person that makes lists and tries to keep checking things off and throwing them away. It would be a good idea to reverse the cycle and see what I have accomplished.
DeleteMy biggest concern about college was if I was academically ready. I had one of the worst English teachers in the world. And, to be honest, I didn't push myself in school as hard as I should have.
ReplyDeleteI didn't study as much nor did I take it as seriously as I should have. I was above average and I was fine with that.
I did, though, have to force myself to study and work extra hard in college. Once I learned to manage my time better and to learn the material the first time it was presented, maintaining mostly A's was a habit.
That is one of my biggest fears going into college next year. My study habits suck but are getting better.
DeleteI think that I am struggling with this same issue right now. I feel that I am not string enough in a few areas to make it through a college class. I will have to sit down and make a list of goals and guidelines for me to succeed and get the grades that I want.
Delete#7 is something I already do as a high schooler. If I know the subject or I can predict where the lecture is headed, I will sometimes tune out and work on other homework assignments. I don't really feel like I'm doing anything wrong. I'm still focused on school work, just a different area than what is being taught to me at the time. I'm honestly glad I figured out this trick before going to college. It has served me well so far
ReplyDelete#5 Somewhat ties into my views on #7. If I'm in a class that requires a lot less focus, I will divert my time to more pressing things. Once again, I don't feel guilty. If I know the subject that is being taught I'm not going to put forth a ton of effort so I can "Know it harder". I'm glad to see that college classes can be like this too. I don't want to imagine what it would be like having to put forth 110% in every class.
My main concern about college right now is how I'm going to pay for it. $40,000 dollars a year is extremely steep and I know I'm going to be in debt for a good while. Finding a job that can support me, my debt, and my future expenses after college ties into my main concern overall.
Mikey, the great thing about Concordia is that they have a pretty good financial aid package that reduces the $40,000 a year price tag. Plus, they will get you out in 4 years, compared to 5 at many other state schools.
DeleteCouldn't agree more with #5 & #7 tying together. If you already know the material being taught what's the point inhaling to learn it again. Take time to finish incomplete work for different classes.
DeleteI think its great that you have established a couple of good habits during your high school career. #7 also relates to knowing how to spend your time wisely and focusing on what school work is most important to you.
DeleteI think 4 and 6 are important for me. In every class I aim to do the best I can in every class. I always aim to get an A in my classes, but I'm not disappointed by a B if I happen to get one. I'll have to learn to study harder in college in order to get the grades I would like to get though.
ReplyDeleteNumber 6 seems pretty easy for me to do, since I've always been an early riser. As a kid I always woke up at 6:00 every morning for no reason other than that my eyes were open. Now it's beginning to get a little harder to get out from under my blankets.
My main concern with college is that I have no idea what I am going to do. Making decisions for myself has always been difficult, and the fact that this will effect the rest of my life makes it even harder to make the decision
I agree with you on making my own decisions, as an adult! I am a very indecisive person, I always make decisions at the last possible moment and it is never without my mom. I know that when college comes, I am going to have to make my own decisions. That scares me!
DeleteI have no Idea what I want to do also so you are not alone.
Delete#4 is very important to me. I am a firm believer in goal setting. If I set goals for myself I am more likely to get more done by reaching and sometimes even over achieving my goal.
ReplyDeleteI know that for me, goal setting has been a very good technique for high school. I would guess it is going to be even better in college since everyone says it is so much harder then expected.
I like how he said "For some classes I wanted to master the material. For others I just wanted an A grade. And for others I wanted to set myself up for glowing letters of recommendations from enthusiastic teachers whose native language was English"
This makes me realize how different goals will be in college compared to high school.
I think the main way I will use goal setting in college is by setting goals just to go to class for some of those classes that I hate, then rewarding myself for making it there. Then, for classes that I am passionate about and will need for my major, I may shoot for higher goals. Goals like making a good relationship with the professor, or getting an A.
I think goal setting is a very important technique to have when going to college. It will help your overall on your outlook at college.
DeleteI agree with your opinion on #4. Deciding what you want out of each class is so important to doing well. You are more likely to push yourself if you have a goal.
DeleteHaving a reward system for making it to the undesirable classes is such a great idea! It will give you something to look forward to after you have give up your time to that class.
DeleteI think goal setting is very important. Having something you want to reach gives you the motivation to work hard even when you don't want to. This pushes yourself to be the best you can.
Delete#8: I struggle with paying attention in class all the time. I have been able to get by without reading textbooks and doing extra homework on the side to get an A. Now that I am starting to take harder classes, I'm struggling a little bit because I don't read textbooks. By doing that I'm setting myself up to failure because some chapters tie in together and then I am putting myself behind the rest of the class. Learning the material when it is first taught is becoming more important as I get older.
ReplyDeleteI am with you there. Textbooks and I don't really get along either. I think study habits will be push to the limit in college.
DeleteI am the same way about having trouble paying attention in class all the time. Finally having to study and read because high school you can slip right by.
Delete#4 Setting goals in college is crucial. On the first day of class you should have an idea of what they want out of the class, and where their focus is. If you plan out what you need to really push yourself for, you will be much more prepared for the material. Find out what is important for you to learn in each class, and make your goal based on that.
ReplyDelete#6 Getting and early start to each day. When you go through the material before class, the lecture will make much more sense. You will know some parts, and the parts that you don't understand, the lecture will cover. It is hard to get up earlier, but I think it would be very beneficial with understanding the material.
I am worried about having trouble balancing out my time in college. When a friend asks me to do something with him/her, I think that it will be difficult for me to turn it down due to homework. At the end of the day I just need to remember why exactly I am in college.
I am the same way about time management. I have a hard time saying "No", even when I have things that need to get done.
Delete#4 is one that really speaks to me. I think it will be extremely important in college to set goals for yourself. It would help you push yourself so you can get could grades and excel in your classes. Each class is different. If you have a class that is important to you and your major make your goal high. Get an A, try to get a letter of recommendation from that teacher, and even try to master the subject. If you have a class that does not interest you then still make a good goal, maybe just to get an A. Setting goals will help you see the light ahead and make you want to push yourself to your fullest potential to achieve those goals.
ReplyDelete#6 “Get an early start to each day.” This is one for me that will be tough. I like my sleep, but I think it would be something to help me in the long run. I could get more accomplished in the day if I was to wake up early. It would give me more energy and make me more alert, for when I do have morning classes.
I would have to say my main concern is not getting stressed out and getting completely overwhelmed. I know this will happen to some extent but I just don’t want it to happen to the extreme. I think that comes down to a lot of time management which I think is one of my strengths going into college.
I agree that you have to set goals and really push yourself to achieve all your goals.
DeleteYou're completely right about college making students overwhelmed. I've never really thought about it happening, but now that you pointed it out I'm afraid I'll end up too stressed.
Delete#3 I like because if you take one more class of something that you could find interesting then it would open your eyes. You could meet more people and find a new hobby. In my high school career I haven't taken very many electives it was all going towards the career I wanted. If I had then I might have something I liked more. I know medical field but that is a wide area. I believe that if you take a class that you are intrigued by, then you might change your path.
ReplyDelete#6 really gets to me. I hate mornings, so getting up will suck. But I also think that it would allow more time to do things in the day. I usually do my homework at night so it would help get even more homework and things done. You would get my time to think and consider what you need to do in that day.
My main concern about college is that I will not have the right study habits and won't get where I want to. I feel like I might disappoint my parents. Another thing that scares me is being so far away from my parents as well.
I agree with #3. It could help you met more people and find a new hobby. I think that would be very cool, and important.
DeleteYea I agree that #3 could definitely open up new doors and have a different experience. College is definitely a good time to explore, with some boundaries.
DeleteTo get up on time, just get up earlier than you need. This way you have time to relax without having to rush. Also, don't use the snooze button, it doesn't help much.
DeleteI agree with your concern. I have the same feeling that I will end up throwing out "study time" because I really don't study too much now.
DeleteMy biggest concern is almost everything. Financially, academically, and especially what I want to be. I don't know if I would be ready in any of those areas by this time next year to being going off to school. I don't want to just waste money on a "maybe major".
ReplyDeleteI agree with this! It's hard to narrow my concern down to one thing because nearly everything is concerning to me! I think I get so concerned because I don't know what to expect. I feel that even while taking college classes in high school, its still not the same. I'm not going to know the classmates and teachers in college like I do in high school. I'm just hoping I am over concerned with everything.
DeleteI agree with you. I have no idea what I want to do and I feel like I am just going to waste money.
DeleteThe next one that I find very vital for college is #6. Getting an early start on the day. I am one who likes to sleep in, and getting up for class in the morning in high school is sometimes hard for me. I imagine it is going to be even harder in college when I have no mom there to wake me up and tell me to get my butt to school.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I know that the days I wake up and hour or so before school and maybe do homework I did not do the night before and have breakfast, my day goes a lot better. Those days I usually end up getting more accomplished. Maybe it is because I started the day off on a good relaxed note and was not rushing. I know that If I go to college and have a morning routine an hour or so before my first class, I will be successful. But, If I end up being late for class somedays, or sleeping until the last possible minute then going with no breakfast, I will not be as successful that day as I could be.
I agree. If the first thing you do in the morning is productive, the rest of your day is more likely to be productive, too. I'm just hoping that if I get into the routine of waking up early it won't be as difficult.
DeleteI think that setting a goal for each class is a great idea, specifically to the ones in your major. Like Mr. Reynolds example, if you have two classes that are in your major and two classes that have nothing to do with it you shouldn't sacrifice getting an A in the class that counts.
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of the idea of reclaiming wasted time during classes. I just thought you would go to a class and take notes on that topic but if there is nothing that is worth your time, you should make good use of it and do work for your others classes so you don't get too far behind.
Reclaiming wasted time in class is actually a good idea, If you know you are not going to be paying attention to that lecture then it is an awesome idea to use your time wisely and work on something more important.
Delete#8, learn material the first time it’s presented, is the best tip. It seems like common sense, yet not many people do it. They keep putting studying to the side. A way to counteract this is to have a set schedule. If you have a set time to study, it becomes part of your daily routine, like working out. Also, keep studying out of your dorm room. Your room is a place to relax, and there’s way too many distractions. Most people will study at the campus library or a nearby coffee shop. These places are both quiet and, hopefully, have free wifi.
ReplyDelete#7, reclaim wasted time during class, is a great idea. I’d never thought of it before, but if you’re going to zone out during a lecture, you might as well do something for another class. This will give you more down time or more time to study if needed.
Agree with both of them. If you are prone to zoning out in a class, do other class work and get it done.
DeleteGrant Stewart:
ReplyDelete#5 & #7 Tie in together for me: If I'm in class and a teacher starts going over something I already know well, I'll convert my attention to other schoolwork that I'm not getting as good as I need to. It's not really wasting time if you know the material their going over, it's using your time wisely so you understand something better. Also, if a class your taking has nothing to do with your degree, i'm not going to break my back over it and end up getting a worse grade in a class that does matter because I was focused on the non-important classes work.
#8: Learning the material the first time it is presented is huge for me. If I don't understand it the first time I come across it or get what the teacher is talking about t he first time odds are I won't know the information as well as if I would've gotten what I was supposed to be learning the first time the knowledge was presented. Getting it the first time helps because if you just zone out in a class that's important and don't learn what your supposed to when you get home you won't have a teacher and you'll be screwed.
My main concern for college is deciding what I'm going to do. Their are so many different ways someone can go and so many different fields it's hard to just choose one. But by doing that, you'll save yourself a bunch of money which will greatly help with repaying student loans and stuff like that.
I agree, it's really hard to decide what to do in college! There are so many ways to go!
Delete#7 sticks out to me. I don't usually do this, but when I do it makes me feel much more productive than if I sit in on a boring class and learn basically nothing. Sometimes you won't learn anything new from a teacher that rambles on. If the subject of the class I am sitting in on comes easy to me, than I don't think it's always completely necessary to give all of your attention to that class. Doing this will provide you with a lot of more free time later and can eliminate some stress.
ReplyDelete#8 is also very important. Sometimes I decide I am just "not in the mood" to learn anything academic that day and don't pay attention in class. This is a very bad habit because than later when I am trying to grasp the concept, I have a really hard time understanding what would have been easy if I would have been listening in class. Learning the material as its given to you and making sure you have a good grasp on it right away is very smart.
My main concern with college right now is that I want to make sure I am going for the right reasons. I haven't been able to answer the question, "Why am I going to College?" I know I want to go, but I am not quite sure for what purposes yet. There are still a lot of decisions about what I want to go into and what kind of college I want to go to. This scares me because I don't want to do something that later I decide was a wrong decision.
My main concern about college right now is it being way harder than I expect it to be. I know college is challenging and takes way more effort than high school. However, I just hope it doesn't scare me away and I end up coming back to Thief River and go to Northland. That would be awful. I also hope I do not get angry at myself when I do not always get A's like I do in high school. I know it is not all about the grade, it is about what you learn, but, the idea of getting B's and especially C's makes me cringe!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! It's scary knowing that it will be more challenging because I don't want to have to downgrade either!
DeleteNearly everything about college scares me. I’ve never had to study for any class, and in little over a year I’ll be studying for all of them. Then there’s choosing a major. There’s been multiple times when I think I know exactly what career I want, and it always ends up switching three months later. I can’t let that happen in college. It’ll be a waste of time and money. I’ll have to know at least the general direction I want to go.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the studying part. I've never really had to study for classes, so next year is going to be a big change.
Delete#2 was very true and is something I need to keep in mind. He says, "Imagine your ideal college experience" which means to me that you must know what your looking for when you go off to college.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it highly important that you must make your ideal outcome your main focal point. Too many students going off to college focus on the right then and now aspect. When really, it's all about looking at the bigger picture. What do you have to do with the little things to achieve the most significant outcome? How will you remain persistent?
Visualization is very valuable. Before even encountering obstacles you must know how to get through it. Not only visualizing success, but becoming knowledgeable of how to overcome downfalls will keep you on track to achieve the ideal college experience.
#5 was important to me. "Triage ruthlessly" states that equal effort is not necessary to achieve your biggest priority. If you were to put in 100% for every class, you would eventually burn out. Its all about balance. You shouldn't feel pressured to exceed in low priority class that won't benefit your specific goals.
Learn to know which assignments or classes are really worth your time. If there is an assignment you feel as if it is completely pointless and won't hurt your grade in a big way, don't feel compelled to finish it. It could be a waste of your time when you have bigger priorities. Some classes won't require your attendance. Some will. And some it won't make a difference. Find a way to balance these classes.
My main concern for college is failing classes or losing interest. I will need to really focus to accomplish anything. Learning how to overcome any downfalls like failing or losing focus is going to be the extremely challenging.
#1 and #2 tie together for me right now. I have been on the fence if I should go to a college next year or work and see if I can find something that puts me in my element. I have seen my sister somewhat have a trouble in this. I know people say you change your Major a few times or maybe none at all, I want to be one of those that don't change. To much time and money to change your effort to change my major.
ReplyDelete#10 I feel is a another good tip. I have always played sports through high school and that has always been that little escape I needed from reality. For those hours you could just blow off steam and be free. In college I feel will have to do the same. Doing physical activities or having a break opens up my mind.
My biggest concerns right now is what I am going to do and not wasting money while doing it. I have really taken in consideration to take a break for a year to really find what I want to do. Get an internship and keep working at Cenex. I have noticed it changing your major has caused Kaitlin a lot of extra money and I want to try and refrain from that.
#7- Reclaim wasted time during your classes. This is important to me because I always tend to waste time when I could be studying for another class. I believe that this is vital if you want to have a social life and good grades. If you don’t take advantage of all the free time you have to get your work done, chances are you won’t be going out with friends that night.
ReplyDelete#8- Learn material the very first time it’s presented. If you learn the material you need to know right away, then you will not have to kill yourself studying before the big tests. This is very important because if you understand the material right away, it will also free up your schedule a little bit. Instead of worrying about not knowing anything in the class, you will be able to relax and enjoy your free time.
My biggest concern about college right now is failing right away. I don’t know if I’m ready for the whole college experience.
#7 Reclaim wasted time during your classes--I tend to not do my homework when I'm supposed to. I end up doing it during classes that don't require my full attention. So this tip really makes sense for me right now.
ReplyDelete#8 Learn material the very first time it's presented--It's so important to stay on top of your school work, and learn the information right away. It's too easy to just put studying off, then you keep putting it off, and it never gets learned.
My main concern for college right now is what I should major in. It's so hard to decide. Right now it's Zoology, but after taking Anatomy I question whether that's something I want to do.