Every year you strive to be a better student. You try out new study habits and try to find the right fit for you. Most professors go off the belief that if you’re on track, then you are behind, and if you’re ahead, you’re on track. So how do you not only get ahead but also stay ahead in classes?
Plan
Use the due dates and exam dates on the syllabus to figure out what you have to complete by when. Mark it down on a calendar to have a better overview of what you have coming your way.
Prepare
Your syllabus will probably provide you with an outline of what chapters should be reviewed and by which dates that these chapters will be discussed in class. Use this to your advantage! Crack open that textbook and at least skim through the section before going into class. This allows you to become familiar with some of the material so that you are not completely overwhelmed when you go into class. This also allows you to brainstorm some questions you may want to ask in class.
Begin
If you can complete some of the assignments on your own and ahead of time, do it! Since you are trying to juggle at least 12 credits of classes and want to do your very best in each class, getting ahead in anyway possible is going to help. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.
Practice
If you have time, review past notes and write down things that you are struggling with. Use your downtime to make flashcards or just simply practice whatever skill it may be.
Resources
Use the resources that every college and/or professor provides you with. You can set-up weekly tutoring sessions with the Academic Center or even use the practice questions your professor includes in the PowerPoint or notes to prepare you for exams.
Questions
Ask your professor questions about the material even if you think it is a stupid question! Other people may have the same question.
Study
Even though it sounds ridiculous, studying as soon as you receive the first portion of material is so worth it. This makes studying right before the exams easier and definitely less stressful. You can even make study guides and sample questions that you think the professor would ask.