Every new semester is a fresh new start. You have a whole new set of classes, new teachers and a new schedule. This semester, it’s time for you to own your semester, and you can, with these five helpful tips on how to do the best you possibly can in a class:
Research the professor
Which professor you take a class with can make or break your grade in that class. Many professors have different teaching styles and class styles, so it is important that you research your professor before you take the class to see what past students have to say about that particular professor.
I like to use ratemyprofessor to search all of my professors when I make my schedule. This lets me see reviews of the professor from past students. The students comment on how hard the class is overall, if you should buy the textbook, what the tests consist of (power point notes or textbook notes) and if attendance is mandatory.
Materials Needed
What types of materials are going to be needed for each of your classes? If the class is class handout heavy or note taking heavy? Do you need a notebook or a binder? Or even just a single folder? Figure out what will keep all of your work for one class together. Figure out what types of school supply do you think you are going to need the most and what would be the most helpful.
How much time are you going to need to put aside for this class?
Time management is key in succeeding in college. With some days only having one or no classes, time has become much more available. With each class you should determine how much time per week you will need to set aside to study or do work for that class in order to plan your week accordingly.
What types of assignments are going to be assigned in this class?
Is this class going to be mostly papers or are there going to be lots of tests? Papers take time to draft, re-draft and draft a few more times, where as tests take lots of studying. Are there going to be quizzes frequently? Is there going to be homework every class? Are some of the assignments due online? Are there deadlines? All of these questions *should* be stated in the syllabus, but are not always. Be alert and ready to remember what type of assignment are due in each class so that you are prepared and turn in all of them completed to ensure you do your best in that class.
Use a planner
We have all struggled with using a planner. You buy a new one every semester and ensure that you will *actually* use it this time (yeah, right). Although, actually using a planner can turn out to be extremely helpful. Planners keep track of your entire school life and can help keep track of your social life, too.
I hope you enjoyed these five tips and use them to do the best you can this semester along with all the others!
Photo credit: Cover photo, 1, 2, 3