1. Go to Class
This may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most vital things to being successful in college. Regardless of how boring the class is or even if attendance isn’t mandatory, going to class to class is vital. Every day you miss class, you miss something important. Never mind the fact that you’re paying thousands of dollars, so you might as well go instead of staying home and another episode of Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix.
2. Get to Know Your Professors
It may seem uncomfortable and awkward to stop by your professor’s office. I never wanted to visit my professor’s office, but one day I completely bombed a test. I scheduled a visit with my professor to go over my test, just so I’d have a better understanding on the comprehensive final. My professor ended up giving me extra points on my exam, which pumped me up a whole grade letter. Sometimes the awkward couple minutes are totally worth it in the end.
3. Make Friends
Making friends in class might not seem that important, but some days you’re just not going to feel like going to class. It’s always nice to have someone to get the notes from when you’re absent and sometime they can be the best study buddy. Also, at times you just need someone to complain about the class to.
4. Find the Best Study Methods for You
Finding a study method that suits you can be your yellow brick road to acing a test. Not every one learns the same. You could study all night, but if you’re studying the wrong way you won’t get the full effect. There are many websites to help you study—like Quizlet.com and Studyblue.com. If you find yourself not being able to stay focused on studying, try getting a study buddy and quizzing each other.
5. Always Do Extra Credit
If you get an extra credit opportunity, do it. Even if you have a 100% in the class, take every opportunity you get. You never know if all your studying is going to be in vain and you don’t get the best grade on your test. Maybe one day you oversleep and miss a quiz. Extra points always help.
6. Join clubs
Clubs are fun. They’re a great way to make new friends and network. Besides the social aspect, joining a club that is associated with your major is very beneficial. It gives you another thing to add on your resume. Some clubs and organizations even offer scholarships or host workshops.
7. Take Advantage of Campus Resources
Sometimes you just need to talk it out with a professional, whether that be your academic advisor or a counselor. College is stressful and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take advantage of the tutoring services, writing labs and career centers. They are there for a reason and are actually really helpful.
8. Be organized
Keep your notes organized and neat, so it’ll be easy to go back and reference things. Writing down all of your future due dates and test dates will make it easy to stay on top of things. Keep your old tests, papers and handouts together. You never know what is going to come in handy in the future.
9. Set Goals
Set goals for yourself. Don’t only focus on long term goals, like your grades at the end of the semester or getting an internship. Make short term goals, too. Make a goal for the day that you’re going to get a head start your paper that’s due at the end of the week. Once you’ve accomplished that goal then you can browse the Internet for hours.
10. Develop a Schedule
Having a set schedule can help keep you from procrastinating. For example, on Mondays you come home from class, do your homework, make dinner and then spend your free time however you want. On Sundays, you make the effort to go over all of your notes from the past week to refresh your memory.