2-21-08

Studying Advice from College Freshmen

One of the biggest differences between high school and college, is how and how much you need to study –for some, it’s THAT you study!  Last fall, during an activity in my Freshman Orientation class, I asked the class to share their Do’s and Don’ts on studying.  At the time, we used the information to help each other out.  I think the information is particularly useful to freshmen, and I’m even going to go as far as to make a suggestion for it’s use. 

Students, I want you to cut out this article and save it somewhere you can find it when you move to college.  Take it with you.  Then, about 2 or 3 weeks into the first semester of your freshman year, pull it out.  See how many of the suggestions you are using and how many more you could use.  Parents, I want you to cut out the article (along with the NewsPress header and date, so they’ll know the source of the information – sources are very important in college…) and send it to your son or daughter at college 2 or 3 weeks into the semester.  Ask them to consider the same questions. 

Now I realize this isn’t an exhaustive list of suggestions, and that none of the ideas constitutes rocket science.  I just think a simple reminder can go a long way.  And until your student receives some negative feedback on their academic performance (once they’ve done poorly on an assignment or test, or are behind in a class), they’re not likely to think they need any help with studying.

Do’s

• Study ahead of time, an hour a day

• Look over your notes once a week so you are familiar with the material

• Read the (entire) chapters and re-write your notes

• Read the syllabus

• Make a game out of studying so material will be easier to remember

• Plan ahead, schedule (your) time

• Pay attention in class

• Go somewhere quiet, like the library

• Always study in the same place

• Make and use flashcards, also make and use practice tests

• Hi-light important information when you read your book and notes

• Make and use a calendar/planner/organizer, as well as to-do lists

• Take notes while reading your book, and use both them and your notes from class

• Take study breaks periodically

Don’ts

• Cram or put studying off until the night before a test

• Study in a loud crowded area if you’re easily distracted

• Get stressed out by school

• Procrastinate on studying, research, assignments, papers, etc.

• Watch TV (Grey’s Anatomy) while studying

• Study in bed

• Study for long periods of time without stopping

• Cheat!

• Facebook!

• Play video games (not sure if that’s while studying or instead of…)

• Talk on the phone while studying

Most suggestions were clearly a “Do” or a “Don’t”, however, a couple were suggested as both!  For example, some students suggested listening to music while studying, while others warned against it.  Also, some warned against studying with friends or in groups, and others suggested it.  These are excellent illustrations of the fact that each student studies differently, and different things work for different people.  In addition, some strategies will be more effective in some situations, than in others.  (Usually) through trial and error, you will figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.  The important thing is for you to be flexible enough to know when something isn’t working, and change to a new strategy.

Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com.