Step 1: Attend every class.
Step 2: Be organized.
- Use a student planner.
- Break down assignments.
- Use three-ring notebooks for class notes.
- Organize and save computer work.
- Keep returned papers, quizzes, and tests.
- Get phone numbers for classmates.
- Maintain a neat and organized study area.
Step 3: Manage your time well.
- Don’t overextend yourself.
- Be organized.
- Schedule 90-minute study sessions.
- Make efficient use of your time.
- Learn to say no.
- Make to-do lists and prioritize items.
Step 4: Be a participant in class.
- Do every assignment.
- Learn how to adapt to different instructors.
- Sit in the front of the class whenever possible.
- Be a good group member.
- Be on time to each class.
- Participate in class.
- Communicate with your instructors.
Step 5: Take good notes.
- Be an active listener.
- Take notes to help you pay attention.
- Recognize important information.
- Take notes that are easy to read.
- Go over your notes as soon as possible.
- Get lecture notes if you miss a class.
Step 6: Know how to read a textbook.
- SCAN by reading subtitles, words in bold and italic print, summaries, charts, and review questions.
- READ with a purpose.
- REVIEW by scanning the material to check your comprehension.
Step 7: Study smart.
- Find a good place to study.
- Get started.
- Know your learning style.
- Know how to study for tests.
- Know how to memorize and remember information.
- Know how to use technology.
- Use tricks when making a presentation or speech.
- Know how to write a paper.
Step 8: Know how to take tests.
- Get off to a good start.
- Develop a plan.
- Mark the questions you want to return to.
- Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions.
- Know how to approach essay questions.
- Look for key words in True/False questions.
- Be prepared for open book tests.
- Improve your math test scores.
- Go over all returned tests.
Step 9: Reduce text anxiety — some common relaxation techniques:
- Take a deep break. Then slowly release your breath, along with any tension.
- Start at the top of your head, flex, and then relax each part of your body.
- Close your eyes and visualize warm sunshine washing over you.
- Think of a place where you feel very relaxed and calm.
Step 10: Use available services – examples include:
- Academic Advising Office
- Career Center
- Computer Labs
- Counseling Center
- Financial Aid
- Health Services
- Libraries
- Tutorial services
- Math Skills Center/Writing Center
- Specifically search out the Trio/SSS (Student Support Services) and EOF Programs to see if you qualify for their services
Preparing For Tests
- Ask the professor specific questions about the format of the test:
- How long is it?
- What are the kind of questions (multiple choice, short answer, essay, etc.
- Are there sample tests?
- Find out the skills needed to take the test—do you need to:
- Remember specifics?
- Compare and contrast?
- Apply theories?
- Perform calculations?
- Explain ideas or concepts?
- Make a list of things that will be on the test and then make a study guide.
- Decide what the most important things are on the test and make detailed study notes on them.
Taking A Test
- Arrive at the test site EARLY.
- RELAX! Be calm, alert, and comfortable.
- Read over the test. Pay special attention to the directions.
- Write down things that you find difficult to remember.
- Answer questions that you can easily remember the answer to.
- KEEP TRACK OF TIME. Make sure you have enough time to answer all of the questions, especially ones that are worth the most points.
- Read the questions CAREFULLY. Make sure you understand the question. Be sure to do what it asks you to do.
- NEVER LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK. Make an educated guess if you are unsure about the answer. Partial credit is better than no credit at all.
- When you are done taking the test, check over your answers to correct mistakes or to add information.
Some of the information contained within this newsletter is from the book ―How to Get Good Grades in College‖ by Linda OBrien, Woodburn Press.