Promoting academic success in college, especially among less-privileged students
Tips for success
College is a new world -- and VERY different from high school. You have a lot more choice. CSA wants to help you make choices that help you succeed, and keep you happy, healthy, and on-track to achieve the wonderful goal you've set for yourself of graduating college.
The basics
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Attend class. Though optional, attending helps you learn, ensures you hear key announcements, helps you find study partners and friends, and more. Serious, just go!
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Study the syllabus. It's like a pseudo-contract, so know what you're responsible for. Only takes 10 min, time well spent. Review it mid-term and end-of-term too.
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Meet classmates. It's normal to talk with strangers in college (in high-school, not so much). Finding study partners can yield more success, plus it's more fun. Humans benefit from regular human contact.
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Have a schedule. Plan your week, including study and rec time. You'll get more done, AND enjoy rec time more.
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Care for yourself. Exercise daily (even walking), sleep well, eat reasonably, and spend time with people in-person. All greatly improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and more.
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Try not to stress. Aim for good grades, but realize you'll win some and lose some; perfection isn't necessary. Things balance out. You'll be OK!!!
Study/Learning habits
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Prepare before class. Reading or watching videos before makes class FAR more understandable and fun. Even 20 min helps.
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Focus in class. Hide electronics (humans can NOT multitask). Pay attention; mental discipline will help in the future. Ask questions when appropriate, which keeps you alert.
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Handwrite notes.Taking notes keeps you focused. Handwritten (vs typing) requires thought and enables flexibility. Summarizing notes before exams improves test scores.
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Find a place to study. A distraction-free place helps (and not your bed; napping is too easy). With study partners is even better.
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Spend time. Learning piano takes time. Learning tennis takes time. Learning anything takes time. Be sure to allocate time (while staying balanced).