College professors cover more material at a quicker pace and hold higher expectations of their students. Instead of just memorizing facts you will have to understand concepts, apply information, solve problems and conduct analyses. Being in college is a job—expect to put in 40-45 hours each week to succeed.
The study habits and skills that worked for you in high school probably won’t work as well in college. Here’s a college plan for success:
- Show up—Going to class is half the battle.
- Sit in front—It’s hard to ask questions when you’re shouting from the back of the room.
- Ask questions—Even if you are in the back of the classroom.
- Take notes from lectures and readings—Review them regularly to absorb the information.
- Do the work—Preparing for finals begins on the first day of class and lasts throughout the semester.
- Re-read assignments—This automizes knowing by taking conscious knowledge and transforming it into unconscious knowledge.
- Use deep processing practices—Click here for more info.
- Visit professors during office hours.
- Get help when you need it—The UA has many resources to help you succeed:
