Tips and Tricks for Academic Success
The transition from high school to college can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. We’ve compiled a small list of tips to keep you on track for success. And, yes, we use these too!
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Your professors have office hours for a reason — use them! And it’s not just your professors that want to help you succeed. Whether it’s a coach, a peer, or a mentor, there are plenty of resources. Cornell, for example, has the Dungy Writing Studio, the Quantitative Reasoning Studio, the Research Studio, and the Berry Career Institute, just to name a few!
Stay organized
When you’re juggling multiple projects, it’s easy for things to get out of hand (if only there was a way for you to take one class at a time … Oh, wait, there is!). Use a planner or calendar to write down your schedule, assignment due dates, and any other important events that you need to keep track of. Breaking up your assignments and schedule into smaller, more manageable steps will help you maintain order and reduce stress. You’ve got this — one step at a time.
Attend class/treat being a student as a full-time job
Once you graduate college, you’re most likely going to enter the workforce or attend graduate school. So, help yourself out by getting into the habit of having a 40-hour “work week.” Your day isn’t over when class time is. Dedicate the rest of your “work day” to reviewing your notes, doing your homework, or consulting with your peers or professor. Have a particularly tough test coming up? You might have to put in some overtime.
Take a break (manage stress)
Yes, being a student is a full-time job and should be taken seriously. But it’s also important to take care of your physical and mental health, too. Take a fifteen-minute break and go for a walk. Meditate. Have a healthy snack. Once you have recharged, return to your studies, and take another break in an hour or two if you need to. Maintaining a balance between your academics and your personal life is an important part of being a successful student.
Be an active learner
In order to truly learn, and understand, whatever you’re studying, you have to do more than just show up to class. Though, that is a great first step! Being an active learner means you are fully engaging with your subject. Read with a purpose. Make sure you are fully grasping the material before you move on. If not, go back and read it again. Take notes as you read. Ask your professor right away if you do not understand something, or are feeling lost. Most importantly, make sure you are able to explain the concept in your own words.