Blog #3: Best Advice for College Students
I must admit I had never read this article; but now that I have, I wish I would have even given it a glance before I started my college journey. Even though I hadn’t read "Secrets of the Most Successful College Students" by Annie Murphy Paul, I must admit that there is some advice I have taken, and some I have failed to. One example being the advice of 'Ask Big Questions’. That is one I have struggled with for sure. I have always been the one too nervous to ask. Even when it came to asking simple questions, I didn’t want to be pointed out, and I was scared for my voice to be heard. (literally) I wish I would have listened to this since I started college and maybe today I wouldn’t be standing as I was years ago.
I honestly don’t think I had read any article that specifically gave me advice for College. At least not that I can remember. At this point in my life, 2 1/2 years in community college, plus now being in my second semester of my first year at a University. I really don’t know what advice I would have paid more attention to. I definitely think you have to be living it to fully understand. At the end of the day some advice won’t do you any good. Some of us learn visually, some of us ‘hands on’, and some of us simply go with it.
Within the article the advice given, are some that the readers should really take! Now, if there was any advice I would share with others, I do have a couple points. It is only right that I throw out my advice, in the way that helps me add a little bit of organization to my life. Yes, A LIST! Making lists (to-do lists) is a way I personally take away a bit of my anxiety; that feeling of checking something off. . . Priceless!
Here we go, according to me, the only right way to do this. . .
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes !
- You have time
- Manage your time wisely
- Study groups
- Homework groups
- Save money!
- Read the syllabus (as cheesy as it sounds)
- Email your professors! (keeping open communication is key)
- Good grades matter, but your sanity does too!
- Make sure you keep a schedule where you can actually focus. (being done on time [graduating] isn’t the most important thing, take your time)
- If possible, try not to work FULL time.
- Take advantage of services being offered to you!!! (i.e., writing center, math center, job fairs, library)
- Invest in a planner
- Know yourself as a person, and make sure your class schedule is in sync with your persona (i.e., if you are not a morning person, avoid early classes)
- Stay consistent
Now I will emphasize on three of my points. I believe these points will help anyone who wants to be a "successful" college student.
The points I would like to emphasize on:
- You have time. As much as you think you might, you don’t have to have everything figured out! It might feel like everything should be or is moving too fast, but you have time. Time for mistakes, time to change, that is part of the fun. It is literally a time you get to learn. You learn more about your likes and dislikes. You have time to change your mind, you decide what to do with your life, and you also have the power to choose the timing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
- Manage your time wisely. Even though I just stated that you have time, when it comes to everything else involved not only in college, but in your life. You must manage your time wisely, this being to directed to all my individuals where time management isn’t a strong suit. Make enough time for your homework, your actual work, time to study, and we can’t forget a social and personal life. College adds a lot to your plate, and knowing how to handle all of it is a big part of not losing your mind. Having enough time to do everything you need to do, takes pressure off of you, and you will surely see that.
- Read the Syllabus. I feel that you must have heard this plenty of times before. So, YES, even though it might sound cheesy. READ THE SYLLABUS. There isn’t anything you shouldn’t know after reading the syllabus. Most of the questions you have will be answered there. Examples being due dates, exams, office hours, email address, required textbooks, policies, and so much more. Also allow me to point out some professors actually make quizzes based off the syllabus. In college the syllabus is definitely one of your best friends, and you should always have a printed copy in your binder.
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI wish I had read this before I started college also. I tend to be the quieter one in a group, so I never really asked questions either. I have learned at San Diego State University that sometimes you have to speak up in order to be able to fully grasp things in a busy classroom. I appreciate it that a lot of the professors at SDSU try to include everyone in the classrooms and make it a comfortable and engaging environment. I also completely agree with you that time management is important and we do not have to have every single little thing figured out in life right this moment. I think it is easy to get caught up in our busy daily lives and then think we are running out of time to accomplish things and we must give our all to every little aspect. This is just not realistic and I learned the hard way that sometimes this takes a toll on our bodies.
I really like the way you formatted this blog post by including your thoughts on the article, making up your own list, and expanding on a few of your points. I like that throughout your list and your emphasis on a few of your points you had a really encouraging tone. One point in your list that really resonated with me is the one mentioning the services that SDSU offers for us. I have spent a lot of time in the library along with everyone else and I am glad that I had the math learning center to help for both math and physics courses. The Job fairs that they put up are also helpful as you suggested. Another point of yours that I firmly agree with is one about time management. I find that I have less and less free time so I need to be more efficient with it. It would have been nice to have something like this before I got to college. Thanks for sharing. -Kevin W
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie
ReplyDeleteI loved your tips and think your post could be very helpful to those who are new to college or to students who are struggling. I agree that the syllabus is everything. I started in community college and my professors mentioned the syllabus once and it was never used again and wasn't relevant to many people. But since I started at SDSU, I love that professors actually post class schedules and due dates in the syllabus. It makes it so helpful to manage my time and plan my week and is definitely good to have on-hand. Time management is not easy, but it feels so good to have a plan and feel on track, instead of stressing and doing everything last minute. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Leslie
ReplyDeleteGreat post with incredible guideposts for all of us and thanks for the deep thinking on the subject matter. I took note of your emphasis on homework groups and study groups as important because this creates a community of learners. it is when we engage in learning together that we can really think outside the box, generate new ideas together, and assist each other in developing new study approaches and better study approaches. I am all for being a member of these study groups and homework groups. I intend to keep forming them and joining them as I finish my undergraduate classes and prepare to chase my dream in dental school.
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteSo many great points you brought up in your blog. Your advice list is so complete. I also love using a "to do list," I just can't remember everything without writing it down. Time management is so important, most projects take me longer that I expect so prioritizing my time is so important and yes it does reduce anxiety. I have had quizzes on syllabus' and the teachers were wise to do so because sometimes the syllabus can get over looked AND it is full of vital information. My hat is off to anyone that is working full time and going to school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do it all!