Whether you’re new to college, starting your next semester soon, or going back to school to advance your career, you might be nervous about how you’ll do in your upcoming classes. While being a college student can be challenging, there are several ways to thrive in school. Knowing how to be successful in college can help improve your chance of doing well in your classes. The following college tips offer valuable advice on how to succeed in school, so you can build a rewarding career.
1. Attendance Is Key
Making every effort to go to class regularly is vital for academic success. When you attend each class, you’ll be in a better position to fully understand what you’re learning and ask questions about anything that’s unclear. Looking through the syllabus for each course can help ensure you’re prepared for your classes. If you’re tempted to skip class from time to time, keep in mind that missing even one class could put you in danger of falling behind. When you miss classes, you then need to spend time catching up.
2. Actively Engage
While showing up for class is important, it’s even more important to make the most of your attendance. That means being actively engaged during class, such as asking questions, participating in group discussions, and answering questions your instructor asks. Sitting close to the front of the classroom can make it much easier to be actively engaged. When you’re in the front, you’re better able to pay attention to your instructor compared to when you’re sitting toward the back of the classroom. Active engagement can provide a better learning experience and help ensure you understand your course material.
3. Put Your Best Foot Forward
Knowing how to be successful in a class involves striving to excel. You can do this in many ways so that you’ll have an easier time studying for exams and handling other school-related tasks. Putting your best foot forward in college also means being open to new ideas. Keep in mind that you can expect to learn a lot of new ideas and concepts as you go through your classes. An open mind allows you to better understand these ideas and concepts. You should also work on building outside skills that are relevant to your coursework. These skills can help you excel in school and in other areas of your life, such as at work or in your personal life.
4. Stay Organized
Keeping all of your notes, assignments, and other school-related material and supplies organized is essential. Staying organized means you won’t have to waste time trying to figure out which assignments are due when or what tests are coming up. Instead, you’ll know what school tasks to work on, and you’ll have what you need for studying or completing assignments. When you stay organized, you’ll have an easier time focusing on your schoolwork rather than worrying about where to find your notes or anything else you need for an upcoming assignment or test.
5. Time Management
Having good time management skills is a crucial part of knowing how to succeed in college. Managing your time is important since you’ll be juggling multiple assignments and projects during school. You’ll also need to set aside time to study for tests, quizzes, and exams, so that you don’t have to cram for them. Keep track of the due date for each assignment and project, as well as the dates for upcoming tests and exams. Knowing when everything is due can help ensure you have enough time to work on assignments and projects or study for tests without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
6. Study Effectively
When it comes to study time, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has different learning styles that help them understand and remember material. Knowing your own learning style can help ensure you study effectively. For example, you might record lectures and listen to them repeatedly if you have an auditory learning style. If you have a visual learning style, being able to read through notes you’ve written down can help you remember what you’re learning. Experiment with different ways to study in order to learn more about your learning style if you’re not sure what it is.
7. Take Advantage of School Resources
Most schools provide a wide range of school resources for students to use as needed. Remember that the college experience isn’t just about academics. Taking care of your well-being is also important. Whether you need help with coursework or need someone to talk to when you’re feeling stressed, look into the resources your school offers. You can use these school resources, such as counseling, to help you handle any challenges or difficulties you’re experiencing.
8. Visit Your Academic Advisor Regularly
When you start college, you’ll have an academic advisor assigned to you. This advisor is there to help you navigate your way through college, such as providing advice on courses to take. While you can expect to meet with your academic advisor when you begin school, you should schedule meetings with them on a regular basis. Academic advisors can help ensure you’re on track to complete your degree program or help you decide what area you might want to focus on based on your career goals.
9. Ask for Help
Many professors have office hours, which provide students with a chance to go over any material they’re having trouble understanding or ask questions about what they’re learning. If you need some help with course material, make sure you know when your instructors have office hours. Take advantage of these opportunities to get clarification on any concepts or ideas you’re struggling with. You can also use this time to get help or advice on studying for an upcoming test or exam, so you can make sure you’re well-prepared for it.
10. Stay Connected
When you’re in college, you should aim to maintain a social balance. Your social life might include meeting with a classmate or two to form a study group, but it should also include non-academic time with others. You can meet fellow students through campus activities and groups. This gives you a chance to get to know others who have similar interests as you. Find a good balance between studying with fellow students and spending time with your peers focusing on something other than school, which can help boost your mental health and well-being.
The College of Health Care Professions helps support you every step of the way. All CHCP students receive an assigned advisor, tutoring services and assistance services. If you’re thinking about building or advancing a healthcare career, please contact CHCP. Our school offers several healthcare degree and certificate programs in administrative and clinical healthcare.
