Although nearly everyone who enters college does so expecting to complete it, not all do. There are many challenges and decisions in college that can cut the road short, and other things to look out for. This article will offer you some tips on getting through college and reaching your intended destination: graduation day!
You should not consider going to college unless you have a good idea of the kind of career you want or at least have a general idea. Meet with a career counselor to find out more about your different options and take the time to do some research about different schools and programs.
A good tip if you’re thinking about going to college is to get all of your general education out of the way. This means that you take your basic classes at a community college so that when you’re finally at college, you’re able to take good classes that are worth the money.
If you find yourself falling behind in a class, do not hesitate to consult your professor. Check with your school’s faculty directory to find out his or her office hours. Make time to stop by an express your concerns. Your professor wants you to succeed and can direct you to the best resources.
Avoid studying for big college exams the night before by taking in a lot of caffeine or other stimulants. While these things can keep you up and able to study for longer, they will make you very tired in the morning. After using chemical stimulants for a while, you will need more and more and that can be damaging to your overall physical and mental health.
Buy your school books a couple weeks before the term begins. Spend an hour familiarizing yourself with each of your books. If you have access to your course syllabus, check it out and see where in the book your class will be starting. This way you can get a bit of a head start.
After you sign up for a checking account, make sure that you do not leave without getting the free checks that most establishments offer. Do not pay for extras. You may be surprised at how few checks you will use over the course of your four years in college. It is simple enough to get more if you need them, but you don’t want to waste money if at all possible.
Deciding whether or not you need a car while you’re in college is something you need to consider carefully. It may be difficult to find a place to park, especially in crowded cities. The cost of your car and a parking spot can be too high for a student.
Are you under a lot of pressure for a certain class you are not sure you will pass? You should talk to your academic adviser or to your instructor about credit no credit. Most schools will let you take one class where you will get credit but your grade will not impact your GPA.
You can save some cash by not purchasing your school books until after class has started. You may not even need some of the books. Online classes rarely require you to actually purchase the book, although often times it is on the syllabus. Simply sitting in class and listening to the professor (or accessing online materials) could be enough.
When scheduling your classes, make sure that you give yourself breaks. Try not to take any more than three hours of classes without a break of at least one hour. This gives you a chance to eat, study, make a phone call, or take care of other business. It also improves your alertness.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, stressed out or depressed during your freshman year. Most colleges offer free therapy or counseling to students; take advantage if you need it. Adjusting to college can be difficult and stressful, so don’t be ashamed to admit you can’t handle it as well as you thought you would.
When you are studying for a test, it is important that you take a break once in awhile. Studying can take a toll on both your physical and mental health, especially if you do not allow yourself a breather now and then. Take a walk or watch some TV for a little while.
Use statistics to narrow down your college choices, but not to make the final decision. The right college for you is a good match to you personally, not a prize that you win. Never select a school because a lot of your friends are going there, nor because it holds a number-one position on some published list. Only a visit to the campus can really tell you if it is right.
Staying in college can be a long and difficult road and you will face many obstacles. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable advice you can use in your decisions about college and making the life easier for you. In the long run, the effort you put in will be well worth it.
