College is far more than simply a sequel to high school. College is the place where you decide what to do with your life and open the door to adulthood. You must plan everything and be prepared for whatever you encounter.
Find a place to study that is conducive to your style of studying. If you can study while blocking out noise then your dorm room may be fine. But if you need privacy and quiet then find a quiet corner in one of the less popular areas of the library or a perhaps a peaceful and relaxing space outdoors.
Prepare yourself on important testing days by getting a good breakfast beforehand. Something small like fruit or yogurt can suffice. It can be distracting if you are hungry during class. Low energy and a growling tummy can really affect your test performance, so make sure to eat well for focus and energy.
Do not crack under the stress of selecting or declaring a major right away. Some professors might try and draw you into their department early on, as the more students they have the more job security they have. Never rush major decisions, and do what is right for you, not anyone else.
Take detailed notes in all your classes. You will be able to really process the information when you write it down. That will help you recall the information at study time. Take notes even when you think you are familiar with the topic.
On the day of your exam, go to the bathroom ahead of time. This may sound self-explanatory, but there are so many things to remember on test day that it’s easy to forget. When testing, you want to eliminate as many distractions as you can and your bladder can be a big distraction.
When you are deciding on where to sit in class, try to avoid your friends and stay near the front of the class. This can reduce your chances for unnecessary socializing and can help you to focus during the teachers lecture. Also, this will show your professor that you mean business and are an active participant.
Make sure you know what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. You’ll be writing a lot of papers through out your college years. Learn how to properly cite your sources to avoid inadvertently plagiarizing them. Professors are good at spotting unoriginal papers, so you always want to make sure everything you write is yours.
If you are a woman, consider a STEM major. STEM majors are those that are focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Since women are less likely than men to choose these fields of study, there are many scholarships and grants available for women. These fields also usually end up being more financially beneficial after graduation.
Get up early to start your day off right. You do not have to wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning, but if your day begins between 6 or 7 o’clock, you will give yourself time to eat a good breakfast, exercise a little, and catch up on some studying.
A few years at community college can be a smart way to start off your college career. Community colleges do not cost as much, and can set you on the right path. After a year or two, transfer to a university to finish your degree in a specialized area. This is a great alternative if you cannot pay for a regular college from the start.
If money is tight, and your choice is to either take out a loan or leave school, the smart choice is always to get a loan. Even though this may put you in the lurch temporarily and add to your current burdens, if you have chosen your major wisely, it will increase your earning power. You should be able to pay your loan back with your increased earnings. Leaving school is a sure way to guarantee low earning power for life.
Get to know the people in the financial aid office. If you make friends with them, they will appear more friendly to you. Then, when you have questions, they can assist you more easily. While they are all professionals, it never hurts to grease the social wheels when it comes to your financial needs.
Technology
If you are a woman, consider a STEM major. STEM majors are those that are focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Since women are less likely than men to choose these fields of study, there are many scholarships and grants available for women. These fields also usually end up being more financially beneficial after graduation.
NOw that you know a bit more about what college is like, start your plan! You will need to be sure that you are entirely prepared for the journey you are about to embark on.
