MyCollegeSuccessStory.com:
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Student Success Stories: Erin L.
Erin L.'s Academic Success Story
I couldn't study in my room anymore like I could in high school. Your parents understand not to disturb you while you're in your room studying, but friends don't really understand that. I found one spot in the library during my freshmen year that I still study at today, and it's one of the only places I can really concentrate.
My overall study method: I understand how I operate, and I know that I can't study for extended periods of time, so I break it up into smaller chunks and make sure that I do fun things and hang out with my friends in between, no matter how busy or stressed I am. It actually makes me more productive in the long run.
My test study method: I start studying two days before. If the test is on Wednesday, then Monday night for 2 hours I'll go to the library just to see what I need to know and to familiarize myself with the material, so I'm not overwhelmed when I start studying. Then on Tuesday I'll study the material for 3 or 4 hours and make sure I understand it. Then on Wednesday 4 or 5 hours before the test, I sit in the library to cover anything I haven't looked at and make sure I remember everything. That last minute studying gives me and adrenaline rush and I do my best studying. It also helps everything stay fresh in my mind for the test.
My time management secret: Don't procrastinate, but if you're going to procrastinate, don't just watch TV, do something like grocery shop that you would need to do anyway. If your friends give you a hard time about always doing your work, don't just blow them off, because college isn't fun without a social life, tell them that you'll go to the library with them. That way you can hang out and get your work done.
How I deal with multiple projects: I don't complete each project one after the other; I work on them all around the same time so that I don't get bored with them.
How I've overcome an initial bad grade: It freaks me out a little bit, but I just realize that I have to study a different way. It usually doesn't matter too much to me because I know I'll pull off a good grade in the class and work my way back up because I always do.
My strategies for written assignments: Don't save them for the last minute. Just try to do a little bit each day.
How I succeed in team projects: Make sure that someone reliable is the leader or take it upon yourself. Keep in touch with everyone via email and delegate responsibility.
Here are my final words of wisdom for students who want to get better grades in college: Don't be a perfectionist. Just do the best you can with the amount of time you have.
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