MyCollegeSuccessStory.com:
Empowering Academic, College, and Career Success
Student Success Stories: Tracy H.
Tracy H.'s Academic Success Story
I definitely made many changes in my studying habits transitioning from high school to college. In high school all I needed to do was read over my notes real quick and after a half hour of "studying" I was ready to take the test. On top of this, I got good grades! But once I came to college, my studying habits came crashing down. It takes a while to find what method of studying works best for you, but I have found that making study sheets has come in handy. By re-writing all of my notes I am not only going over each concept but ingraining it in my mind for the test. Repetition is key!
My overall study method: My overall study method is quite simple. I re-write all of my notes, condensing them onto half the amount of pages as the original. This truly causes me to read and consider each fact, and find a simple way to say the same thing which makes it easier for me to remember. If a teacher provides or recommends a study guide, definitely use it! The study guide highlights important concepts for a reason.
My time management secret: I was terrible at time management when I first arrived at college. Even now, I am still learning to improve my skills in that department. I have found that it is best to stay organized and write down every appointment, every task, everything in a planner. This allows you to plan ahead and keep things orderly. Post-its are also a necessity for me. If I know that I have something to do the next day that I can't forget, I write it on a post-it and stick it on my desk to remind myself.
How I study for multiple exams, deal with multiple projects: TIME MANAGEMENT. It is so vital being a college student. There are so many things to remember, do and plan for and you have to find a way to stay organized.
My overall study method: Most often than not, I partake in massive study blocks. Usually the night or day before a test is when I set aside a few hours to focus solely on that particular test. If I'm not busy the days before a test than I may have a few small study sessions.
How I've overcome an initial bad grade: First test freshman year -- my first test in micro-economics -- I failed by a few points. Never had I received a failing grade before so I did not handle it well. I blamed the professor, I blamed my friends/roommate for distracting me, I blamed the creator of Economics. Soon after though, I realized how unproductive this was, and how it didn't help anyone. I learned to seek help from professors and peers when I don't understand a topic, and I also realized how important good study habits are. I simply had no one to blame but myself and I tried to grow from this experience. Needless to say, I haven't failed a test since and I am also minoring in economics.
How I succeed in team projects: Be patient, but be assertive. You don't want any free-riding team member to walk all over you and reap the benefits. At the same time, it is definitely important to understand that each of your team members has an equally hectic schedule as you so be flexible.
Here are my final words of wisdom for students who want to get better grades in college: Utilize your resources. A lot of times students aren't aware of the multiple resources on their campus and many times they can help the most. Study with friends, study with classmates, study alone and ask your professor any questions you may have along the way. They are the best resource to go to. Lastly, stay positive. Without a good attitude your head won't be in the right place and you may give up before it actually begins.
Return to more Student Success Stories.
|
|
