Can anyone give me some advice for college next year?

Question

I start school August 28th my 3 main classes are english 101, math 090, human ethics, and this seminar class there makin me take since im involved in this special program. I have math and then english on MWF and human ethics and seminar on TR, and I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips or advice on what can I expect from these classes, and how can I create a study schedule for each of these because I dont want to settle for nothing less than a 4.0 GPA. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

bottom line
eng101: just high high school English alot of writing and some reading
math 090: will hit the basic math + - * / and get you ready for algebra
Ethics: bla bla bla.... alot of reading and wright just knowing right from wrong.

MWF classes normally last 50 min or so TR 1:15 or so.

if you spend 1hr per class studying every day you have that class you will get a 4.0 ease some days you will be done in 15 min other days 2hrs.
Tip #1 DON'T PROCRASTINATE : that is the difference from stressing and not
#2 get a 8hrs of sleep before a test: if you did not learn it in 2 hrs a day (1 hr in class 1 hr studying)you will not learn it ... a good night sleep will make you more alert

Answer 2

Alright big man. First off, I can tell by your question that you are going to get the 4.0. I have gone back to college as an adult with the same goal in mind and have maintained a 4.0 so far. Here are a couple pointers that helped me:

1. Be vocal in class. Ask questions, offer comments, but don't disrupt the flow. Be humble and curious.

2. Stick with professors. When you find a professor that has a style that is best for you try to take all his or her classes.

3. Use everything. Every college has libraries, study centers, etc. take advantage of all of that. Research the hell out of everything.

4. Keep 4.0 in your mind. Do not accept anything less. If you do get a bad grade, write the class and grade in the screen saver of your computer. Every time the MFer sleeps you will be reminded of why you press on.

Answer 3

Congratulations! You've passed the most important step, which is to take responsibility for your own education!

I've heard it said that you should study two hours for every one hour of class lecture. That's probably a good rule of thumb to begin with.

Don't watch more than a couple of hours of TV a week. Spend your time studying, having fun, eating with your friends, or exercising. Work hard, play hard. College is pretty intense, but your professors are not the only people you'll be learning from. If you skip class, make it count. Work on an assignment that's due or really enjoy the day. Don't skip class to sleep in.

If you've been assigned a research paper and you don't know what you want to write about, don't procrastinate because of it. Go talk to your professor to get a better idea of the assignment and maybe some suggestions. Or go to the library and spend an hour or two just poking around in the "guides", finding out what's been written on the topic. Maybe even thumb through some of the latest journals in the field.

On your first research paper, start early and keep notes of how long each stage of the paper takes you. You can use that information to better plan your time on future research papers. Papers are big in college and even bigger in graduate school. That's good because you remember your own research more than you remember chapters and lectures anyway!

Don't read your textbook chapters straight through--boring! You don't remember much, and you're likely to fall asleep. Learn to skim through the chapters in the textbooks to get a general idea of what the assignment is all about. Read just a sentence or two in each paragraph. Go back and hit the important bits, the interesting bits, and the parts you don't understand. Remember, you're not just reading to be reading, you're reading to find specific information.

If you still don't understand something, ask about it when you go to class. Don't be afraid of asking stupid questions. Your classmates will benefit from the Q&A, and your professor will appreciate that you actually did the reading beforehand and are participating in class. Sadly, that's actually pretty rare.

Answer 4

For english and human ethics it is very important you master writing an essay. Professors are very critical of essays and how they are written. Start with a chosen topic, a question about it, then some paragraphs with quotes or statistics followed by a comment sentence. Your conclusion paragraph should be specific and detailed but not too wordy. Nobody I know has ever gotten 100% on an essay.

Math is just algebra and high school calculus. High school math revisited so just take good notes and you'll be fine.

No matter how stupid a question is ask the professor or one of his aides. No answer is found without asking the right question.

You are never alone, people care about you and it helps to talk to them about it. Study first party later.
Do not expect to maintain a 4.0 GPA, you will sleep much better.

Answer 5

I am assuming you are talking about undergrad here, and you didn't mention a part time job, so I am assuming school is it for you.

I can imagine you will be anxious, but setting the bar high is half the battle. Once you get settled, make a schedule for studying and stick to it. Leave time for social stuff or you will burn out. College is way harder than high school, but after a few weeks, you will acclimate, and do well. 4.0 is very attainable.

Also, don't be a pest, but use your professors-contact them if something isn't clear. Make sure they know you and that you are a dedicated student. Not because you tell them so, but because you will show them. They know the serious ones from the lazy ones, and once the figure out who you are, they will be happy to support you. Don't be intimidated! We've all been there!

This is an exciting time for you! I am a bit jealous-Enjoy it!

Answer 6

Oh lord, been there and done that...! Please organization is a MUST, pay attention and give at least an hour to reviewing notes every day. This can make preparation for tests much easier and you won't have to cram. Also, have fun, but keep this in moderation. College is fun but it is also hard work. There is alot temptation (parties, drinking, late night rendezvous...), but you have to keep in mind that you are there to take care of bizness.

Math---if you need a tutor get one...there's no need on looking bummed out in class cuz you don't know anything.

English---keep up with readings and start papers and research early. Give it to your prof. for proofreading if you can.

Best wishes to you,

A college grad

Answer 7

Figure out the times that work for you. Some people work better in the afternoon, some people work better at 3am (i work better in the morning, setting the alarm for 7am!) Also, figure out where to work. Go to the library, a classroom on campus, a study lounge in your dorm, or maybe your room is best. Good Luck!

Answer 8

GO TO CLASS! Thats all I have to say. Go to class and listen you will be fine. But be ready to work to get an A, but it is very possible to get a 4.0. Good luck