I'm going to attend the University of California at Irvine in the fall as an Engineering major. Yeah, I know its a demanding major but I'm a math/science orientated person. Any tips for me on how to be successful in college?
2006-08-14 11:33:42 · 14 answers · asked by Sean 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I studied engineering so I can give a few major specific tips beyond the obvious one of remembering to go to class:
1) Do all the problem sets.
2) Get past final exams and do these after reviewing the problem sets and the lecture notes. Makes a good final review and will give you an idea of the types of questions the prof likes to ask.
3) Identify the key concepts being taught in each course. Like it or not, it's engineering and they are required to teach some basic concepts and you can bet that those will be on the exams.
4) Learn to get by on little sleep. When you have labs, assignments and midterms all happening at once this will make sense
5) Try to get work experience. If you are very academic consider applying for an undergraduate research assistanceship and work with a prof. Otherwise try to set up some relevant summer work or coop.
6) Finally learn to schedule your time. They teach material at about 4 times the high school rate at university. i.e. you will cover all of final year high school calculus in about 2 months. This is unnerving at first, but you'll catch on.
As for school life, try to get involved with some sports or clubs. Try not to drink too much because in engineering especially it's a bit of a culture thing to drink heavily. Meet people in frosh week because after that you'll be too busy with labs and lectures. If your value system allows it, hook up with as many people of the opposite sex as early in the term as possible. Enjoy your time but don't forget that the working world is going to expect you to know your stuff after you graduate. Especially true in engineering. I've found myself on the job serveral times thinking "man, they taught that in 3rd year... how does that work again?"
2006-08-14 12:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by NordicGuru 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to be a sophomore in college this year, and what I found most helpful last year was just getting involved. Being involved in extracurriculars helps you meet so many people and is great for resume building - even if you do something not related to your major.
As for helpful study habits, I can't really speak much to that because I am a self-proclaimed procrastinator, but it works for me because I work well under pressure. Overall, just make sure you use a schedule where you can get all of your work done and still have fun. College is not only about what you learn in the classroom, it's about what you learn outside the classroom; so get out and have some fun! Good luck!
2006-08-14 11:46:36 · answer #2 · answered by intothelight 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful about partying say it for the weekends-ONLY if you don't need to study. When you study, don't over due study for about 30 minutes then go do something else and come back to it-trust me it helps. Also get involved with organizations that are oriented around your major-it can help you a lot and you can make great friends. And don't forget to just relax once in a while go to a movie or something! GOOD LUCK!
2006-08-14 12:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by Short 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A professor of mine once told of a student who got perfect grades and never seemed stressed at all.
The secret was treating college like a job. He would work from 9 am - 5 pm everyday, regardless or whether he had a test that day.
Doing this will ensure that you are never behind in your work which will make your studies more productive and keep you destressed. Also, if you work during the day, you'll rarely have to study at night.
2006-08-14 11:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by jayson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I went to college, I was told to spend two hours of work for every credit hour I was taking. However, if this is a field your are enthusiastic about being in, you may not have to spend that much time, but do the work and be very precise in your answers and it should payoff for you. I was 31 when I went and graduated with a 3.8 or so and I always turned in my assignments, and it doesn't hurt to go above and beyond what they want.
2006-08-14 11:45:50 · answer #5 · answered by Jimmie P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make classes and studying a priority, Find ways to meet other needs while focusing on those things. EG Socialize through a study group. If you have friends there already, great. Otherwise get connected based on one of your interests/hobbies. EG Volunteer at a food coop, join a club. Best wishes!
2006-08-14 11:39:55 · answer #6 · answered by Libby 44 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Attend all your classes, ask for help from the profs. when needed. Complete all your assignments. Just do your best and you'll be fine. If you truly want to be successful, you will be because you will do whatever is necessary to succeed. Good Luck!
2006-08-14 11:42:13 · answer #7 · answered by bikerbun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that getting my books early and reading ahead allows me the ability to have a little more slack once the classes start. One of the books I have already started to read says "success in school and beyond requires enough optimism to sustain hope and enough pessimism to motivate concern."
2006-08-14 11:45:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Study hard.
Associate with the right people, the people you see seem to have their act together.
Have fun. Learn how to do it not at the expense of your grades. Party after the studying is done.
Make friends.
2006-08-14 11:40:51 · answer #9 · answered by mayorofsteveville2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't stress!
Just remember everything happens for a reason so if you dont do as well as you would like dont worry you'll be fine!
2006-08-14 11:38:12 · answer #10 · answered by Kat B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋