Tips for Future College Students

Now I know everyone and their mother post blogs on how to be a better college student. They all say the same things, and most people just overlook it. The same tips appear in every blog, magazine article, and are given in every speech at every high school graduation. 

I know when I was a freshman, back on '05, I was told this stuff. However, you really have to listen to it. If you're not ready for college by the time you leave high school, you're in for a rude awakening. College is meant to be fun, I get that. However, it's also a serious place. You'll work hard and after four years, you'll get a piece of paper that says you did it.

These tips are for your benefit. It took me a long time to fully understand how important it was I did well in school. Don't make the same mistake.

1. Read, highlight, and take notes before a lecture. Professors and instructors usually give information the book doesn't cover as well as a better way of explaining the material the book gives. Vocabulary definitions are good to know, but a connotative way of remembering words is just as important.
   
   
2. Be active in your school. Take part in any club or social activity you can. It makes the college experience all the more enjoyable. Get to know your class too. Exchange phone numbers, emails, or add them on Facebook. The more in touch you are with them the easier it will be to get missed notes, or arrange a study group.
   
   
3. Get to know your professors. They are inspirational people who have been through everything you have. They can help mentor you and push you along the right path. They don't get paid to be flunk students, they get paid to teach.
   
   
4. Keep your notes for every class you take. You worked hard to remember the things you wrote down, they will come in handy in the future. Even if it's just to brush up on the material.
   
   
5. Do not procrastinate. Saying this to a college student is like giving a speech to the deaf. College students procrastinate, and I know I've done my fair share of that. However, take my advice to heart. It will hinder your grades to procrastinate. If you've got a month to do a ten page research paper then start doing your research before the end of the first week. Pick a thesis, start researching, and start drafting.
   
   
6. Don't just take what classes you need to pass. Go through and find classes that will help you be a better student. I've taken a few courses the last year or two like this. They, not only, taught me more than I imagined, but they also helped me be a better student and opened my mind up.
   
   In my next post, I'll give you one of the courses I highly recommend. As well as, give you my reasons for recommending it. Take care everyone, and thanks for reading.