5 Tips for Excelling as a College Freshman

Going from high school to college is a big step!  A current college student shares five tips for excelling as a freshman in college.

1. Learn to manage your time.

Classes in college are arranged differently than high school.  You will have gaps in time between classes.  Plan each day’s schedule carefully, including study time in addition to class time.

2.  Prepare before class.

Use the class syllabus to review upcoming class material. If you go to class prepared, you will get more out of the class and will save time when studying.

3.  Reflect on what you learned.

Learn how to take notes (such as Cornell notes).  Right after attending class and taking notes, write a summary of your notes, reflecting on what you learned.  How do you connect to what you learned?

4.  Find your study space.

Do you study best in a quiet environment?  Or do you do better sitting in the middle of a busy place?  Find a place you can study effectively.  DO NOT study where you sleep. You want to separate sleep and study!

 5.  Be honest with yourself.

Don’t make promises to yourself that you cannot keep.  Learn how to say “no” to going out with friends when you have an exam to study for.  Don’t promise yourself “I’ll study when I get back” if you know you will not have the energy to do that.

Hear Muhammad share his tips for excelling in college in a video interview. 

Use your calendar to record new tasks you need to complete as you finish high school.