College Tips

We had a wonderful Christmas vacation - which I will post pictures for soon.

But seeing how it's the beginning of another semester, I compiled a list, for my mom, of tips Jake and I have learned over 9 years (between us) of college. I thought I would post it here in case any other college students out there are looking for some ideas. The most important thing is to find what works best for you.

Here's our list:

• For each class, buy the cheap 100 page spiral notebooks to take notes in. Then buy the cheap loose leaf folders the same color to match the notebooks. For each class have a different color code (ie: red books for math...)
• Only take notes on the front side of the paper, using the back makes it hard to read and study. Plus you'll be able to use the back side for extra notes, quick practice problems, and quizzes in class.
• Before doing your homework after class, browse through your notes from that lecture. It will help jog your memory of the material and you'll be able to see if your notes make sense (so you'll understand them later on). If sentences are incomplete, now's a good time to add extra stuff to help you later - like the page number from the text book that matches the lecture material.
• If you get to class a little early... look over your notes from the previous lecture, it will help cement in the ideas you just learned. It also helps prepare you for any pop quizzes!
  
• Don't be afraid to use up space in your notebook! I used to squish as many words as I could onto the page. It's nice to have the extra room when you're studying your notes, that way you can circle/highlight/underline important words.
• If there was an important concept, vocabulary word or equation taught in class that day, I would write it on the left hand side of my notebook (ie: the back of the previous page) without the definition. I would use these as basic quiz questions as I studied for the exam. If I needed the explanation - the answer was written on the adjacent page. It's much easier to keep track of important information as you go along in the class then waiting for the day before the final exam and trying to remember everything you're supposed to remember before you even start studying!
• Try to do your homework right after the lecture. The easiest thing is to find a TA lab for that class and meet a study group there. It helps to work in groups because teachers talk fast and everyone catches different stuff. Plus, if you get stuck - the TA is right there! (total homework time is considerably less than trying to do homework alone and at home)
• It is important to get help with confusing topics BEFORE you turn in your homework. College is fast-paced and if you wait til after, it will be put on the back burner and won't get done. This is especially important if it's a class that builds on topics (like math or science)
• In the loose leaf notebook, keep all of your old quizzes and homework problems. It help to browse through them before a quiz and re-work any problems you don't remember (some of the same questions might even be on the exam!)
• If the teacher is discussing long words - I find it helpful to write a key in the margin at the top of the page - like: CHT = Convective Heat Transfer. That way you can take notes faster and you won't forget what "CHT is the process by which..." means later on in the semester.
• Sometimes I would draw pictures or diagrams of the process - even if the teacher didn't - so I could see the information pictorially. If you're an audio learner, then it might help to take a tape recorder. You should cater your notes to your learning styles.
• I ALWAYS wrote what was due the next class period at the end of my notes in big bold letters. That way when I cracked open my notebook that night I wouldn't forget about the silly assignment I was supposed to do.
  
• Keep all your work from that class - at least until you've received your final grades. The worst is when you know you completed an assignment but have no proof to show your work.
• I hated taking notes in pencil. I would rather have to cross stuff out and re-write it then have smudgy, hard to read notes. And write the date at the beginning of each lecture (it helps when you're trying to match class notes with the syllabus, etc)
  
• Take time to stop by the college office and advisors. They are there to help you. Sometimes it's nice to sit with the advisor and map out your next few semesters. It helps give you direction so you don't waste your time on useless classes. Also, they know about little tricks. Like some classes double count for two generals, etc.
  
• I always found it a NECESSITY to find a physical activity you enjoy doing and DO IT. I found it hard to sleep when my mind was tired but my body was restless. If I came home and couldn't concentrate on my homework, I would go for a run. It became the routine and helped me stay well balanced. I was able to concentrate on my homework better and sleep more soundly (plus I was in shape!)
• Good luck!
  

Feel free to post any of your ideas or let me know if any of these have worked for you!