3 Tips to Improve the College Experience
If I were to sit a college kid down, one that was just getting ready to head off to their first semester of college there are several pieces of advice I’d give. These are right off the top of my head and I came up with them looking back at my own college experience.
1. Go for points before education. Some may consider this bad advice but hear out my logic before jumping to conclusions. Often times college professors will assign far more work than any one human can complete, not to mention absorb knowledge out of efficiently. In order to make grades and accomplish the goal of completing a degree with the highest possible GPA, go for points first.
The first thing I do when a class starts is analyze the syllabus. Understand clearly what you need to do in this class to get every point possible. As you work through the class, put your efforts towards work that will get you the most points. Once you have completed this work, move on and learn anything you can above and beyond, but stay focused on the points.
2. Have a beer while you study. Ok, don’t really have a beer, in fact you shouldn’t be drinking, you are not 21 yet. Seriously though, enjoy the process. Take the time to figure out where you like to study and do assignments. Would you prefer to be in a nice quiet park, or out in a busy library area. Perhaps you’d prefer the noise of a local restaurant where you can grab munchies and coffee, take breaks and people watch. Don’t look at your work as this horrible chore, find ways to make it enjoyable.
3. Keep your eye on the prize. This is a huge thing you are trying to accomplish. At times, you’ll need to focus on the task at hand, and at times it will do you more good to focus on your bigger goal. Don’t be intimidated by the huge number of hours and courses you must complete to get your degree. Break it down and work on each semester, class, assignment as they come. Picture your degree as Mount Rushmore, chip away at it until you finish your masterpiece.
I hope these three tips help make your college education seem more achievable.
