Everything you wanted to Know About Being a Successful Student

1. Visit your professors during their office hours at least every other week.

• Professors can clarify points from their lectures or textbook.
• Professors can give you an overview of an upcoming exam.
• Professors can offer insights into professional opportunities in their field.

Make sure you have specific questions in mind and all the necessary materials (notes, textbook, returned exams) when you go to an office hour. Don't be afraid to ask your professor about setting up an individual appointment if you can't make office hours due to a time conflict. Visiting your professor regularly can make the difference between a good grade and an average/poor grade.

2. Plan your study time.

• Draw up a weekly schedule of how you will spend your time. Include time for studying, meals, personal care, recreation, work-everything you are committed to doing to create a well-rounded life.
• Your professors expect you to study 2-3 hours out of class for every hour you spend in class.
• A good study strategy is to study for 45 minutes, then take a 15-minute break.
• Plan what you want to accomplish before you begin.
• If you are having a hard time starting a project, promise yourself to work on it for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes just getting over the initial mental block makes the whole project go smoother.
• Before exams, meet with a few classmates to study together.

If you don't draw up a study schedule, you will end up wasting time. Put your schedule where you will see it every day. This will be a reminder of what you need to do every day. Only you can hold yourself accountable for what you need to do to prepare for your classes.

3. Use the learning resources on campus.

• Make use of the services offered through the Academic Skills Center (Kennedy Library, Rm. 112), such as Study Skills Workshops and Study Groups.
• Use the Writing Skills Center in Bldg. 10, Rm. 130 for feedback on writing styles, organization of papers and grammar.
• If uncertainty about your major or career choice is affecting your grades, visit Career Services in Bldg. 124 for help in clarifying your interests and life goals.
• Visit the peer advisors in the Multicultural Ag Program Student Center in Bldg. 10, Rm. 134. They can offer you free tutoring in a variety of disciplines; access to course resource files, computers, and a fun place to find community.

Using these services can help you become a better student. Since they are free, the only thing it will cost you is your time.

4. Visit your academic advisor frequently.

• The advisors are familiar with the policies of the University and know all the major deadlines and procedures.
• Advisors can help you plan a balanced, realistic schedule.
• Advisors can help you get re-focused if you have difficulty during the quarter.

Advisors can offer assistance or advice with just about any problem you might face during the quarter. If they don't feel that they can help you directly, they will refer you to someone on campus who will. If you visit an advisor regularly, you will be less stressed and more in control of your goals and plans.