[girlanimated]

THANKS EVERYONE! I'm glad I checked this page just before I was gonna head to bed.

Originally Posted by glumirk

You will make it through this!!

Things I wish I knew my freshman year of college have already been listed above:

Get to know the professor in office hours
Get to know the good students in your classes and study with them.

It's hard and intimidating, but it's truly the way to succeed.

Oh, and don't slack off either. I never quite got that one until senior year after the years of panic attacks.

Thanks... I guess i started off really eager and then just died underneath the mid-term workload.

Originally Posted by Freckles

I'm not sure how old you are but I have experienced: the older you get, the harder it gets to study. I recently had to do some studying for a job interview and boy, it took me twice as long to get things into my head as in my college years! But I bet it can be trained. Set aside lots of time for it, study on the hours that you're on your best and plan, plan, plan. You can do it!
Hang in there and best of luck!

THANK YOUUU.

Originally Posted by Nettio

I don't know how university works where you are, but if your professors or TAs offer office hours, go to them. Not only because it allows your professors to get to know you but I found they often gave out hints and/or complete answers for assignments during those sessions. My grades definitely improved once I figured that out.

The other thing is to make sure you actually go to class. I know it's tempting to skip since no one is really watching what you do but I learned it was a lot less work to drag myself to school for an hour of class than to try to get and interpret notes taken by some else. Oh and that would be my other tip - figure out how you really learn the material. For me that meant writing notes out by hand in class and again on flash cards or study guides later - the act of writing it in my own words was how I processed it - and study groups didn't work for me at all. But for you it might be different.

Hang in there! The first year is an adjustment for everyone.

I stay on campus, so the only time I skipped class was to study for a test RIGHT after that class. Thank youuu for the

Originally Posted by MamaBee

It's been a long time for me too... and something I have no desire to do again... haha - so kudos for keeping at it!!

I always found that when you first start a major (i've started four different majors before picking one and going with it)... those intro level classes that you would think would be easy are a pain! One professor told me that they are weeding out classes... they take care of the ones that aren't serious to put in the time and energy that the rest of the major is going to need... and typically that first year you don't know your professors very well, etc. So stick too it and next semester will be better.

My hubby has been taking a class for his job this semester at the technical school and it was been a real frustration for him too... he is a certified professional engineer, graduated top honors from college years ago - and now taking this intro level network class at the tech - but for him it's not the material - it's how the teacher is handing the class... a couple kids whine about having to take a quiz close book and the teacher says it's okay to use the book to take the quiz or they push the test off to the next week.

Good Luck!!

Hmmmm woah that sounds intense, the engineering thing. Thank you!

Originally Posted by dgreenshield

Sorry, this is long!
I am working on a master's and then my PhD. as well as being a TA for a stats class at the moment and can completely understand.

Here is the advice I give my students:
1. Get to know your professors or ask other students about the structure of the courses you are taking. If they have had the same prof, ask if they have reviews that helped them succeed and if they would be willing to share with you. I share reviews so that I get them in return! Ask what the tests were like!
2. I am not sure what your previous study habits are like, but the time commitment you will need to set aside each week is demanding. On average, a 3 hour course will demand 6-9 hours a week from you. I find the best way for students to stay caught up is to create reviews each week that can be used to study for the exams.

3. If you have any questions about the material, ask immediately before new concepts are introduced. This is really important as concepts build throughout the semester.

4. Begin to study for exams at least 8 days in advance. I know this sounds weird, but it helps. By studying ahead, you can focus on the concepts for shorter periods of time and with greater frequency. For example, I study for 20-30 minutes at a time, 5-6 times a day for 5-6 days. When I get to the 2 days before the exam, I have a pretty good grasp of the material and looking at the review only requires 10-15 minutes each day. I don't bother looking at it the day of the exam...I either know it or I don't at that point. There is research on this method of studying that indicates it is beneficial, our brains cannot remember the material that we see in the middle of those long study periods as well as the first/last few minutes of material we review.

5. lastly, get a group to help you study! Research supports the group study dynamic. You may not understand the way a concept was presented in class but your friend may be able to talk you through it in a different way.

Hang in there! Go and ask your prof for help if you need it... then enjoy your holiday!

By they way...which university in Sing?

Woah my gosh that was awesome! I WISH I READ ALL THIS AT THE START OF THE EXAMS. D:

My previous study habits were studying about a week in advance before a paper (if I can afford it). But I guess I really do have to keep up the daily revision. I started really feverishly til around midterms... then I got so tired I usually just hit the hay once I got back to my hall room.

But I don't really have a core group of friends that are in the same faculty, those I attend lectures with aren't the sort to want to study with people in the style I do =(

Anyway, I'm at NUS. Doing Lifescience. :P

Originally Posted by Loriebug66

Go at it like you will your future career. Give it 8 hours of solid work a day and you should do fine. Pace your self, have a game plan for each class and each day and GO TO CLASS EVERYDAY! Get done in four years so that you have less loans to repay. Remember why you are there first and foremost but if you work hard and plan well you should be able to enjoy the experience.

Oh don't forget the study aids and sessions offered by most universities. Ask for help when you need it and form strong study groups that study not party.

I gave my son the same advice three years ago but he didn't listen very well and will go an extra year as a result. He regrets not listening now.

Have a great Christmas break.

I think I might have to drag an extra year too =( My parent's didn't go thru a full-time university education so didnt have many tips...
Thanks for the advice!!

Originally Posted by kelley

I feel your pain! I know I had so much stress going on too - I eventually got used to the massive workload and realized that really studying was my life during that time. ENjoy your break and just try not to think about it till its time to start up again!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by ltarbox

It's been a long time for me too, but my first year of college was a rough transition academically as well. I went from getting straight As without even trying to having to figure out how to create good study habits and manage my time. I learned that you have to figure out each class individually. Each instructor will have a different style of teaching, a particular way of administering tests, etc. And, you have to figure out what works for each class. It can definitely be a challenge. But, I agree with Kate. Try to relax and just do the best you can in this moment. And, DEFINITELY enjoy your break!!!

Hmmm seems like it's really a big leap for everyone

Originally Posted by KateD

It's been a long time since I was in college, but I do remember it taking some time to really adjust to it. Take a deep breath, relax, and do your best. And then enjoy the break before the next semester begins!

Thank you alllll!