| Ok. The end of the
semester is coming. And you know what that means... EXAMS!
That's right, kids. Once again, it's time to actually start going to class
again and taking some notes.
In order to help you make the most of the next few weeks, then, I've come up
with some hints to help you try to pass your classes. I'm speaking from experience
here--four years as an undergrad really teaches you how to barely scrape by and do okay.
So, without further ado...
20 Tips to Keep You From Flunking But
next semester, start using this tips from day one!
1. Sit near the front of the class.
This is what I call a "duh statement." If you sit at the front of the
class, you'll be less likely to fall asleep. And it will show your professor that
you're mildly interested. That's good.
2. Sit near the Smart Kids.
Watch them. When they write something down, you write something down. Lean
over and ask them what they wrote. Copy it. Mimic them. Their habits
might just rub off on you.
3. Take good notes.
This is extremely important! You don't have to write down everything your professor
says, but try to get the majority of the information down in your notes.
4. Go to class!
Yet another "duh statement." If you haven't been going to class all along,
now is probably ! a good time to start showing up... especially if you actually expect to
pull a D-.
5. Visit or call or email your professor(s).
This lets him/her/them know that you're at least making an effort to improve in your
class. Plus, it lets you get to know your professor better in case you need to whine
to him/her about your final exam grade.
6. Review your notes.
Reviewing your notes the night before and then in the few minutes before class really
helps refresh your memory about the subject. It also gives you a chance to form
questions about the topic that you can ask in class. This shows you're participating
and want to do well.
7. Read your text book assignments.
Very important! If you don't have time to actually read an entire 75 page chapter,
at least skim over the headings so you'll have the gist of what's going on. This
also allows you to participate in class discussions without lookin! g like a complete
idiot.
8. Xerox the Smart Kids' notes.
Duh! If you know the people in your class who are getting higher grades than you,
ask them if you can look at their notes. How are their notes different from yours?
Ask them if you can xerox their notes (have them go with you to the copier because
Smart Kids are paranoid about losing their notes). And once you xerox those smart
notes, don't just let them clutter up your room. Read the damn things!
9. Get a study partner.
It's never too late to find someone to tutor you in your class. And it makes a great
way to pick up a guy/girl!
10. Don't cram for 8 hours the night before your final.
Cramming doesn't work. Face facts. All you end up with is a migraine headache
and a really good likelihood you'll oversleep and miss the entire exam. Don't cram.
Break up your studying into more manageable 30 minute ch! unks over the week or two
before your final. This allows your brain time to digest what it's learned.
11. Learn how to study for an objective versus a subjective test.
Objective tests are multiple choice/true-false tests. The easiest way to study for
them is to memorize the test material. Get your roommate or a friend to call out
terms to you. Subjective tests, though, are essay/short-answer tests. These
tests are sometimes easier to study for because you can learn the basics of your test
material and still make a decent grade. You don't have to worry about memorizing all
the presidential candidates and their vice-presidential running mates--you just need to
know the basics of who/what/where/etc.
12. Meet with your professor during office hours.
Stop by. Say hi. Show you're still interested in passing the class. And ask
for help!
13. Don't take 8 am classes.
Duh. ! ; If you like to sleep late or party 'til the wee hours of the morn, do
yourself a favor. Don't take 8 am classes. I don't care if they're required
for your major, if you miss all your classes, you'll flunk. And who wants to hire
someone who made D's and F's in their major courses?
14. Plan your classes in chunks.
Don't schedule hour or two breaks in between your classes. Those chunks may seem
like prime napping times, but if you leave you class at 9:50 am with the intention of
taking "a quick nap," chances are you won't wake up until after lunch. And
that's not cool--especially if you had an 11 am and a 1pm course. Instead, plan your
classes back-to-back-to-back. Take about 3 (or at the most 4) courses on M-W-F and 2
or 3 back-to-back on T-R. This way you have a chunk of free time followed by a chunk
of classes followed by more free time for evening events and meetings.
15. Start a "notes online! " project.
For you more technologically advanced folks. start typing up your notes and put them on
the web. Get a group of note takers together and start a notes project that will
benefit the entire class. And your professor will be amazed at all your extra
energy...i.e., brownie points!
16. Don't tape record your classes.
This is pointless. If you know you don't have time to listen to those taped classes
outside of class, don't waste your money on a $30 tape recorder for nothing. The
only exception to this rule is if you buy one of those mini-recorders that uses regular
sized tapes and have a car with a tape player that you can listen to your taped classes
while you drive around. Or, you could listen to the classes while you work out on
the Nordic track down at Dedmon. That way you'd exercise your body and your mind!
17. Compare notes immediately after class.
Tackle the Smart Kids' right after cla! ss, and ask them if you can compare your notes
with theirs. Look over what they have, and jot down any information you missed.
Also, remember to ask them if you can xerox their stuff (cf. tip #8).
18. Study a little each night.
Don't cram. How many times do I need to tell you that? Study a little bit each
night. You'll thank me. I promise.
19. Don't get bogged down.
Don't let your extracurricular activities or your job or your lover interfere with your
school work. You're paying RU a lot of money for your classes. Don't be a bad
investment by not doing well in your classes.
20. If all else fails, BEG!
That's right. A little healthy groveling to your professors never hurt anyone.
Beg them for extra credit. Beg them to let you make up missed assignments.
Beg them to not flunk you.
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