College bound? A few tips your professor won't tell you

We all know that college is hard. And we all know that people will tell you the way to success is through studying hard, paying attention, and doing your homework. Of course, these are important, but they go without saying. I'm here to tell you what people aren't saying...

1. Don't be anonymous. College professors will meet anywhere from dozens to hundreds of new students each semester. All those faces can run together. It's best to introduce yourself, early. The importance of "making a good first impression" is never truer that when meeting your professor for the first time (or your fiancé's parents). On more than one occasion, I received an "A" in a class simply because the professor thought of me as an "A" student - they didn't even grade my work. So now's the time to show up with your "A" on (and not the scarlet letter kind).

2. Really want that 3.8 average? Space out your harder classes so you don't get stuck taking Org Chem and Theoretical Physics in the same semester. Have some easy electives? Pair those up with your harder classes to give yourself more time to study. Know you don't do well in the mornings? Then don't.take.morning.classes. It's important to get a really good handle on your degree requirements so you can map out your 4 years without getting crammed at the end (or the middle, as it usually happens).

3. Finding your major: there is a big shift in work life between now and 20 years ago. Back then, whatever your major was in college ended up being what you did for work for the next 30 years. Today, people change jobs an average of 12 times before they're fifty! So calm down, pick a major that you're interested in (or you'll never finish your degree), and that can get you a job (or you'll never pay off your degree), and carry on. Don't let this decision paralyze you.

4. BE NICE. It never ceases to amaze me how many times I see students throwing attitude at a professor, or being short in an email. These students don't seem to realize that not only are professors in control of your grade in class, but potentially your grade in other classes (we talk to each other, ya know), AND your ability to get into graduate school or to get jobs. Professors are also active in their fields - we write letters of recommendation constantly, we know most of the employers in town, and often go to bat for students we feel would be an asset as an employee. We even HIRE our own students back to work for us! We are not the people you want to be rude to, believe me.

5. And finally, do your own academic advising. Everything you need to know about what classes you have to take, in what order, what grades you need to get, and what you need to do to graduate on time is all available in the course catalogue, academic handbook, student handbook, or whatever your school calls it. If you can't find it online (and LOOK before you ask) the registrar can give you anything you need. If you have an academic advisor, come to your appointments totally prepared. This is not just for their benefit (but they'll love you for it, and will likely fight a little harder to get you into that closed class you want), but it will also protect you from any mistakes they make - if you already know what's going on. Advisors are humans, they aren't perfect, and they see hundreds of students each term. Be responsible for knowing what is expected of you, know what classes you need to take, talk to older students about who the better professors are, and be in charge of your own destiny! (enter theme song here)

NOW GO, AND CONQUER THE WORLD.

#college #university #tips #academic