Scholarly Advice for Academic Mastery
A collection of insights and advice from some of the most successful university, graduate, and professional students and scholars.
Topic: Courses
When picking courses, it helps to read the student evaluations book your school provides - but don't take it as gospel. Many factors will be important in your class selection - schedule, prerequisites, difficulty, workload, professorial skill, teaching assistant quality, fulfillment of requirements, and subject. Some of this you can gather just from the course description. The student evaluations may help with others. But the most important factor in picking a course is your interest in the subject. If a class sounds really interesting to you, take it! Ask friends with similar interests who have already taken the class what they thought about it. But always bear in mind that you're picking courses for you - not for anyone else.
If your dream is to go to law school and become a lawyer, don't worry about picking a law-related major or classes. Law schools love students who do something other than PoliSci or Econ. Take classes you're passionate about. You'll enjoy them more and do better in them. Plus, you may find an area of law related to your college major.
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Three classes you shouldn't leave college without
having taken:
1. Intro economics (at least micro). Economics is essential for figuring out
what the effects of policies will be - including the unintended
consequences. It's also very useful for making decisions in your own life.
(Lessons such as the irrelevancy of sunk costs in decision-making and the
inability of individuals to beat the market are extremely important for
everyone's lives.)
2. Intro statistics. Statistics proliferate in modern life. It's critical to
know what figures to consider significant. Everyone should be able to get a
sense of a reasonable answer to any questions one might study. Nearly every
job a college graduate will take is going to involve statistics in some way.
3. Political philosophy. If you're going to advocate for political causes or
even to vote, it's important to know what policies you should push or vote
for. Political philosophy is the methodology for determining what the
government should do. It alone can answer questions like "Can good outcomes
justify unjust actions?" and "What rights do people have?".
Take these courses and you'll thank me later!
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Alex Harris Harvard University
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Though it may seem counter-intuitive, I've always found that scheduling myself for a really exciting course first thing in the morning at least two or three times a week helps to make me more productive academically. I know it goes against a lot of modern stereotypes and expectations for college, but think of it this way: if you get up early for a class you really want to take, and take advantage of the resulting free time in the mornings and afternoons, you'll be much more free during the evenings. How else will you free up that time for those "deep hallway conversations about the meaning of life?"
Conor Williams
PhD, Government (Political Theory)
Georgetown University
Interest is so important in academic success. Let me give you an example. For years I studied as a Business major. Convinced that this was surely a quick way to financial freedom, I stayed the course despite my seeming lack of interest in many of the subjects. Now, by no means am I saying that Business is not an honorable field. To the contrary, life as we know it today would not be without the great minds of Business. Yet, I still felt out of place. It was such a struggle for me to stay tuned into the lectures and projects. I followed my heart and made a huge chance in the direction of my academic career. Although risky, it was the best decision I ever made for myself. Now studying in a discipline that I have genuine interest in, I find it much easier to become motivated in my academic studies. Interest is truly the dog that leads the way!
Michael McCormick
Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling
University of North Texas
“Good teachers are unquestionably the thing that matters
most. Studies indicate students with more effective teachers showed 6 times
greater gains than those with less effective teachers, regardless of the
students’ background.”
Haycock, 2002
Understanding that teachers
make up a major component in student success is not something that is new to
students or educators. Typically adult learning theories are embedded with
the basic concepts of behavioral change and experience, but never mention
the active role of the educator. We understand that adults learn differently
than children by the great work and research completed by Piaget, Knowles,
Gardner, Fry, Merriam, and Caferella. We must than turn to the remaining
factor left in the equation. Will the educators and the university or
college you choose provide you with the best opportunity to succeed?
All major university are making
changes in the way education is being delivered, but does that meet your
needs. Before I buy a car, I take it for a test drive. Have you played an
active role in sitting in on your university or college? Walking around
campus and visiting the dorms is a ticket to failure. Visiting the
classrooms and observing the teaching methods of the professors is one way
to ensure that your university or college will help you succeed.
Read the sticker and ask about
the many options available with this model. Take time to ask for syllabus
and get an understanding of the strategies and methods used during
instruction. College students are interested in learning subjects that have
immediate relevance to their job or personal life. Make sure that your
professors customize all deliverable processes and that you are really
spending your money (or your parents) wisely.
In conclusion, make the most of
your educational experience by asking that they provide you with the most.
The days of lecture, test and grade are over. Universities around the world
have recognized that canned education belongs in the can. Sempre Audi –
“Dare to be wise” Horace
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Robert Williams Adjunct Instructor - Buena Vista University Master of Educational Leadership Viterbo University
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Every one dreads the infamous Organic Chemistry class. Everyone hears the rumors about the level of difficulty and how most people do not pass it the first time. I want to clear up any confusion and let you know this is FALSE! Organic chemistry can be very enjoyable if you understand what is going on. Many medicines we use today are here because of Organic chemistry.
I was a tutor in Organic chemistry for several years and here are some tips I have for the class:
1. Make sure you study the class 30 everyday! This is important because I notice that most people wait a day or two before the test and end up failing it and do not understand why. This is not a class you can wait until the last minute to study for, you need to constantly be learning the material. Going over the material everyday will help you really understand the material instead of just memorizing it.
2. Know the chemical reactions forwards and backwards. Many people benefit making these reactions into note cards, one side showing the starting material and the backside showing the product. In addition to knowing the starting material and product make sure you know the reactants. This will help when you get to synthesis problems.
3. When doing synthesis
problems be sure to look at the problem forward and backwards. Look at the
product and the given starting material and work forwards and backwards to
find the answer, the answers always lie in the chemical reactions you
learned for the test. Just go through all the chemical reactions from the
chapters and the answer is right in front of you. Also, take these type of
problems step by step. Do not panic and and start feeling defeated before
you even begin.
Good luck with the class and
remember just study all of this a little everyday and it is amazing how well
you will begin to really understand the material.
Carissa Janice Smith
PhD, Chemistry
Rice University
College Classes vs. High School
Classes:
Each day in high school you proceed directly from one class to another. In
college, you often have hours between classes with class times varying
throughout the day and evening. Realize that the afternoon classes fill the
most quickly. Recognize if you are a “morning person,” an “afternoon
person,” or an “evening person.” Some people can easily be sharp and alert
at given times of the day, while others really struggle or get sleepy. If
you love your afternoon nap, then maybe take more classes at night after
you’ve rested. Choosing the right times to be in class and study is half the
battle of college. Register/enroll for classes as early as possible to get
the best selection of times/offerings. Make schedules in advance well before
your enrollment period begins. In high school your courses were selected for
you for most of your career, while in college, you get to choose more of
your courses in consultation with an academic counselor.
Beware of the temptation to take 3-4 heavy courses together at once. I would
not combine sciences, mathematics, engineering, English, social sciences,
accounting, and history in the same semester as you may have done in high
school with 7-10 periods throughout the year. Also, do not be fooled by art,
music, dance, and theater classes as being “easy.” Some can be as equally
demanding as any other course and may require a different sort of commitment
to physical work/exertion, memorization of classical periods/lines of a
script/choreography, a keen eye and refined ear toward details of a given
artistic piece.
In high school you spent on average of 6 hours a day, 5 days a week in
class. That’s a 30 hour week. In college, you spend only 12-16 hours in
class. You use the remaining time to study. I never believed my counselors
who gave me the “rule of thumb” that every credit-hour spent in class should
also be spent in an hour of study time during the week, but it is true,
especially if you want to keep your GPA high. When you enroll, schedules
tend to look lighter than they really are. Do the work continuously, avoid
cramming because it is exhausting and not as productive, and schedule review
sessions throughout the semester. Know what is needed to be turned in, read,
or worked upon each week of the semester and spread out the work to avoid
being overwhelmed by 3-5 papers at once.
In the public school system, high school classes generally span over 36
weeks out of the 52 week year (giving you the summer off). In college, the
academic is generally fall and spring semester lasting 16 weeks long
including your final exam week. (See, you already are dealing with the
“schedule cramming” of colleges. Why pile “study cramming” on top of that?
Avoid this type of stress!)
Teachers in high school generally take attendance, as you are usually
compelled by state law to be there. In college, professors generally do not
take roll; you don’t have to be there. You pay for the right and opportunity
to be there. What you do with the right is up to you. Despite not taking
roll, professors are also still likely to know if you attended class that
day. They know who the “regulars” are and who is invested in the class. Be
the invested student. Classes in high school are generally small with less
than 35 students, while classes in college can average 60 – 600 students in
a lecture hall. (Now you can see why attendance wouldn’t be taken for 600
people…you would use up too much class time doing so.)
In high school you are guided through the graduation process. In college,
you are expected to know what it takes to get your degree. Accomplishing
this is on your initiative. Graduation requirements are complex and
different majors can makes changes over the years to degree plans and
requirements. Get a copy of the academic catalog and read it cover to cover!
This is the “rulebook” colleges must play by and it is amended only every
few years in most institutions. It allows for institutionally uniformity and
fairness to students. Reading the “rulebook” sounds nerdy and
time-consuming, I know, but it will do many things for you: 1) prevent you
from missing an opportunity to get classes to double-count (in your major
and as a general education curriculum requirements), 2) allow you to avoid
missed requirements, 3) get an understanding of the transfer credit and
residency requirements if you changed institutions, 4) GPA thresholds for
academic honors, 5) grading rules for incomplete and repeated courses (you
cannot prevent unexpected interruptions in your career, but you can know how
to handle a disrupted degree if something should happen to you or a family
member), and 6) requirements for entrance into a college/school or major.
Arm yourself with knowledge of these rules and differences. Knowledge is
power!
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Tiffany Sanford Jenson PhD, Sociology University of Oklahoma
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An academic adviser is a valuable resource in understanding degree requirements, course selection, and other scheduling issues. For instance, attempting to decipher course pre-requisites and co-requisites can be a daunting task as a college freshman, and many students have accidentally taken extraneous courses that did not contribute towards their degree. Consulting an academic adviser can prevent such common problems. In fact, advisers are really intended for students of all ages, from freshmen registering for classes to seniors applying to graduate. Typically, each department has its own adviser who best understands the specific requirements and issues for all students of a particular major. Each student should consult with their guidance counselor at least once a semester. And for seniors preparing to graduate in the next year, visiting their guidance counselor weekly is not a bad idea. But caution should always be exercised when receiving guidance; the student is ultimately responsible for taking the correct courses in the correct order. An academic adviser is a convenient service, but not a substitute for personal responsibility.
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Jeffrey Gibson Master of Science in Electrical Engineering University of West Florida
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Academic Success – Will You Help Yourself?
"There is, perhaps, no college decision that is more thought-provoking, gut
wrenching and rest-of-your life oriented--or disoriented--than the choice of
a major." (St. John, 2000, p.22)
For most students the single most annoying question and the one we seemed to
get on a weekly basis is “what do you want to do for a living?” The typical
response is either, How am I supposed to know? I’m just a student!” or “I am
majoring in ____________.” I understand this and I understand how annoying
parents and relatives can be at times. Most students have made choices
concerning their career path with very little reflection into what they
really want to do. Will you help yourself?
Before you shell out big bucks to attend an educational institution, it’s a
good idea to have some clear goals for yourself. Remember, you are not
“deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life.” Chances are,
you’re going to change your mind several times along the way, and that’s
okay. Only through experience do we learn the kind of work for which we are
best suited. I recommend that all students get out and try new experiences.
That is what this time in your life is about.
Some people report having had a “calling” to their chosen profession,
meaning they instinctively knew which job they were best suited to do. Some
students have external forces, helping them in a general direction toward
their career path. For the rest of us, it’s not that easy. Finding a job
that matches your personality and interest is the cash crop of many interest
and career assessments. Experts agree that satisfaction in career chose
depends on matching your interests and personality to the work environment.
Working 80,000 hours in your lifetime, I hope your interests match your
chosen profession.
Use your electives as an opportunity to explore the possibility that you
have made a wrong choice. Not just a class that I can take for easy credit.
Continuously reflect upon your career path and ask yourself, will this match
my idea of the future and where I want to be? Begin with the foundation
courses and evaluate the communication provided by the educational
institution. Get your educational “feet wet” before you make a decision that
you may regret.
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Robert Williams Adjunct Instructor - Buena Vista University Master of Educational Leadership Viterbo University
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Life, the Universe and a Thesis: how to get the most out of studying
religion
You may have heard from a
well-meaning friend or family member that it takes a real leap of faith to
study religion in college, whether or not you are a believer. The standard
objections come easily to mind: it’s not a ‘practical’ choice career-wise;
religion doesn’t matter in the modern world; theologians talk nonsense
anyway. But I won’t dwell on those because presumably if you’ve decided to
study religion you have at least some sense of its worth as an object of
academic inquiry. Perhaps you’ve come to the conclusion that in a time of
increasing cultural fragmentation, religious fundamentalism and widespread
skepticism about both the reliability of material wealth and its ability to
satisfy the most basic human longings, the need to understand and critique
religious beliefs and practices is more urgent than ever. Perhaps upon
recommendation you’ve read Pascal’s Pensees or William James’s The Varieties
of Religious Experience and realized that there’s more to this ‘nonsense’
than skeptics appreciate. Whatever the reason, you’ve declared your major,
stuffed yourself at the departmental picnic and are wondering what your next
two years will be like.
The first thing you must let sink in is that a religion degree is like a piggy bank: you get out of it exactly what you put in. Religious studies is a field wide enough to accommodate a huge variety of interests, from art history or philosophy to environmental policy and social justice, but it’s up to you to take advantage of that flexibility and all the resources you have access to, such as professors, libraries and local religious leaders. If you’ve been diligent in fulfilling general education requirements (where applicable) in your first two years, once you start your major concentration you are free to devote yourself exclusively to the particular subjects that interest you. The key here is to read, read, read. Don’t limit yourself to assigned books. Your identity as a scholar of religion (and you are a scholar, whether you go on to postgraduate studies in the field or not) will be formed in critical dialogue with the great minds who have gone before. The only way to find out what you stand for and what you are prepared to argue is by discovering what you stand against or what you disagree with. And nobody can do this for you, not even your professors. Reading the classics will also help you develop your writing skills, the most critical component of success in this field. It will also give you a head start when it comes time to write your thesis, which really should be spent writing and not trying to catch up on all that reading you thought you would have plenty of time for at the last minute!
Religion classes center on reading and critical discussion. Arguments in the field resemble those found in the neighboring disciplines of history, sociology and philosophy. This means that an ability to rapidly absorb large amounts of information and follow the subtleties of a complex, multilayered discussion is essential. You will acquire this ability as you read professional monographs and articles. Most large religion classes have precepts led by graduate students, and those are good opportunities to practice close reading and develop argumentative skills. But don’t argue just for the sake of arguing. It is not worth it to be constantly raising questions and points just to show the preceptor or professor that you’re ‘involved’. You will be graded primarily based on your written work (including essays and exams) and only secondarily because of good precept participation.
You will hear a lot from professors or outsiders about a ‘crisis’ in liberal arts education and religious studies in particular. You will hear that religious studies lack a common methodology, a definite purpose and anything approaching consensus about relevant data. To some extent, this perception is justified. On the other hand, there is nothing inevitable about this situation, and again a lot depends on your own approach and initiative. If there is a crisis in religious studies, you may form part of the solution through your studies! The main goal of a college education is to develop critical thinking skills. That means keeping an open mind about everything you hear, even when it comes from professors or ‘experts’. You are under no obligation to follow the latest trends in scholarship. You are, however, expected to know what the relevant arguments are and engage with them critically.
From a practical (i.e. career) point of view, a very important decision you must make is whether to study religion with a view to continuing on in academia, or aiming for a general liberal arts education which you can take into other fields. If the former, you should focus on becoming familiar with the discussion in a relatively restricted field (say philosophy of religion, American religious history, Buddhism, etc.) to position yourself to contribute intelligently to those discussions. If the latter, you should focus on developing vocational skills which you will need in a wide range of fields, such as computer literacy, public speaking, management skills, etc. In both cases of course any new skill you develop is likely to be an asset, but there are definitely different emphases in the two domains. Academic work is demanding and there is a lot of competition for desirable jobs (such as tenure-track professorships), but it is possibly the most rewarding you will ever do. You must decide whether it matters more to have a secure, highly paid job or to pursue your intellectual passions. Of course in some cases it is possible to do both, but no one can predict in advance what the future may hold for any given religion major!
The key to getting the most out of a religion major is to allow yourself to appreciate what it could mean for you personally. The chance to critically explore the sources of your most basic commitments and the impact that religion has on the modern world in the leisure of a college environment is one that not many people can boast of. I speak from personal experience when I say that studying religion can enrich you beyond your wildest dreams. It is true that much academic writing on the subject is dry, abstract and disconnected from the passions of everyday life. But in the very best works you will find exciting new perspectives, fundamental challenges to your worldview and wisdom to help you live well (rather than simply get by) in an increasingly uncertain time. In the end, a college education is not worth the paper your degree is printed on if it does not result in the acquisition of wisdom, the ability to apply head knowledge to the ‘real world’ with compassion, skill and critical awareness. The writer of the Proverbs had it right: getting wisdom is the chief thing, and is more to be coveted than gold or silver or jewels.
| John David Walters
Princeton University |
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When it comes to course selection, you will hear all sorts of advice, but
the most important piece, in my opinion, is to always be taking a class that
has nothing to do with your major. Enthusiasm for your major is great, but
if you are exclusively taking required courses or courses for your major,
not only will it get boring, but stress can start to add up. By taking an
"irrelevant" class each semester, you will have a change of scene at least a
couple of days a week, an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary thinking,
and you might just find that what you are learning in this "random" class is
not so irrelevant at all.
Once upon a time I was an Econ major taking all Econ classes, with a
Psych101 class on the side just because it fit into my schedule. First I
started to realize that Psychology is very much a part of Economics,
particularly in the aspect of consumer behavior. Then I began to realize
that Psychology is very much a part of every academic field and aspect of
life. As time went on, I became more interested in Psychology and dropped
Econ altogether. I am now a happy Psychology major, about to start working
with a world-renowned Social Psychology professor. In short: every semester,
take a random class that has nothing to do with anything, and you will
remain sane and learn some cool things.
Take a Physical Education class. In times of stress, it will be a healthy
outlet; in times of the blues, it will make your body release endorphins and
serotonin and all those feel-good chemicals, and you will smile; in times of
loneliness or homesickness, it will be a good excuse to socialize in a
relaxed environment. You might even learn something cool.
In my freshman year, I took a swing dance class, and it was one of the best
decisions I made that whole year. There I was introduced to dancing, which
is now one of my staples in life, and it was the highlight of my week in
those times when midterms were taking over everything. If it weren't for
dancing, I think I would not have survived second semester, which was a
whirlwind of financial, academic and romantic disaster. Today, I am a dance
TA (swing, latin, ballroom), and I either dance or teach every day of the
week because I love it so much, and I have made many friends from it and
have had many laughs because of it.
So take a PE class and play some tennis or do some archery! In my biased
opinion, though, everyone should take Intro to Swing.
| Qi (Jade) Wu Cornell University |
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11 Points to Help You Survive an English/Writing-Based Class
1. Use real words when writing papers (anyways, firstly, secondly, etc. are
NOT words).
2. Have a thesaurus out when you write. It is impressive when you use a
variety of words, especially when you use them accurately in order to
express yourself in a precise and concise way.
3. Use active verbs. Take advantage of the number of verbs that exist in the
English language.
4. When preparing a thesis, try to find a point of view/opinion that no one
else would take.
5. Take advantage of re-writes/draft opportunities. Don't just change
grammar, look at the big picture - rethink your points, add further
evidence, restructure the paper, make sure you follow your thesis the whole
way through...
6. When re-reading/skimming course materials/books in order to write an
essay, don't waste time - scan for keywords that have to do with your
thesis.
7. Speak up in class - question everything, and add your opinion to the
discussion. The more you participate, the more you learn.
8. Don't be afraid to have a different opinion than everyone else.
9. "Intro - 3 points - conclusion" is not always an effective format for a
paper.
10. Talk to your professor about your ideas for a paper, when you don't
understand something in class, and when you have questions.
11. Know the difference between a point and an argument. An argument is an
overarching theme which supports an opinion. A point is a subsection of an
argument which includes proof to back it up.
Alexandra Landegger
Georgetown University
Seven Tips to Succeeding in a Math-Based/Econ Class
1. Read the textbook (when you miss a class, when your professor doesn't
make sense, when you need to study/review, when you are trying to figure out
a problem set...).
2. Do practice problems. The best way to learn material in a math based
class is to repeatedly go through the process of determining an answer.
3. Work with other people on your problem sets and while studying...
4. ...But don't just let everyone else do the work. When you're a bit behind
everyone else in understanding, or if you don't get it at all, it makes
sense for you to ask what you are supposed to know. The people you are
working with might have a way to explain the topic that is different from
your professor and the textbook, which should make it easier for you to
learn the material. Don't feel bad when asking for help - teaching you what
you need to know will most likely ferment the ideas in your friends' head
better than any other studying they could do.
5. Know how your professor grades tests/problem sets. Are they more
concerned with the end result or with the process?
6. Come up with songs/dances/acronyms/etc to help you remember important
formulas.
7. If you are given the chance to have a cheat sheet, keep it organized and
simple. Try to color code it so it is quick/easy for you to find the
information you need (have a different color for each chapter, or try
different colors for formulas/vocabulary/etc)
Alexandra Landegger
Georgetown University
Accounting 101 Survival Guide
On my very first day of college classes freshman year, my Accounting
professor introduced herself and proclaimed, "Accounting is the language of
business." I quickly came to learn that the topic IS, in fact, its own
language. It was like nothing I had encountered in high school, save for
some Economics jargon. I made a few key decisions throughout my two
semesters of Accounting, and were it not for them, my chances for success in
the course would have been slim... at best. Here are some of the central
survival tips for Accounting:
- Go to the TA sessions!
If your Accounting class offers TA sessions, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. Don't
wait until the week of the test or exam, because you'll be fighting with
every other student in your section to have your questions answered.
Instead, go regularly. Even if you're confident that you've mastered the
material, take the opportunity to check your work step-by-step with a set of
eyes that may, at some point, be grading your exam.
- Go to class
There are some classes that require nothing more than two stellar essays for
an A+. Unfortunately, Accounting is a little more complicated. The text book
can be a great resource, but without the lectures, it's going to be
incredibly difficult to follow each chapter. Also, Accounting has a lot to
do with practice, practice, practice. Professors will most likely offer the
class example problems. You DON'T want to miss out, particularly because
they ones on the tests/exams will probably be similar to classroom
exercises.
- Look for Clubs on Campus, and Join Them!
As much as I hated it at times, I knew that Accounting was extremely
important in the business world. So, I joined one of the Investment Clubs on
campus, and it allowed me to apply what I was learning in class to the
real-world. The material not only seemed simpler and more manageable when it
was put into real-world context (like playing the stock market, for
instance) but also became less-intimidating because I was introduced to
older students who were willing to explain some of the concepts to me.
- Take Advantage of Projects!
Many Accounting classes use more than just tests and exams to evaluate
performance. Case studies, for instance, are an integral part of Managerial
Accounting. Typically, you'll work in a group to evaluate the circumstances
and financial situation of a company and determine how the company should
act. If you're like me, quantitative material doesn't always come easily.
Case studies and other written exercises were important ways to boost my
grade, and they're an opportunity to showcase your grasp on the material
outside of a test-taking environment.
- Read the Newspaper!
I know time is a rare commodity in college, but take a few minutes each
morning to read the business headlines. You'll be surprised at how relevant
the material you're learning is.
A brief guide to surviving one of college's most harrowing courses. Good
luck!
Amanda Katherine Bresler
Georgetown University
Intro to Chem... An incoming freshman, an introductory course, so how
hard could it be? Well intro to chem isn't quite a breeze. But it was
definitely possible and in the end, satisfying. Here are a few tips that
helped me succeed in chemistry.
1. Always be prepared. That doesn't mean showing up for class on time
(that's a given). But read whatever material you will be covering prior to
class. Class time becomes more beneficial to you, as you will know what the
professor is talking about and will be able to engage in the discussion,
asking any questions you might have had while reading the material. I have
to admit I didn't always do this, but when I did I found that class time was
more enjoyable and I learned a great deal more in preparation for the exams.
2. Use lab as an aid in learning class material. Chemistry labs may not
always be the shortest or most interesting labs, especially when considering
titrations, but professors usually connect labs with lecture material.
Understanding what's going on in the lab and working on the experiment with
diligence and interest will benefit you in the end. The hands on experiments
really bring the chemistry to life, so that what you are reading in the text
book actually appears before your very eyes.
3. If you have a T.A. (teaching assistant) utilize them until they are sick
and tired of your questions! T.A.'s are usually graduate students who have
recently gone through the same things that you are now dealing with. Ask
them anything and really anything. They are a fountain of information. My
chemistry T.A.'s were especially useful this year from organizing extra
review sessions to simplifying class lectures. The groups are usually small,
which makes one-on-one time quite available. T.A's always have little tips
and tricks to get you through the course, so make sure you take advantage of
them.
4. Office hours can be some of your best spent time in college. Professors
are always eager to meet with students during office hours. It's a great way
to form a relationship with your professor, which is always a good thing,
especially when you need recommendations for med-school. Even if you have
one silly question that's bothering you, don't be afraid to send your
professor an email. Professors have a great deal of information to offer,
not only about their teaching subject but about life and experiences in
general. Definitely take advantage of your professors' time outside of
class.
5. Classmates are friends not enemies. You may be vying for that number one
spot in class, but just remember that only one person can be at the top and
that one person is always alone. Make use of your classmates and help each
other out whenever possible. Each person has a different talent that they
can share. You may understand one topic on the exam while your classmate
understands something different. Banning together is a great way to beat
stress and succeed together. You'll probably become close with your lab
partner whom you'll spend hours with in the lab. Don't be afraid to share
your knowledge with somebody else, for it's easier to succeed together than
on your own.
6. Always stay on top of you game. In essence, don't fall behind. If there's
an exam coming up, don't procrastinate about it until the last minute.
Cramming may work for some, but you'll definitely learn more if you spend
your time studying a little bit at a time, even if that means a single topic
a night. It's also a big help to go over your notes after class. Sometimes
you'll find that something doesn't quite make sense and it's better to find
that out sooner than later. Going over your class notes can also give you a
hint as to what you really understand and what you might need to go over
again. Be organized, be on top of your work, and be aware.
7. DON'T STRESS! There are plenty of people who want you to succeed and are
willing to help you along the way. If you stay focused and manage your time
well, there's no need to stress. Everything will come together in the end.
Stress doesn't help you get an A anyway! Be relaxed, be diligent, and you
will succeed.
Angela Condo
Georgetown University
This article is directed to those who are about to, or will have to, take
an extremely daunting and difficult undergraduate college course at almost
any university--Organic Chemistry. However, the tips can also be applied to
difficult science courses in general, including but not limited to:
biochemistry, physical chemistry, and physiology. I took Organic Chemistry
last year at Washington University in St. Louis as a part of my premedical
curriculum.
The sheer amount of information covered in this course can itself be
extremely intimidating. However, at WashU, the professors took it one step
further by writing exams that not only tested our recall of covered
information, but our fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry by making us
formulate complex syntheses we had never before encountered, in lecture or
the text.
The first thing I did to ensure my success in this course was to have an
unwavering confidence in my academic abilities, and I flat out refused to
let myself be intimidated by its reputation. It's helpful to approach the
course with a slight air of arrogance, and to KNOW that if you put in the
work, you will be successful.
That brings me to my second point, work. Never have I seen a greater
correlation with the amount of hours I spent studying for a course with my
course grade than I did when I took Organic Chemistry. Try to do ALL of the
problems in your textbook. After that, do the problem sets your professor
assigns (if any). Another good tip is to read the material that is to be
covered in a lecture BEFORE attending that lecture. After the lecture, read
the sections or chapters involved and complete the relevant problems in your
text.
At the heart of Organic Chemistry are reaction mechanisms and syntheses. In
order to learn these, I developed a "Reaction Sheet" method that worked
wonders for me. The basic concept is to hand write all of the reactions and
reaction mechanisms covered in a chapter for each chapter. Also, for each
reaction note certain characteristics that differentiate it from other or
specific trends (e.g. In SN2 reactions, the order of reactivity goes
primary>secondary>tertiary due to steric hindrance effects). Be sure to hand
write, not type or photocopy from a friend or notes, these sheets. The
process of writing something out helps engrave it in your brain. The more
you write the reaction, the better you will recall it on test day.
So there you have it, a few tips to get you started on your road to success
as a premed or chemistry major when tackling Organic Chemistry. Take these
tips as a starting point to develop your own studying strategies for the
course.
All the best!
Anubodh Varshney
Washington University in St. Louis
Tip for Organic Chemistry:
Most organic chemistry classes require students to know many different
reactions; however, brute memorization is not the best way to approach this
feat. Looking for patterns and understanding why a reaction proceeds via a
certain path will make the task of remembering the reactions easier.
Specifically pay attention to the 3D configuration of the molecules
involved, electron configuration/ electro-negativity,
and possible resonance forms.
Rachel Beck
University of Virginia
One of the greatest challenges for me while in the EdD program at the
University of Georgia was writing article critiques. The scheduled class is
EOCS 9630 for my program of study. I was charged to locate a minimum of 30
articles on my chosen subject matter of the effectiveness of career
academies and their impact on graduation rates and high school drop out
rates.
I attempted to perform research on my own and to no avail I could not locate
enough articles that were peer reviewed, from professional journals, and no
more than three years old.
My tips:
1st -- Make an appointment with the librarian of your college/university.
Give him/her your topic in question form -- I am almost certain they will
make your life easier (i.e. always utilize the thesaurus when performing
your research). For example: if searching for the topic -- career academy --
the term career academy would also appear had there been an exact match for
terms such as: career awareness, career centers, career choice, career
education or career guidance.
2nd -- Understand that most article critiques consist of three major
components: identification of significant concepts, summary, and your
assessment (critique) of the information provided in the article.
3rd -- If you have not already, purchase the Publication manual of APA.
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the
American Psychological
Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Here is the ISBN #: 1557987912
I hope this helps :o)
Yvetta Denise Churchill
University of Georgia
Almost all science or engineering majors have to take a series of
Calculus classes their first few years. Calculus can be a very intimidating
subject, especially since its mastery is required for upper-division
classes. A strong mathematical foundation in Algebra, Geometry, and
Trigonometry is essential for surviving Calculus. If you haven't seen these
classes in a few years, try and skim a textbook on the subject matter. If
you've already had the course once, it probably is not essential to retake
the class; a review will suffice.
As with any math class, the best form of learning is doing a lot of
homework. Repetition breeds understanding in Calculus. When you encounter
homework questions you cannot answer, don't give up. Rather, check a
solutions manual, ask the teacher's aide or visit the campus "math lab" for
some free tutoring. There is a plethora of resources to help all struggling
students survive Calculus.
Unlike some other classes in college, an end-of-semester "brain dump" is not
an option for the Calculus series. Calculus II builds directly on Calculus
I, and Calculus III puts the concepts of Calculus I & II into a 3-D (or
3-space) environment. Add to this the fact that most upper division science
courses will use Calculus in some respect, and a student should be well
motivated to learn and retain this core, mathematical material for the
duration of one's college career.
The last great hurdle for any undergraduate engineering major is the
senior design (or capstone project). This project is intended to bring
aspects and knowledge from various engineering courses together into a
single, multi-faceted product. Most engineering majors dread this project
since it's usually the last and most difficult class of an already-lengthy
engineering curriculum. But don't worry; remember that countless other
engineers have felt the same way but survived.
As for picking a topic to research, look at past projects and see what
interests you the most. Most engineering programs have several teams you can
join and compete against other schools with. But if no team interests you,
you can usually request a project better tailored towards your interests.
While you might be allowed to complete the project alone, most likely you
will be required to work on a team. I cannot stress enough the importance of
assembling a team that can work together. In the past, I've seen teams fall
apart just weeks away from their due date and delay their graduation up to a
year. Next, figure out each team member's strengths and weaknesses and
assign tasks appropriately.
Create a project schedule with specific goals and milestones set for
specific dates. If your team falls behind schedule, work extra hard to get
back up to speed. Project delays have a snowballing effect, and the quicker
they are dealt with, the fewer problems you'll encounter.
Lastly, stay in contact weekly or semi-weekly with your sponsoring faculty
representative. If something goes terribly wrong and your project's
completion is in jeopardy, the faculty representative will be more
understanding if he/she is notified immediately rather than surprised near
the due date.
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Jeffrey Gibson Master of Science in Electrical Engineering University of West Florida
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Take the classes you want. Don't take a class just because everyone else is taking it. Select the courses which interest you personally. College is the only time in life where you are able to learn about things that won't necessarily pertain to your eventual job. Take advantage of that. Research courses and professors and make a class schedule that you will enjoy.
Alexandra Ernst
Biology, Philosophy
Vanderbilt University
Use the add/drop period! I know that it's a pain to go to extra classes at the beginning of the semester, but it will inevitably pay off by the end. There is nothing worse in college than sitting through a class for an entire semester if you don't find it interesting. Colleges always offer more great classes than you can take, I promise. You'll never know, however, if you don't occasionally stop in and go to a few extras. That way you won't end up with a dud. For what it's worth, sitting in on additional classes you think you might find interesting even after the add/drop period is also a great way to make the most of your academic career. Think of it this way: you'll never get another chance (probably) to sit in on these kinds of classes for FREE. After graduation, you'll pay for language classes, for guided reading groups, etc. Even though it adds to your course load (only a bit, since the homework isn't really a priority or required in that case), you'll absolutely appreciate it later. I'm not saying that you ought to sit in on five or six extra classes every semester, but that you won't regret attending some (even if it's just a few sessions) that you can't fit into your schedule.
Conor Williams
PhD, Government (Political Theory)
Georgetown University
Two of my hardest classes taken during my college experience were both of my Western Civ. classes. They were difficult for a few reasons: large class size (80-100 students), no textbooks, and the information was very detailed and not applicable to everyday life. Every class consisted of the professor standing behind a podium and lecturing straight for 90 mins. Here are some tips and strategies that I used for both of these classes that helped me be successful and do well in the class. These strategies can be applied to any type of lecturing class, not just Western Civ. classes.
First off, you need energy in order to be able to keep up for 90 mins. and be able to write fast. Make sure to eat before class and/or bring something small and simple with you. Bring a coke, coffee or energy drink with you to help keep you going. The next piece of advice is a personal preference. I ALWAYS handwrote my notes. However, many people prefer to type their notes because they type faster than they write. While this maybe true, I find that by handwriting my notes, I learn the material better. The material seems to stick with me and I remember what I wrote rather than what I typed. Make sure to bring a lot of paper, pencils and extra writing utensils.
After class was over I would make sure to go back to my notes at some point THAT day to highlight keywords, people, dates or events. I also reread my notes to make sure they made sense or that I could read all of my handwriting. Going back over your notes on the same day of class is so important because the material is fresher in your mind. Each day you wait the easier it is to forget what you were writing, meant to write or to remember what the professor said. Also this gives you time to meet up with a classmate before the next class to compare notes to see what you might have missed or any incorrect information (such as dates or names, etc) that you may have written. ALWAYS date your notes and keep them in order because this will help you keep the information straight. This is key for Western Civ. classes since chronology is crucial to understanding history.
Next comes the test. For history classes where the material isn't common knowledge allow yourself MORE time than normal to study for these tests. I usually started studying for my tests a week ahead of time. However, it doesn't matter how much time you spend studying for the test, but rather HOW you spend that time. USE TIME WISELY AND EFFECTIVELY!! I always went somewhere quiet where I would not get distracted. Studying should be in designated chunks of time. For example: I would study for about 2-3 hours a night. After 3 hours I was burnt out and knew I couldn't study for this test anymore so anymore time spent was a waste of time. During these 3hours I took 2-10min. breaks. I used the bathroom and maybe made a quick phone call in order to get my mind off of studying. Breaks are a crucial part of studying.
This is how I studied for
these tests: I took my notes and read over 1 page at a time. After
each page I rewrote my notes to make a condensed version This technique
helped me pick out the important stuff that I wanted to remember and leave
out the extra stuff that wasn't crucial to know. Once again handwriting my
notes helped the information stick with me!! This is the approach I used for
all the tests and it worked so well! Studying in groups is great if done
effectively. I recommend studying the material on your own FIRST. Then go to
your group studying session. Here you can ask any questions you have or
clear up any confusion. Secondly, since you already have a good handle on
the information, you can help "teach" your peers the information if they
aren't understanding something. Teaching someone else the material helps you
gain a better understanding of the material too!
I hope these tips and strategies help you to be successful in class!
Katie Marie Daniels
Clemson University
This summer I am taking Organic Chemistry at a university in my hometown. Now many call this course the beast of courses because of the amount and difficulty of the material taught. My friends even called me crazy for trying to tackle the whole year of organic in one summer. Monday through Friday I have class from 2:30 to 4:30pm.
Although this class is extremely tough I am managing to do pretty well thanks to a few smart study methods.
First, READ AHEAD!!! In a course like organic chemistry, it really helps to have a basic understanding of the material before it is actually taught. This is because the subject matter is so detailed that you can't fully grasp the knowledge if you haven't read over it ahead of time. Thanks to this method I only have to read the text once because once I listen to the lecture, the teacher just enforces what I already read.
I start reading at 9am everyday take a lunch break and continue studying until the class at 2:30, which brings me to my next tip: STUDY EARLY!!! Scientific studies have shown that your brain functions at its optimal level in the daytime. When you study early, you knock hours off the time you would have spent in the evening trying to get yourself to stay awake or not get distracted. The day is your time to work so use it for that. Also, if you study early you will have more time to relax in the evening and you won't have the stress of homework on your mind.
Even over the weekends, I spend much less time studying for tests compared to my classmates because I learned the material efficiently and effectively the FIRST TIME so I don't have to cram. This also leads to better long-term memory of the subject.
My last tip: participate in class. As dorky as it might sound, answering the questions your professor asks in class will really strengthen your knowledge of the material and point out potential subjects you need to review. Also, you gain the respect of the professor so if you do need help in the course he/she is more to take time out of his/her schedule to help. If you have to sit in the front of the classroom then do it because you will see the payoff in your grades. So far these tips have worked for me, so I have no doubt they will work for you.
Roshni Pankaj Shah
Washington University in St. Louis
One of my greatest regrets after finishing my four years of college was that I never went to go study abroad. I've spoken to many of my friends and they seem to reciprocate these feelings. I've travelled outside of the country but I wish I went on a trip to not just to enjoy other cultures but to be immersed in it. So whether it is just for a summer or a school semester, go and enjoy a study abroad trip. Those of my friends who have had the opportunity to enjoy a semester abroad have told me nothing but great things. They've all mentioned that it would be something that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Hannah Lee
Carnegie Mellon University
As a Spanish Literature major I have been faced with the daunting task of reading plays, short stories, and entire novels in a foreign language. While reading for these literature classes I oftentimes got lost or didn't understand what was going on. When reading a novel it is impossible to look up every word you don't know so I just decided to keep going and see what I could figure out. I would give the same advice to other students. Don't get bogged down in what you can't figure out just keep going and try to understand as much as possible. Sometimes I was able to piece it together and sometimes I wasn't, but over the years my reading comprehension improved. I also found that taking a break and coming back to the reading sometimes helped me understand it better. In class, there was a noticeable difference between the students who tried to push through the reading and students who gave up. A slightly incorrect or off based answer is better than an answer of "I don't know" as the professor will recognize that you tried rather than giving up.
Rachel Beck
University of Virginia
If you are interested in a course, but not sure, I recommend searching for the teacher’s or the course syllabus from previous semesters, and that should give you a better idea of what you would be doing in a class. You can search by looking on your school’s website, Google, or e-mailing a teacher requesting a past syllabus.
Understanding the course syllabus is very important. It is the professors’ way of letting students know what is expected of them. It usually has an outline of the semester including due dates for assignments and perhaps descriptions of assignments. The syllabus will tell you how you will be graded and policies on attendance and class work. If you read through the syllabus, you will know more about the class and what you will be doing. You can always refer back to the syllabus if it describes assignments and due dates.
| Sarah Becker Arizona State University |
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If you are unsure of what your major should be, try taking classes/seminars that cover different topics (like science, English, math, history, or maybe career specific classes) during your freshman year so that you can get a better feel for the majors your school offers. If you hastily pick a major that you're not truly interested in and then decide to change it mid-sophomore year, it becomes more difficult to complete all the necessary courses in 4 years. I heavily suggest taking as many of the required/gen-ed courses as you can asap. That way, by your junior year (if not sooner) you'll be able to concentrate on classes that really interest you for possible future career choices.
| Paola Annoni Biology Georgetown University |
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One of the best moves a history major can make is to travel. Study abroad programs are not only a lot of fun but they also look great on a resume. Most universities offer sponsored programs, so you can go with students and professors from your own university. You have the possibility to travel with friends and do not have to worry about taking classes from foreign instructors. Hopefully the classes you take will also be sponsored by an international university so you have the opportunity to make friends with foreign students.
World or European historians can travel practically anywhere in the world and make it applicable to their field of study. Students of American history can also find programs which offer classes in their field. Traveling to a non-Western country looks the best on a resume. It shows you are adventurous and can adjust to diverse cultures. Also seize the opportunity to study a foreign language on a study aboard program. Emersion in the language makes the learning easier, and many non-Western languages are not offered at smaller universities in the United States.
Study abroad programs can be expensive, but there are numerous scholarships available. Also by participating in a program sponsored by your home institution, you normally pay home institution tuition, which can be cheaper than paying a foreign institution. Once you have successfully participated in one program, it can be easier to obtain scholarships for another. You can prove your ability to adjust to the culture and challenges like homesickness.
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Some of the most difficult classes to take in the humanities fields are seminar classes. These classes are very small, sometimes as few as four students. They involve large amounts of reading and lengthy classroom discussions. The professor generally throws out topics to begin a discussion and then lets the students do all the talking. Grades come from student’s classroom contributions and not from tests or quizzes.
The best way to succeed in the types of classes is to NOT skimp on the reading. Always do the assigned reading and if all possible do background research on the author/s and other author’s divergent opinions. Professors love it when students go beyond the requirements. A little background reading will also help you to better understand the assigned material and therefore to make more intelligent comments in class.
Another good tip is to take good notes while reading before class. It can be difficult to remember the in-depth details of the reading and your own opinions while reading. A trick is to put sticky notes with thoughts or opinions throughout the text, which you can refer to in class to help you to remember details.
Remember these types of classes can also be fun. They are upper level classes which rely on the previous knowledge your have built up in college. You do not have to memorize a lot of details, but instead interpret and evaluate writer’s opinions. Expressing your own opinion is allowed and encouraged in class, and who doesn’t have an opinion?!
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Jessica Lynn Taylor Master of Arts in World History East Tennessee State University
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Self-Creating a Major
The wonderful experience I had in college is almost entirely due to my
decision to self-create my own very specific concentration. I had very hard
time choosing on a major as a freshman. I wanted to something related to
Architecture. Unfortunately, that is a pre-professional degree and most US
colleges do not offer it. Thus, I double majored in Engineering and Art as
to come up with some kind of combination that will let me purse my more
architecture-oriented interests. That did not work out very well as I
figured my class schedule until graduation would have been rather rigid due
to the very different and too many in number core requirements for both
majors.
My second year I transferred to Harvard with the hope of finding an academic
field that would better suit my interests. I enrolled in History of Art and
Architecture. Still, I found the classes too theoretic and more oriented
towards art rather than architecture. The solution to my increasingly
overwhelming problem of being unable to find a suitable major for my very
specific interests was to self-create my own major in Urban Studies. That is
an unusual option that very few students pursue. Out of about 5000 students,
only 20 decided to purse their own field of study.
For me, self-designing a major, turned out a great success. I was able to
design my own curriculum, cross-register for graduate level classes more
easily, pursue a study-abroad semester related to planning, and work with
graduate level professors in the field of planning. To that, I was able to
write a thesis under the close supervision of a professor at Harvard
Graduate School of Design, which further allowed me to develop my interest
and skills in planning. All this would have been very difficult (not to say
impossible) if I had not been in Special Concentrations and had not received
approval for all my special undertakings by the administrations, based on
the fact that they were part of my self-designed concentration.
I advise students who have hard time choosing a major from their college
catalogues to consider seriously the option of self-designing their own
major. That may turn out to open may doors and give realization to their
passion!
Irina Mladenova
Harvard
I was not looking forward to taking the biology sequence required for my
associate’s degree in liberal arts. I had a difficult time mastering such
material in high school, and as a result, I held a negative attitude towards
this subject area. I was advised to take the two biology classes required at
the community college level prior to transferring on to a 4-year college
because I would be getting it over with, rather than having to take it at
the next college where I would be attending.
I enrolled in Biology: The Basics of Life my second to last semester. This
class was difficult and required that I study an adequate amount of time
memorizing concepts. My professor did not take attendance at the required
labs; however, he told us that those who showed up to labs did better on
tests than those who did not. I attended every lab and these prepared me
better for the exams. If I did not attend, I would have had to rely on the
notes I took in class as well as the required readings. I received an A in
the course and can attribute this achievement to the fact that I attended
each lab offered. The following semester, I enrolled in Introduction to
Zoology which was the second and final biology course that I had take. The
professor who taught this course also did not take attendance during the lab
sessions. I wanted to do just as well in this course as I did in the first
biology course that I had taken, so I attended every lab and reserved time
on a weekly basis to read and study the concepts that I was being introduced
to.
There is only so much you can learn from taking notes and reading, so I
strongly advise that everyone should attend labs. I hope that this
experience that I have shared will encourage you to attend labs even if they
are not required. You will be glad that you did!
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Sean Michael Kenney Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling University of Massachusetts-Boston
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Pre-enrollment: It can be difficult to choose classes a semester early, especially if you’re unsure of your major, or if you can’t decide between classes. There were usually eight or nine courses I wanted to take each semester, but obviously I couldn’t take that many. During pre-enrollment, sign up for an extra class, and plan on dropping one before the drop deadline. If you know you are only going to take four classes, sign up for five and drop one later. I always planned on completing five classes each semester, yet I enrolled in six. I would attend all six and do the work for each class, and after a few weeks I would decide which five courses I wanted to continue with for the rest of the semester, and drop the extra course. This allowed me to test a lot of types of classes and professors without making a semester-long commitment. This also was a great way to get exposed to different types of classes outside of my major. It’s like a short-term audit. Just make sure you keep up with the work in the classes you know you’re going to keep!
Meghan Gallagher
French Literature and Italian Studies
Cornell University
Chemistry…yuck! At least the majority of students have this first thought as they take on a college chemistry class. My response to my fall schedule that included chemistry in the listing was much the same. Luckily after showing up to the class a few times, I was able to find someone who was in fact a “master of chemistry” (at least I thought so anyway). He turned out to be a chemistry major who was eager to teach me a thing or two about the subject at hand. He not only helped me study, but the night before each test he conducted a review session. This allowed me to ask last minute questions and work out the material in front of him to see if I had mastered it. It was a huge help, and I even managed to start making sense of some of the material.
The reality is that most students will take at least one (if not more than one) class that they can’t say is at the top of their easy A list. My advice, find someone who does enjoy the class and is willing to become your new semester study partner. It is a great way to learn the material and not become so boggled down on your own.
Crystal Nichole Mille
Texas A&M
Choosing a college major can be a daunting task. You may be interested in a few departments and you may also feel some pressure from parents, grandparents and high school teachers to receive a degree in a field that may lead to your financial success or prestige in the future. However, you will be the one awake late at night finishing those papers and studying for exams. I would recommend looking through your university's course guidebook to see if there is a department where you would not mind taking every single course listed. This is how I chose sociology as my undergraduate major, and I was extremely successful because I was interested in a majority of my required courses.
Amy Krilla
Master of Science in Social Work
Florida State University