An Insider's Guide: Tips for Surviving College

Going to college? Nervous? Do you have questions like "what exactly do I need to do to make the experience as painless as possible?" Here are a few basic tips that can make your college experience more enjoyable.

First, get to know that professor! Believe it or not, professors are people too, and as in all other interpersonal relationships, a little grease can go a long way. The trick is to do it subtly. Professors are always on the hunt for anyone they think might be "brown-nosing." Here is a tip, during the first week of class go to the professor's office and speak briefly with him or her. The subject should be something to do with the class, a simple question that is easily answered. Ask the question, get the answer, and leave. This does a couple of things. First, you have become a human being in the professor's mind--you no longer are just a blurry face in the crowd. Second, you have planted the seeds for achieving the blessed title of "A Good Student." Associated with this is where you sit in class. Sit up front,not in back. No need to be in the front row, the second or third ought to do; make sure you are somewhere in the middle of the row as well. The professor will see you, the professor will associate your forward placement with, again, "A Good Student."

Second, ask questions in class. This indicates that you are an interested "Good Student." Do not, under any circumstances, ask too any many questions. What is "too many?" That depends, you certainly want to ask a question if you are confused, one strategy might be in upper division courses ask a question per class session (or maybe once a week). In large, lower division, auditorium-style classes, you might ask a question every three weeks. And what ever you do, do not, do not, do not, try to debate with the professor in his or her area of expertise. I guarantee you, they know more about the subject than you do.

Third, go to class. I know this can be difficult for some, but there seems to be a direct correlation between attendance and final grade. Absent students really get professor upset. Also, go to class on time, and whatever you do, do not get up in the middle of class and leave--of course, if a real problem comes up, do what you must, but talk to the professor next class session and apologize for leaving.

Fourth, if you get a bad grade, certainly speak with the professor, but do not be confrontational or try to beg. It does not work, and professors are on to that game. Here is what you do. During the professor's office hours, go and speak with him or her. Tell them that you did not do as well as you could have on the test, and could they show you ways to improve? Take all the burden on yourself. Do not blame them. By doing this, again, you are on the way to being "A Good Student." Associated with this, if there is a teaching assistant in your class, get with them prior to the first test. Let them know you want to work hard and do well. Teaching Assistants are graduate students and have little sympathy for "sniveling undergraduates." Never try to bamboozle the TA. Never threaten to run to the professor and complain about your grade. Get the TA on your side, and life will be good.

Fifth, turn in all assignments on time. This tip makes life easier for the professor--and a happy professor is a more lenient professor.

Finally, manage your time. Get a day planner of some sort. Indicate when all your assignments during the semester are due, and then plan study time around the assignments. If one tries to "wing it" one can easily be overwhelmed.

If you follow these steps, your chances of succeeding in college are dramatically increased. Good Luck!