How to Survive the College Classroom

No one said college classes were going to be easy, and they really aren't. College classes are much different than those of high school in that they offer you much more freedom to do whatever you like. With this in mind, students feel that they can do well without having to attend class or try hard. Some just don't even care. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your college education and ace whatever exam is sitting on the desk in front of you.

Learn to Take Tests

The majority of the grading percentage in college is based on your test scores. Homework and projects will count for very little, as many courses have as little as 3 tests and a final cover 100 percent of the course grade. So try not to rely on your abilities to be able to copy homework and do projects well - they will afford you no advantage in college.

If you have trouble taking tests (you get nervous or whatnot), try to take more practice tests before the day of the actual test. Practice tests will be available on your professor's course website for you to study. When you take the practice tests, make sure you have studied all that you can, and don't look at the answers as you take the tests. This will afford you the best possible simulation of how the real examination will be like. Time yourself, take a deep breath, and try your best. If you get caught up on one question, immediately move on to what you can do first. A professor's tests will usually consist of less than or equal to 5 questions. So although there are few questions, they will be long and usually consist of many parts. Try your best to answer each questions as fully as you can.

Go to Office Hours

Your professor will hold office hours, which are periods in which students can go and freely ask any questions pertaining to the course. Students who are troubled can go over any problem topics, as well as gauging how much more they need to study. This is a good one-on-one time with the professor to really ask what you haven't been able to ask in class. With only one student to address in office hours, the professor can tailor the session to your needs. But remember, other students may be waiting so afford them the respect that is necessary. Office Hours are usually at a certain time specified by the professor or arranged by appointment.

Get on your TA's good side

Your class will usually have one or two TA (teaching assistant) students who have taken the course and done well. They will be providing auxiliary help to the professor, usually because the classes are so large. They should know the information being taught just as well, so make sure that if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them. Since they are students just like you, treat it as talking to one of your peers. The environment shouldn't be as pressured as that of a conversation with a professor, so if you think that you will be more relaxed in this environment, go to your TA with any questions you may have. Also, the TA will most likely be grading any and everything your class involves. The professor will usually not take part in grading unless you have any questions regarding your grade. So if you know what your TA wants you to do on the test, make sure you do a problem or write an answer the way he/she wants it.

Study Alone

Many people enjoy studying in groups because it affords them a more motivated studying environment, but this is usually highly distracting. If you really want to join a study group, make sure to study with your friends and classmates after you have grasped the main concepts behind a class. Read your notes, study, and take the practice exams all alone on your own time, and go to a study group or study with friends in order to see what everyone else is studying and catch up on anything you may have left out.

Make sure you study with no distractions - that means no television, music, or any other things that can divert your attention and make you lose focus.

Attend Review Sessions

Before a test, the professor or TA will usually hold a review session to go over the major points you will be tested on. Make sure to attend these sessions, even though they may be at night. During the session, all of the material will at least be skimmed through, and you can refresh your memory on anything you may not understand very well or forgot about.

Get a Tutor

If you are really having trouble with your class, get a tutor, or pay a friend to help you. Universities will usually have a group of tutors who can help you in the basic large classes, so make sure to look into those opportunities to see if you would like more one on one time with a student to teach you about the subject matter.

Drop the Class

If you are struggling to keep up with a class's material, you can always drop the class. Schools usually allow you to withdraw from a class by a certain date with a "W" or "I" on your transcript, regardless if you are failing or not. All that will show up on the transcript is a W, and you can try to course again later on if you would like to. But remember, too many incomplete courses will always draw attention to your college advisor and potential employers.

Take Notes

A lot of professors will post their notes online, but some others won't. It is your responsibility to take specific and organized notes in class. The guideline notes the professor gives will not be a good measure of what to study your tests by. Professors know that a lot of students will skip their classes, so in order to reward those who actually go to lecture, they will hit important topics and points that students who don't come to class will not get. Therefore it is rewarding to attend every class you can.

Most of all, students need to want the desire to do well in the classroom. No one can help you take tests, as it is not a group project. If you know how to take good exams, then college should be a breeze.