Making the Academic Adjustment to College

You know the feeling: the oh-my-god-I'm-in-over-my-head-what-was-I-thinking feeling. And if you haven't, expect to become thoroughly acquainted with it your freshman year at college (unless you possess a Zen-like personality). Your first semester at college may trigger your panic button-repeatedly. There are professors who want to weed out the weak, a newfound freedom that beckons you away from your books, and a horrible sinking feeling that your high school didn't exactly prepare you for this rigor.

As well as adjusting to being away from home for the first time, you must also adjust to new expectations at the academic level. Some of these expectations may be lower (a lack of busy work and mandatory attendance), some higher (tougher standards for writing). To ensure you have as smooth a transition to college as possible, here are ten tips you need to know.

1. Understand the importance of reading and writing assignments

Most college courses do away with busy work, but by trimming the fat, there's far fewer ways to rack up points in your class. Sometimes your grade in the course is determined by as few as four or five assignments (usually tests and papers). That does not mean, however, you'll have loads of free time.

On your college syllabus (explained further in point seven), your professors will list what reading you will have to do. Sometimes they will have pop quizzes or class participation points to check whether you've been keeping up with your reading. Sometimes they won't. Always do your reading. Eventually you'll develop an instinct for whether you can forgo the reading and spend your time on more pressing concerns. But for now, if you push it off, you're going to have a terrible time come test day. If you do your reading you'll be better able to follow class discussions (and this information will then stick in your head more-essential for test day).

If you do your reading, you'll also do a better job with your written assignments. Professors often assign short writing assignments (1-3 pages) and research papers (10 or more pages). For these assignments, you must demonstrate you understand the course material. To understand the course material, you must do the readings. In addition, college professors want your papers to be relatively free of grammatical errors (sometimes grammar is worth 10-20 percent of a paper's overall grade). Take your paper to your college's writing center if you're not confident in your writing abilities.

2. Be discerning when joining extra-curricular activities

Maybe you were a person who did it all in high school: National Honor Society, tennis, German Club, homeless shelter, yearbook, writing tutor-your list goes on. Colleges offer a wide range of clubs, activities, and sports. But before you jump in with your usual fervor, restrain yourself. Sure, join a club or two, but make sure you can handle your course load. As time passes, you'll gain the ability to juggle multiple clubs, an array of classes, and a job, but, for now, take it easy.

If you're not one to join clubs, you should still consider it (it's a great way to meet new people and to learn new skills). Of course, if you feel even one club is too much stress as you're adjusting to your classes, then wait until you're comfortable.

3. Be reasonable about getting a job

Sure, colleges always strongly recommend that you don't work a job your first semester. But some of you may be on your own paying for college (or paying a large portion of it) and need the money. So it's not realistic for you to take a semester or two off.

The solution?: Try to get a campus job. If you're lucky, you might just have to babysit a desk and can spend most of your time doing your homework. At the very least, your employers will understand if you have to take a day off to study for a test or take a final. If you can't find a campus job (or find the pay is too lousy), ask students who work off campus about their jobs. Some surrounding stores and restaurants are more sympathetic to working students than others. Seek those places out.

4. Hunt for some easy or interesting courses

College is about challenging yourself. However, the first semester is usually challenging enough, why make it harder? While your goal shouldn't be to always take easy classes whenever possible (you could miss out on challenging, yet rewarding courses), give yourself a break your first time at college. Ask other students or go on ratemyprofessors.com and try to find at least a couple of courses that won't drive you to tears. Alternatively, pick a class that sounds interesting to you, even if it's outside your major. If a course fascinates you, you'll have an easier time getting through the readings.

5. Take advantage of any campus tutoring programs

There's no shame in asking for help from your college's tutoring services. Your college employs tutors from a wide spectrum of subjects. Sign up if you're having trouble with your classes; it's better than being burdened with a low starting GPA.

Colleges also often have writing centers (as mentioned previously). Even if you think your paper is decent, schedule an appointment (or sometimes you can just walk in) if you're turning in your first major writing assignment.

6. Attend or organize study sessions

For class midterms and final exams, try to find or organize a study group. The benefits are twofold. You'll meet new people (and possibly older students who can give you some pointers), and it will help with your studying. At study sessions it's also refreshing to see other people in the same position as yourself. You will relax more knowing that you're not alone in stressing out about the test.

7. Consult your syllabuses on a daily basis

On your first day, at the beginning of each course your professors will hand out a syllabus. Syllabuses detail course policy, the major assignments, the grading system, and when assignments are due. Always consult your syllabus right after class to see what assignments are due next time. Look ahead to when major assignments are due (tests, quizzes, and midterms). You don't want any unpleasant surprises.

Get an agenda book, calendar, or even set up e-mail alerts for assignments if need be. It's always good to be organized.

8. Attend your classes

Unlike high school, some professors don't have attendance policies. Attend anyway. Listening to the material helps you understand it. Test material also comes mostly from your class notes (sometimes exclusively).

Additionally, if you're in a small class, your professor will notice your absence. If you have questions or think your grade should be bumped up a half a percent to get a higher letter grade, the professor will be much more receptive if you've participated and shown strong interest in the course.

9. Take good notes

While attending your course, your professor may rarely, if ever, write on the blackboard. It's up to you to decide what's important and what you should write down. If you did the readings, you'll be better able to recognize what's important. If you notice your professor's lecture is almost straight from the text, write it down anyway. When you study for a test, you'll look back at your notes, see that your professor did discuss this part of the text, and know that it's more likely to be on the test.

10. Hang in there

Yes, college can be completely overwhelming. A lucky few may get a break (unusually easy classes, lenient professors, or just better adjustment skills). But hang in there and try your best. Your classes will get harder, but you will get better at handling the load. The quicker you sharpen your note-taking, paper-writing, and study skills, the easier college will seem (even when the material rises in difficulty)-and the best way to develop these abilities is practice. Of course, you should have fun too. But remember, you're at college to learn.