Taking an Independent Study Course? Here's 3 Tips for Success

If you feel discouraged by the thought of never having enough time to attend college classes, you will want to experience the advantages of taking an independent study course.

As the name implies, independent study courses are offered by universities to those interested in a wide variety of subjects, but who require the more relaxed pace of self-directed study that can take place in their own home.

If you are planning to take an independent study course, there are 3 tips you can follow to increase your chances of successful completion.

Tip #1 Stay Motivated

As part of its structure, an independent study course is typically designed around reading and written material which you mail in to your instructor for approval.

Because you are given at least one year to complete your independent study course, however, you will want to stay motivated. It's easy to procrastinate when a year seems like a long time.

To stay motivated to complete your independent study course, you should spend a little time each day working on it. This is the way to stay in touch with your progress and feel you are accomplishing something.

Tip #2 Stay Organized

Another way to increase your chances of successfully completing your independent study course is to stay organized.

This is a recommended strategy: Work on finishing the first half of the written assignments as one complete section. Then, as you are studying for the midterm examination, work on the second half of the written assignments.

Because the written work will take some time to be graded, you will already be prepared for the exams as you receive back your written assignments.

I know from personal experience that these independent study courses, which are accredited and can lead to a college degree, can be completed in as little as 17 days.

Tip #3 Maintain Regular Contact with Your Instructor

A final tip for successfully completing an independent study course is to stay in regular contact with your instructor.

The nature of an independent study course is about distance education. But think how impressed your instructor will be with your continual comments and questions about the course.

If you are motivated to maintain regular contact with your independent study course instructor, this person will know you more as a person and will be more inclined to give you a final good grade.

In sum, an independent study course is a good way for busy people to receive college credit.

In order to complete your independent study course on time, however, you will need to stay motivated and organized, and to get to know your instructor in a more personal way.

Source: Personal Experience