Registration

It is good to get a variety of classes; not all writing or memorizing.
This term, I learned not to take two of the hardest classes possible at the same time.
Have all classes in a row, or maybe one break for lunch.
Try to schedule day better so I get more sleep
Two sciences in one quarter is not fun.
No 8:30 classes.
Have an efficient schedule.  Try to block a couple of classes.
Get a Tuesday/ Thursday class.
Try to get easy classes during sports season.
Try not to get 8:30 classes.
Get requirement classes done first.
Don't take 8:30 class.
Pick easy classes.

Studying

Study hard because it's a short term and one test can kill you.
Spread studying out-- do it in small blocks and start early.
Know how much to study every week and keep this consistent.
Reading and doing sample problems is very important.
Two hours is not enough time to study for an exam.
Work a little on Monday night, then throughout the day Tuesday, not just Tuesday evening.
Study in an isolated place with no distractions
Study a little everyday, as opposed to a lot on one day.
Only study when studying; don't watch TV or talk to friends online.
Actually "study" for tests.
Maybe make flash cards to help remember things.
Study !!!

Plan papers/outline them a few days before writing.
Do things neatly and explain thoroughly.  Get things done ahead of time and don't procrastinate.
Be proactive about assignments through the syllabus of the class.

Get help

Make use of office hours more frequently.
Ask more questions instead of doing it all by yourself.
Talk to professors about how I'm doing or how I can improve on papers-- get feedback regularly.
Get into study groups-- helps with understanding of material
Stay on top of the class material.
Really study and find others to effectively study with.
Study with others more often.
Make sure you know what is going on in class.

Time Management

Don't mess around the first three weeks of school.
Procrastination may seem OK, but it isn't!
Think of out-of-class work for classes as a process of staying current with the class, rather than just completing assignments.
Stay current with the topic of each class, and know the turn-around from assignment to discussion in-class.
Spend extra time on hard concepts-- do more than is assigned if needed.
Turn off the computer except for assignments.
Spend more time in the library.
Eliminate distractions
More quality study time (no breaks).
Do not leave campus so much for sports!
Be able to dissect school work into manageable blocks
Spend more time on German, not just homework but review of class and memorization
Read new material that is covered each day.
Do not procrastinate.
Pay attention in class.

Sleep

Being awake in class helps.
I need more than 4 hours sleep a night.
Don't put your alarm clock by bed.
Wake up by 10 on days without classes & start working right away.
Get more sleep.
Go to sleep earlier.
 

FY Seminar, Fall 2001  directed by Chuck Stull

See also:
My Advice for Economics Majors
My Graduate School Advice
Portfolio homepage
Office of the Registrar's page
Kalamazoo College
 

Chuck Stull
January 7,  2002