TAKING NOTES

Basics

• Clear, concise notes are more effective than copious notes
• Instead of using a spiral, use a loose-leaf notebook divided into class sections
• Make all notes on loose-leaf paper. In an upper corner, title and date each sheet as you use it.
• Rewrite and combine your old study and lecture notes into a new single set of notes or outline. Use them as a replacement for your old notes in the loose-leaf binder.

Lecture Notes

• Sit near the front of the class to avoid distractions
• Be a good listener. Focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down on paper. You'll put them into your own words later along with your study notes. Pay attention to the instructor's clues as to what they consider important (usually what they write on the blackboard is one clue).
• If there is something you don't understand, ASK!
• Immediately after a lecture, without looking at your notes, try to recall on a separate paper as much as you can about what you have heard and learned. Then review your actual lecture notes to confirm and/or supplement your memory.
• During your next study session, quickly recall again on paper what you learned. Then review and reorganize your lecture notes in your own words.
• Repeat the recall process several times over several days to commit the new information to memory.

Back to Top

DEALING WITH PROFESSORS AND TOUGH CLASSES

• Go see your professors during their office hours posted on the door or on the class syllabus. They have to sit there whether you show up or not, so take advantage of this opportunity.
• Don't be afraid to ask other students and professors for copies of old exams. The questions may change, but the style and format usually remain the same.
• Make sure your professor knows your name. Putting a face with a name will be a big help, especially if your grade in on the borderline.
• Problems with faculty should be handled honestly and calmly. Always try to remedy conflicts with faculty members first. If the problem remains unresolved, seek advice from your academic advisor as to which steps to take next.
• What irritates professors? 1. Sleeping in class....2. Not going to class...3. Not being prepared for class...4. Not reading the syllabus...5. Lack of responsibility...6. Excuses...7. Not meeting deadlines.

Back to Top

TIME MANAGEMENT

• Learn to say no! Saying no to partying, movies, etc. does not make you a terrible person.
• Do not study for more than 2 hours at a time. Your brain really does shut down and any studying you do after that point is just a waste of time.
• Use "waiting time" to study. Look over your notes while waiting for a doctor's appointment, or at the laundromat while your clothes tumble dry. Chunks of time that might otherwise be idle can help you to fit study time into your busy schedule.
• Create a master schedule. Use different colored ink or highlighters to separate college-related tasks from personal and work responsibilities. Be sure to indicate midterms, finals, project and research paper due dates, and other important events. Block off times for studying, working, laundry, fun, etc. This will help you to keep from feeling overwhelmed by all you will need to do.
• Prioritize! Make a daily list of what you need to study, prioritize and set times for each item, and STICK TO IT!
• Use the 30-3-2 Schedule: a) Study for 30 minutes. b) Take a 3-minute break (let the break be a time to think about other things). c) Go back to studying and take an extra 2 minutes to mentally review what you have just read and do a quick preview of what is coming up next.

Back to Top

STUDY STRATEGIES

• Attend as many academic support activities and workshops as possible. The Learning Center, Math Lab, Computer Lab, Peer Tutoring and Student Development Center offer free services to help you be successful.
• STUDY! This may be obvious, but you would be surprised how many student don't bother.
• Study in a quiet place where you won't be interrupted by phone calls, siblings, children, spouses, parents or significant others. Your study space should be comfortable and be equipped with everything you will need (text and reference books, paper, pencils, rulers, etc.). Studying on your bed is not a good idea (it's too easy to catch a few winks). The library, study lounges or private rooms are ideal.
• Get rid of clutter. Clear your desk or table of all materials not related to what you are currently studying.
• Tutoring is a GOOD thing! Get help early in the semester if you are registered in a course in which you think might need help. Best part about it: it's FREE! Contact the Peer Tutoring Coordinator at 381-1393, Elston Hall 400.

Back to Top

GOAL SETTING

• Set realistic goals (in writing) within a realistic timeframe.
• Goals should be specific and clear.
• Determine the purpose of your goals and their achievement benefits. Write them down next to your goal.
• Set specific strategies for accomplishing each goal (in writing).
• Set target dates for self-evaluation of your progress.
• Periodically visualize your goal, as well as your strategies for accomplishing the goal.
• List potential obstacles to attaining the goal.
• List strategies for overcoming obstacles.
• Follow through on all strategies.
• A question to ask yourself:  "Am I willing to make the necessary sacrifices to accomplish my goals?"

Back to Top

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

• Don't believe everything you see, read or hear. Decide for yourself what you are going to believe.
• Critical thinking is important in order to: 1) enhance common sense; 2) filter emotions; 3) categorize experiences; 4) select reference; 5) understand the "experts"; 6) sort fact from opinion; and 7) learn to express yourself in a cogent and expressive manner.
• Critical thinkers are: 1) socially attractive; 2) able to resist manipulation; 3) able to overcome confusion; 4) able to perceive connections between subjects and events; 5) able to base judgments on evidence and facts; and 6) able to realize that the "truth" is never simple--grey or foggy areas always exist.

Back to Top

"I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME...."

• Class attendance really does correlate with your grade. GO TO CLASS!
• Communication is key--especially when dealing with professors, other college employees, and classmates.
• Be on time for class. Walking in late distracts both the professor and other students, and it is considered rude.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• College is not a contest. You don't have to compete with anyone else for your grade. Learn at your own pace and don't feel inferior if you don't understand something the first time around.
• The bureaucracy of higher education is sometimes overwhelming. Stay calm, ask questions, and be sure you know the name of the person with whom you are speaking.
• Support systems are essential for survival. Make friends. Join clubs. Get to know your advisor.
• Read what you are given. Read your mail.
• Don't take college policy advice from other students. Check your catalog for answers to your questions. If you still don't understand, speak with your advisor.
• Join in all the activities you can. Finding a realistic balance between work, college, family and fun is what will get you through.
• Don't be intimidated by faculty and staff. They are employed here to help you be successful. Ask for help when you need it.
• Maintain a positive attitude, be a good listener, stick to your own convictions, and strive past your dreams.

Back to Top

REGISTRATION AND ADVISEMENT

• Academic advisement is essential! See your advisor on a regular basis to make sure you are on track with your academic program, classes, etc.
• Pay attention to deadlines! If you miss one, it could cost you not just money but grades as well (for example, drop/add, tuition payment, course withdrawal).
• Be sure to have your advisor sign every form dealing with course selection, dropping classes, etc. You may need to defend a course selection when you apply for graduation or you may need to prove you dropped a class.
• Save every grade report (a.k.a. report card).
• Keep a copy of your curriculum worksheet with your catalog, so that you can keep track of the courses you've taken and which ones you'll need to register for.
• YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR EDUCATION! Don't rely on anyone to remind you that you haven't taken a prerequisite or a required course. Stay on top of what you've taken and what you still need.
• Select classes based on your academic capabilities. For example, if science is a challenging academic area for you, don't take biology and chemistry in the same semester.
• Be very careful registering for summer classes. Remember that in the summer session, you will be receiving 15 weeks' worth of information in an 8-week period. The pace is fast and furious. Take a course you are sure you would do well in.

Back to Top

FINANCIAL AID

• Remember that you will catch more flies with honey. The people who work in the financial aid office are just like you and have feelings that get hurt when someone is rude. It's understandable that money matters often cause students to get frustrated, annoyed or angry, but taking it out of the financial aid staff is not only unfair, but it's not their fault in the first place! Take a deep breath, and approach these folks with courtesy and kindness. You'll find that they will be courteous and kind in return and will be very happy to help you.
• Start early and be persistent. Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) through the financial aid office as soon as you do your income taxes.
• Consider every possible source of educational funding and good money leads: the Financial Aid office, your church, clubs and groups you and/or your parents belong to, local civil and special interest organizations, scholarship resource books, honor societies, the Internet (an excellent site:  www.fastweb.com).
• Fill out forms completely and neatly. Include all required documentation.
• Pay attention to paying deadlines. Sometimes only a day or two can cost the classes for which you've registered.
• Respond quickly to all requests for additional information and documentation.
• If you are awarded financial aid, be sure you know what guidelines you must maintain in order to keep your award (for example, GPA, work status, etc.).

Back to Top

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• YOU are in control of the education you receive--not your professors, not your advisor, not your parents, not your spouse or children...YOU! It is your responsibility to go to class regularly, complete your course requirements on time, turn in financial aid forms before deadlines, set-up and keep appointments with your advisor, get involved with clubs and activities, and take the required courses for your curriculum. No one will call or send you a letter to remind you of what you need to do. It's ALL up to you. Knowing this, you can take full credit for receiving the degree you've worked so hard to earn.
• Learn your professors' names and meet your advisor as soon as possible. These people are working here because they can and will help you...but you need to ask for help!
• "FX" is not just a cable TV station. It is the MOST AVOIDABLE grade you could ever receive here. It stands for "failure due to inadequate attendance." Even if you're doing very well in a course, a professor can still give you an "FX" if your absences exceed the limit. So be sure to read your course outlines carefully for each professor's attendance policy and keep track of your absences.
• Keep every form, letter or document from S.C.C.C. in a safe place. Find a box with a lid and put in it: paid tuition bill, registration form and schedule, add/drop or withdraw forms, financial aid award letter, evaluation of transferred college credits (if you attended another college), textbook receipts, all quizzes, exams, papers, labs (anything that has a grade on it), and all S.C.C.C. correspondence. If you think an error has been made in calculating a final grade, or in whether you added, dropped or withdrew from a class, you'll have the documentation to back up your argument.
• S.C.C.C. offers many student services, organizations and clubs to help make your college experience a pleasant and memorable one. We are not mind-readers and will not call or write to you to ask if you need anything. Take advantage of all that is available to you...but you will need to come to us.
• "You can catch more flies with honey." You probably have heard this before, but it's true--especially at S.C.C.C. There will be times when you'll be frustrated about a class, an exam, a professor, a classmate, financial aid, whatever. Remember that the people from whom you ask for help have feelings, too. So take a deep breath and approach them as calmly as possible. You'll be amazed how much more willing people are to help when they are treated kindly and with respect.
• "I didn't know I had to do that." "I didn't know I couldn't do that." "Nobody told me..." These are NEVER good excuses in any circumstance in college. Everything you need to know about attending here is in your college catalog. Keep your catalog with your other college papers, and if you have a question, look it up. People can (and sometimes do) make mistakes and may give you the wrong information without meaning to. Remember who's in control of your education......

Back to Top

Back to Academic Advisement

Please take the Student Survey