1. Get in front of it. Preparation should begin before the semester begins. Print out the syllabus and schedule for each class, and order the book weeks in advance. This way you will be prepared for classes, but you can also make sure that no assignments are due on the first day of class. Be prepared that some professors like to do that, and sometimes the amount of material demands it. Also, an added benefit is that coming to class on the first day really impresses your professors and sets you up for success. Generally professors will work with you if you work with them, so first impressions are important. (Here’s a really good link that compares different textbook websites: https://www.slugbooks.com/ )
2. Put it in a planner. One of the biggest things I do to prepare my mind for a semester of college is write every assignment in my planner. I like day planners. Monthly planners just don’t give me enough room. I like to color code, using a different pen color for each class. I also coordinate notebook colors to the pen colors for each class. Yes, I know- somewhat obsessive, but it really does help. Go through those syllabi and schedules and notate every assignment in the planner. This includes textbook readings, papers, tests and quizzes, discussion boards, and class discussions. There may be others, but this is most of what I have run across in my four years.
3. Break down major assignments. Papers and tests are HUGE. I handle a paper in tiny baby steps that make it much easier to swallow. I use a separate sheet of paper to work out the details. Here’s a sample:
Due Date: 6 weeks
Steps:
Topic Selection (1 day)
Tertiary Sources (1 day)
Secondary Sources (3 days)
Thesis ( 1 day)
Primary Sources (5-7 days)
Outline (1 day)
First Draft (1 day)
Edit first draft (2 days)
Second Draft ( 1 draft)
Edit Second Draft (2 days)
Final Draft (1 day)
Works Cited (1 day)
Final Edit (1 day)
I can feasibly do the first three steps in the one week, the next two steps the second week, the outline, first draft and editing of the first draft the third week, the second draft, editing and final draft the fourth week, and works cited and final edit the fifth week. Now I have an extra week to make up any lost time or to absorb any unplanned events like getting sick or having to go home for an emergency.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. As a writing tutor in college, I had so many people come to me the night before a major assignment was due and ask me to help them get started on it. THE NIGHT BEFORE IT WAS DUE! Why? Because they didn’t know how to get started. Valid concern; however, if they had come to me when the assignment was originally assigned, they would not have had to cram it in the night before. And like it or not, I don’t care how good of a writer you think you are- nothing is as good as it could be if you cram it in the night before. Which bearings me to tip #5.
5. Never ever cram; and do not over-study. Yes that is possible. If you followed step 1, you’ll know when a test is coming up, and you can begin studying way in advance. Study small chunks for thirty minutes to an hour every day for the week before the test. Not before...you’ll lose the information. Not later...there’s too much information to cram. Not more than an hour...your brain can only absorb so much at a time. This should also be good quality study time. I have watched college students claim to study for six hours, but most of that time they would read a page and then spend twenty minutes on their phones. The moment you pull the phone out in a study session, you might as well start over. I like to set a timer for one hour on my phone and then leave it int he kitchen or somewhere out of my convenient reach. Then I commit to good quality study for that hour. It flies by, believe it or not.
6. Be aware of your grades. Most colleges and universities and even high schools now have some kind of online portal that allows you to keep track of your assignments. My schools used Canvas, but others use Blackboard, and there may be other portals. Always know what assignments are coming up and what your running grade is.
College is not difficult if you are intentional and focused about it. Don’t let assignments get ahead of you, don’t be afraid to ask for help, never cram and try to stay on top of it. I wish you success friends.
Until next week!
Mrs. Ashley Seguin
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