7 Student

Success Tips

From the

Experts

Tip One: Use a Daily Planner

Whether it is in the form of a written list or a

digital app, a daily planner can help you keep

track of your busy schedule.

Tips for using a daily planner:

• List and complete tasks in order of highest

to lowest priority.

• Note important deadlines such as add/drop

dates, registration dates, exam dates and

assignment due dates.

• Include daily, weekly and monthly items.

• Review your planner often and make

changes where necessary.

Expert• Michelle Curtis-Bailey,

admissions advisor at Stony Brook University

Tip Two: Join Study Groups

Study groups facilitate learning by allowing you

to fill gaps in your notes, ask questions and

reinforce your knowledge with your peers.

Tips for study groups:

• Form study groups where you can work

through assignments together. The library

might be too quiet for discussions.

• Make it a fun, social activity where you can

collaborate over coffee or dinner.

• Try to get together at least once a week.

• Prepare for the study sessions by coming

up with questions and topics to discuss.

Expert• Ann Marie Klotz, dean for

campus life at the New York Institute of Technology

Tip Three: Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals is an important part of success,

but if you set your sights too high, you might

get discouraged.

Tips for setting realistic goals:

• Identify your goals as either short-term or

long-term and write them down.

• Create daily action plans that you will use to

complete each goal. Be as specific as

possible.

• Keep your goals in a place where you can

physically see them every day.

• Track your progress.

Expert• Hope Walton, director of

the Academic Skills Center at the University of Richmond in Virginia

Tip Four: Utilize Campus Resources

Your school’s resources are there for your

benefit, so make the most of them as you

complete your education.

Tips for utilizing campus resources:

• Talk with an academic advisor about their

recommendations for your class schedule.

• Make use of the library to check out books

related to your field of study.

• Visit with a career advisor to learn about

available internships or jobs.

• Discuss scholarship and loan options with

the financial aid department.

Expert• Susan Dennett, academic

dean for Northwood University’s Florida campus

Tip Five: Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination is the plague of many college

students. It not only slows down productivity,

but it also causes a lot of unnecessary stress.

Tips for stopping procrastination:

• Close social media and put your phone

away while you study.

• Tell your friends and family about what you

need to do so you can be held accountable.

• Get into a routine of doing homework and

studying before your leisure activities.

• Do as much as you can well in advance of

the deadlines.

Expert• Celestine Chua, founder of

Personal Excellence

Tip Six: Use Proper Email Etiquette

Email already has the disadvantage of

displaying no body language or tone of voice,

so using proper email etiquette is a must!

Tips for email etiquette:

• Use courteous greetings and closings.

• Address the person using his or her title,

e.g., Mr./Mrs./Ms., Dean, Dr. or simply

Professor.

• Don’t use all caps; it comes off as shouting.

• Words such as “please” and “thank you” go

a long way.

• Proofread and use spellcheck on all emails.

Expert• Ann Marie Gardinier

Halstead, professor at St. Lawrence University

Tip Seven: Keep Eyes on the Prize

When you feel bogged down by homework,

group projects and tests, it can be easy to lose

sight of the big picture.

Tips for keeping your eyes on the prize:

• Visualize yourself doing what you love in

the career you want.

• Write down everything you have

accomplished thus far that has helped get

you to where you are today.

• Keep sight of your long-term goals and

remember that every day is another step

closer to achieving those goals.

Expert• Sharon Donnelly, director

of counseling at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA

Sources

Tips One, Two, Three, Four and Seven: http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/nerdscholar/2014/expert-advice-9-time-management-tips-freshmen/

Tip Five: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/11-practical-ways-to-stop-procrastination.html

Tip Six: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ann-marie-gardinier-halstead/a-professors-pointers-for_b_5654706.html