““Flourish Don’t Perish!”: How to Flourish Don’t Perish!”: How to Succeed in CollegeSucceed in College

D. Alyce DomainD. Alyce Domain

My CredentialsMy Credentials• High School Diploma• BS Biochemistry• Post-Baccalaureate Work (43)

– Biology– Chemistry– Psychology

• MS Biomedical Sciences

What You Need to SucceedWhat You Need to Succeed• Self-Motivated• Get Organized• Be Responsible• Good Decision-Making Skills

Class ScheduleClass Schedule• Take a full-load (12hrs - 15hrs)• But don’t overload (>16hrs)• No more than 2 difficult classes

– Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry, etc.)

– Math (Algebra, Calculus, etc)– Statistics, Accounting…– Computer Science – Engineering

Keep a CalendarKeep a Calendar• Small, preferably portable• Notepad/To-do list/post-its• Hardcopy calendar/datebook• Smartphone/PDA• Outlook/Entourage on Laptop • iPad/Tablet….iPod has

calendar also– Try a few different things or combine a

few and see what works best for you.

Get OrganizedGet Organized• Write down all important class

information (in the same place!)– Tests, quiz, mid-term, & final dates– Last day to add/drop, last day to

withdraw– Term papers, reports, essay due

dates– Projects, presentations, debates– School holidays, 3-day wkends,

days when class is cancelled, Field trips, School events, etc…

Get OrganizedGet Organized• Write down all important life

dates and events..– Holidays (Easter, Mother’s/

Father’s Day, Halloween, Valentine’s, Cinco de Mayo)

– Birthdays, Anniversaries, Family Reunions, etc..

– Church, Social events & Obligations…(Picnics, Choir rehearsals, Sweet 16 party, play-dates, weddings, Superbowl Sunday, etc)

Get OrganizedGet Organized• Have one backpack, tote, or

briefcase where you carry/keep all your class materials

• Have a separate folder/binder/ spiral/notebook for each class.

• Have a designated study area at home…a desk with a comfortable chair and a lamp.– This could be your computer table as

well.– Don’t study in bed…fall asleep.– Don’t study in front of TV

Be PreparedBe Prepared• Listen & take notes on first day of

class when teacher/professor discusses…– Breath of subject matter– Teaching style– Expectations– Type of class: lecture, discussion, etc.

• Read the Syllabus– Get a sense of the level of effort

required to do well.

Be PreparedBe Prepared• Are their daily readings, pop quizzes,

homework assignments, extra credit?– The syllabus will tell you the order of

importance

• Is attendance part of your grade? – Don’t miss unless unavoidable.

• Is participation/class discussion required? – Do the readings, keep abreast of things

so you can contribute verbally.

Daily Class PreparationDaily Class Preparation• Chapter Readings

– Do the chapter readings before class– Light notes in margin, highlighting

• Come to class prepared: book, pens, paper, etc.

• Sit in the front, if possible.• Unless seating is assigned, don’t sit

with friends/buddies, you will goof off.

• Get to class on-time or early• Listen and ask questions

Daily Class PreparationDaily Class Preparation• Take notes in class

– If not a powerpoint lecture• Use highlighters & diff color pens for

emphasis• Draw the pictures/diagrams• Re-read notes before the next class• Make out index cards from notes.

– If a powerpoint lecture• Print out a copy of lecture before

class or if teacher/prof gives copy, take light notes on lecture slides.

Daily Class PreparationDaily Class Preparation• Other alternatives…

– Bring a laptop/tablet/ iPad and type notes

– If have access to powerpoint lecture, type notes directly w/in

– Record lectures via digital tape recorder

• Listen to taped lectures before next class

• Transcribe notes from tape and read over before next class

Daily Class PreparationDaily Class Preparation• Homework

– At least attempt the homework.– Start on homework the same day its

assigned, material is still fresh– Know the importance of homework,

don’t spend too much time if it’s only a ✔/− grade.

• Assignments– Start early (don’t procrastinate)– Work steady (do a little each day)– Proof-read for mistakes.– Spell check

Study Partners/GroupsStudy Partners/Groups• Join pre-organized study groups

– Teacher/prof usually organizes these.• Connect w/ another student in class

to be study partners– Not a friend/buddy unless they are a

studious friend/buddy.• Organize a study group

– This is time consuming especially if class is only a semester.

Group Work (ugh!)Group Work (ugh!)• Ask lots of questions about the

assignment & how it’s graded– Does everyone get an individual grade

or is one grade given to the group?

• If it is a multi-part project what is the grade breakdown.– Identify most important sections and

concentrate on those

Group Work (ugh!)Group Work (ugh!)• Avoid friends, unless it is a hard

working study-buddy• Get multiple contact numbers for

group members (Cell, home, pager, e-mail, IM username)

• Meet regularly• Define everyone’s role/duty

(specifically) & set deadlines• Realistically: There’s always one

deadbeat member, so be prepared to do more than your fair share.

Group Work (ugh!)Group Work (ugh!)• How to spot a deadbeat

member…– Chronically late (≥ 20min)– No-show at group meetings– Show up empty-handed: w/o pen,

pencil, paper, notes, or book etc.– MIA, incommunicado, no returned

phone calls or messages– Vagueness, forgetfulness or

incomplete work– Endless promises and excuses.

Group Work (ugh!)Group Work (ugh!)• What to do about a deadbeat

member…– Generally, it’s useless to try to “reform”

a deadbeat member.– Distribute his/her work/duties among

the other group members– If there is a system in place to address

the issue, do so respectfully and honestly.

– If no system exist, don’t waste time moaning & complaining

Papers/ReportsPapers/Reports• Book Reports

– READ THE BOOK!!– Take notes

• Major Plot lines• Major Characters• Major Themes/motifs

– Watch movie if there is one• Research Papers

– Choose topic – Do the research: library,

PubMed, etc.

Papers/ReportsPapers/Reports• Brainstorm for ideas

– How to structure your research paper or book report

• Persuasive• Summary of content• Analysis/interpretation• Comparison/contrast

• Choose structure• Make an outline of this structure

using notes if book report or research if a research paper.

Paper/ReportPaper/Report• Following your outline, start writing.

(rough draft)• Start early, write a little at a time

(writing schedule)• Write in a specified format, if its left

open, use one and stick to it.• Proof-read/spell check• Have friend/parent read & get their

opinions/advise• You can hand-write rough draft but

type or print-out final draft. Don’t turn in a handwritten paper.

Intermission

TestsTests• Most but not all classes will

have at least one test• Typical Testing Structure:

– 4 tests or 3 tests, no final – 3 Tests & Final (common)– 2 Tests & Final (common)

• In some classes, the final will be optional or replaced by a final (term) paper.

• Sometimes, one test can be dropped (lowest)

TestsTests• Observation: The first test tend to be

easier. Doing well on increases chances of doing well in class.

• Rationale: All classes in same subject tend to have small bit of overlap. Its common to start a class w/ a review of material from previous class.

• Observation: Doing well on the last test tends to increase chances of doing well in the class.

• Rationale: Finals/last tests tend to be comprehensive and generally are a larger % of your grade.

Tests: Recall vs. RecognitionTests: Recall vs. Recognition• What makes a test difficult? The

material or the testing procedure?

• Why are essay tests (on average) more difficult than multiple choice test?

• Why change your study strategy based on the type of test?

Test StrategiesTest Strategies• Find out as much about the test as

possible• What type of test is it?• How long will you have to take test?

(time limits)• Ask teacher/professor for copy of

old tests or sample test questions• Ask for study recommendations

– Sometimes the teacher can tell you the best way to study

Test StrategiesTest Strategies• Nothing will take the place of

studying!• Generally, begin studying one week

before test• Use all the information to design a

practical study strategy• Pay close attention to…

– Study/review question(s)– Practice/sample problems– Review sheets– Review sessions

Test StrategiesTest Strategies• Multiple tests in same week? On

Same day?– Start studying earlier: 2 weeks

before the week of tests.– Alternate: study for test A on one

day and test B the next day…or test A in morning, test B in evening

– Spend more time on the more difficult/challenging/grade poor class (test)

Multiple Choice & MixsMultiple Choice & Mixs• Multiple choice, matching,

true/false, fill-n-blanks• Note cards work well for

memorizing…– Definitions– Lists & Bulk information

• Chemical elements, US states & their capitals, times tables

– Simple concepts• Conjugated verbs in Spanish• Virus vs. Bacteria

Problem Solving TestsProblem Solving Tests• Common in these subjects:

– Math: Algebra/Calculus/Accounting– Physics– Chemistry– Statistics/Genetics

• Knowing the concepts, steps of the process, and the underlying logic

• Don’t waste too much time w/ definitions and memorizing facts

• Work lots of problems, show work, & be able to explain…(partial credit)

• Cheat Sheet (formulas, constant values: pi, speed of light, etc.)

Essay/Short AnswerEssay/Short Answer• Common in these subjects:

– English/Literature– History– Political Science

• Many non-essay tests will have a small number of essay type questions.

• Don’t simply memorize, try to understand the reasons and logic behind the facts and be able to explain…concisely.– Ex…American Civil War

Performance/PracticumPerformance/Practicum• Common in these subjects:

– Science (labs)– Engineering– Dance/Music/Acting

• Practice, Practice, Practice!• Time yourself – commonly these

types of test have very strict time limits.

• Look over slides, be able to identify images and examples of lab outcomes. Be able to set up apparatus in timely fashion.

Open Book/NotesOpen Book/Notes• This is NOT an excuse to slack

off in class or blow off exam• Should be familiar with all

concepts, information presented in class.

• Read over notes, chapter readings, etc..

• Goal: To be able to move about in the material efficiently. Know where everything is.

Advisors/CounselorsAdvisors/Counselors• Take active role in your

education– Know what your want– Set Goals– Make specific plans to meet goals

• Come prepared with schedule, plan, or ideas when you speak to advisors/counselors

• Know what you don’t know, ask questions

Advisors/CounselorsAdvisors/Counselors• Exist to help & direct you, not to run

your life.– They are not your parents– Consider their advise, but make your

own decision• Grain of Salt

– They are giving you their opinion– Average/The Norm

• Get their help with: forms, paper work, deadlines, school policies, clarification of academic requirements, letters of recommendation, etc.

PrioritizePrioritize• When do I add/drop a class?• Can my grade be saved? Should I

withdraw?• What if I have 3 tests in one week?• Homework vs. Chapter Reading vs.

Halloween Party?• Test vs. Presentation vs. Cousin’s

Wedding?• How do I manage competing

priorities?!

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Take stock of everything on your to-

do list– This is the idea behind getting

organized.• You should check your calendar/to-

do list on a weekly if not daily basis– Don’t let things creep up on you.

• Order items from greatest to least importance– Generally, the order will differ slightly

from person to person.

Competing PrioritiesCompeting PrioritiesScenario #1: Its Tuesday evening.

You’re in your dorm room studying for your calculus final Wednesday afternoon. Some hall-mates drop by at 7:30pm. They’re done studying and want to know if you’d like to go to the movies with them. They’re really cool and it’s a movie you’ve been dying to see. What do you do? How do you decide?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Don’t act rashly. • Consider the situation…

– Are you doing well in the class?– Have you been studying diligently?– Do you feel prepared for the test?– Are you tired and close to burnout?– What time had you originally planned

on finishing up?– How long is the movie?– Is it possible to take a “movie” break

and then come back and finish studying?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting PrioritiesScenario #2: You have changed

your major twice, so you are already off the 4-year plan. You’re trying to graduate, because your scholarship or grant expires after 5yrs. You see a window of opportunity to finish ahead of this deadline, if you quit your work-study job, forsake your social life, and take two 17hr semesters of hardcore classes. What do you do?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Consider the Situation…

– Is this a back-to-back Fall then Spring semester? Or is it a Spring and then Fall with a summer break in between?

– Can you take some classes in the summer?

– Can you afford to continue without the scholarship/grant?

– Can you take out a student loan?– How active is your social life?– How disciplined are you?– How committed are you?– What is your advisor’s opinion?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting PrioritiesScenario #3: It’s the first two weeks

of the semester. You’re registered for 15hrs and have attended all your classes at least once. Based on the syllabi and the impressions from each professor you are getting the feeling that you might not be able to handle your course load. You especially panic when you notice that the finals for 3 of the 5 classes are scheduled on the same day. What do you do?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Consider the situation…

– Is there other less-demanding classes that you need, that you can swap for during add/drop period?

– Are the classes on a schedule where they are offered infrequently?

– Can you talk to the professors regarding having one of the 3 finals moved to a different date?

– Are you borrowing trouble? If you’re a well-organized junior, who studies diligently, is this a real problem or just a challenge that requires a little extra effort?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Scenario #4: You are enrolled in a

computer science class to fulfill a requirement for your major. You soon realize that you are not a natural at writing code. None of the programs you write run properly. You’ve failed the first test miserably. There are two more tests and a comprehensive final. You go to talk to the professor to see if he can give you some advise and suggestions about how to study more effectively. Things seem clearer after talking to him, but then back in class, the lecture still sounds like Greek to you. You look around and no one else is confused. What should you do?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Consider the situation…

– Have you considered getting a tutor?– Has add/drop ended? Withdrawal?– Is this particular class the only one that

will fulfill the requirement?– Have you talked to any of the other

students in class to find out how they’re getting along? What study methods work for them?

– Have you gone to the library/bookstore and looked at any supplemental materials that could help?

– Try to find someone who’s taken the class that you can talk to.

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Scenario #5: You’re an older student

going back to school to switch careers or finish a degree you abandoned years ago for work or family. You can’t afford to quit work, so you can only take one or two classes in the evening. You feel out-of-place. Everyone is young, hip, and more technology-savvy than you. Everything is new and foreign to you. You’re getting along but it feels twice as difficult as it should be and you’re getting frustrated. Your grade is not suffering too bad but you really wanted an “A”. What do you do?

Competing PrioritiesCompeting Priorities• Consider the situation…

– Are the young people around you really as together/confident as they seem? Probably not.

– Try to reach out to a classmate or two that are in a different generation than you. You might be able to help each other. Young people tend to benefit from experience and wisdom.

– Relax…you’re not as alone as you think. If you look around there are other non-traditional students just like you.

That’s All Folks…That’s All Folks…Thank you for viewing.

D. Alyce Domain: find me at…www.daestheticdomain.comwww.dalycedomain.comwww.about.me/d.alycedomainwww.amazon.com/author/dalycedomain