spring 2013 study tips from fraternity and sorority scholars
DESCRIPTION
Advice for academic success from Spring 2013 Fraternity and Sorority ScholarsTRANSCRIPT
Fraternity and Sorority Scholars are those members
of fraternities and sororities at Indiana State Univer-
sity who earned a 3.0 GPA or higher during the
previous semester.
Kalyn Altherr
Alpha Omicron Pi
Senior, Nursing
I would definitely suggest investing in a planner. I
get one of the big ones you can buy from Target
or Walmart and each day of the week I write in a
space for each class. That way I have to write
something down even if we don't have anything
due. It also helps because I write in any upcoming
events for my chapter or philanthropy events in
the Greek community. It has proven to be a life-
saver over the years!
Elle Bathory
Delta Gamma
Freshman, Speech-Language Pathology
You can NEVER study too much! At one point, I was going to the li-
brary nearly every day after class, and I would be there for seven or
eight hours, sometimes even longer than that. You just need to find a
spot where you can push social media, your friends, and other dis-
tractions away so you can focus. I also suggest making flash cards for
some classes that have a great deal of important words and defini-
tions. Having all the vocabulary words on 3x5 cards makes studying
easier because you don’t have to go searching through your text-
book. Highlighting can help you keep track of key concepts as well.
Going to class is mandatory if you want to do well. Your professor can
change the syllabus at the last minute, and maybe even tell you an-
swers to test questions or give you feedback on a paper. And if you
find yourself singing along with your music and your study session has
turned into karaoke in the library, if it works for you, white noise or bin-
aural beats can help you focus.
Jonathan Bott
Phi Gamma Delta
Senior, Operations & Supply Chain Management
Organization is the key to staying on top of your
classes. Use binders and folders to hold every pa-
per related to your classes so you don’t lose some-
thing you might need later. Do the same with your
computer files. Also, write down what assignments
you have; the more times and places you write it
down, the easy it is to remember what you have
to do. Finally, do your work as soon as possible so
you can enjoy random nights with your brothers.
Nathan Bunnell
Phi Delta Theta
Senior, Mechanical Engineering Technology; Auto-
mation & Control Engineering Technology
@nbunnell776
Academic success is simple. The crucial part is to be pre-
pared: read your syllabuses, keep (and use) a planner, com-
plete your homework as soon as possible after it is assigned,
study and communicated with your classmates, and never be
afraid to talk with a professor about any issues you’re having.
This way, if you do have a problem with a class, it will be dealt
with long before it becomes a serious issue. There is a reason
for the expression “a failure to plan is a plan to fail!”
Adam Carey
Pi Kappa Alpha
Junior, Criminology
Utilize the library to its full potential, especially with
study groups or even working by yourself; it is a
motivating environment to get your work done.
Ashley Clarke
Sigma Kappa
Senior, Criminal Justice and Criminology
@AshClarke13
I found a study buddy who I could go to the library
with or just study with wherever. It didn’t matter if
we were in the same major. They helped me by
giving me advice and they made me push myself
and do my homework. I also made a wager with
my boyfriend that whoever got a better GPA for
the semester owed the other dinner at the end of
the semester. This pushed me to give it my all with
a friendly competition.
Annah Dalenberg
Alpha Phi
Senior, Speech and Language Pathology
@adalenberg
I like to spend a good amount of time studying
alone. When I feel prepared enough I’ll study with
a group of people in my class. This way I can be
quizzed, see what other people are studying, and
go over any information that I did not fully under-
stand.
Breana Daugherty
Gamma Phi Beta
Senior, Elementary/Special Education
I have to stay organized and relaxed. I keep a day
planner up to date and organized by school,
work, and Gamma Phi. I always make sure that I
have enough free time to just hang out and spend
time with my sisters and friends!
Cheyanne Dawson
Delta Gamma
Sophomore, Art
@anchoredtohope_
I write down everything. I have a planner that I keep all of my home-
work, sorority events, and study hours in. That way I know what days I
have free to study or hang out with my sisters and friends! :) I also stay
ahead. If I know a big project is due on a week when a lot is due, I ei-
ther go to the library the next free day I have and work on that pro-
ject until it's done or split it between two days. The goal is to get it
done as early as possible so that I can look it over, proofread, and
concentrate on other projects that will be due that week. I try my
hardest not to procrastinate. Also, it reduces stress :)
Jarred Duebel
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Senior, Criminology
@DU_BElieve
Utilize the library or a quiet study place, rather than
study in your room.
Caitlyn East
Senior, Chemistry/Mathematics
@Caitydid1873
I’m very easily distracted while I’m studying, so I
usually turn the radio off on my phone and go
somewhere quite. I bring a friend with me some-
times to help keep me motivated. You’ve got to
watch who you bring with you though! Sometimes
your friends are the biggest distractions. :-)
Dustyn Fatheree
Pi Kappa Alpha
Senior, Communication: Journalism
Branch out of your comfort zone and take ad-
vantage of the many resources that ISU of-
fers. College is a time for growing as a person, a
professional, and as a scholar. If you leave ISU
as the same person that entered then your time
here was not as fulfilling as it could've been.
Michael Fenneman
Pi Kappa Alpha
Junior, Elementary Education
@Fenneman_ISU
Talk to your professors because they are willing to
help you.
Jordan Gillenwater
Delta Gamma
Sophomore, Spanish and Pre-Medicine
Study the PowerPoint (or other lecture material)
from your instructor before and after lec-
ture. Studying the PowerPoint before lets you
know what to pay close attention to and prevents
feeling overwhelmed during class. Studying
the PowerPoint after lecture reinforces the materi-
al from lecture to help you remember the infor-
mation better.
Katherine Graham
Zeta Tau Alpha
Senior, Communications, Public Relations
Stay organized. Write down all events, homework,
assignments, tests, projects, etc. in your planner so
you know what your schedule looks like for that
day/week. Staying organized and on task will help
you succeed in the classroom and with your busy
schedules.
Joni Hahn
Alpha Chi Omega
May ‘13 Graduate, Speech Language Pathology
Organization is key. I write down everything in my planner and
write millions of to-do lists! I always write the due date next to the assign-
ments/exams I write on my lists. This helps me stay aware of which as-
signments I need to first. I also highly suggest finding a couple of people
you can study with. I study with 2-3 people before every test, and I find
this very beneficial because they mention information that I may have
forgotten. After studying with these individuals, I go to a secluded area
where I can go over everything we went over and more. I also suggest
if you have an exam that requires you to answer in short answer/small
paragraphs, then you should practice writing the answers to possible
questions that may be on the test. This allows me to be more prepared
during the actual test. Most importantly, stay on top of your classes.
Don't fall behind, because more than likely, you will never catch up.
Hickory Ham
Pi Kappa Alpha
Junior, Professional Aviation
Preparation and planning are huge tools for success.
When signing up for classes or getting ready for a
new semester websites like Ratemyprofessor.com
can help you gauge how time consuming a class
or particular teacher will be. Keeping a schedule is
also extremely important. I use a dry erase board in
my room with my weeks schedule on it. That way I
can look through my entire week at one time and
decide when I have time to take care of my vari-
ous responsibilities.
Jules Hampton
Kappa Alpha Psi
Senior, Mathematics
Building relationships with colleagues, faculty and
staff has helped me in my academic success. By
being engaged in student organizations you meet
these different types of people that will hold you
accountable, make your feel your self worth, and
get you ready for life after college.
Kacey Harlow
Zeta Tau Alpha
Spring 2013 Graduate
Elementary Education/Reading/Early Childhood
Education
Always keep your planner updated and with you
at all times! Your life will be in this planner, but it is
an easy way to keep track of all assignments and
events and to not overbook yourself!
Jaleigh Harlow
Chi Omega
Sophomore, Elementary Education
@jaleighharlow
Finding your own way to study is the best for academic suc-
cess. In high school, studying wasn't really a requirement. In
college, it is! Many freshman don't know how to study until
they come to Indiana State. Find out what study pattern fits
for you! Whether its going to study by the fountain, the own
comfort of your dorm room, or my personal favorite: the li-
brary! It's a great place to lose yourself in some books and se-
clude yourself from your chatty personality! Plus, they give
free popcorn at midnight! Bon apetit!
Phillip Harpenau
Alpha Tau Omega
Sophomore, Nursing
I just always remember that I came to Indiana
State University to earn a degree and to better
myself academically first, then better myself social-
ly second. I always put my studies before anything
else even if I have to make a social sacrifice. I also
am never afraid to ask for help from fellow stu-
dents and/or staff. I have found out that asking for
help shows the professors that you really are con-
cerned with understanding the material when
confused.
Kylee Henson
Alpha Phi
Freshman, Exercise Science
Don’t procrastinate! When you know an assign-
ment is due, get in the library or wherever you feel
comfortable studying and get a head start espe-
cially on big assignments!
Katie Hill
Alpha Chi Omega
Junior, Heath Administration
@katieehill
Don’t procrastinate. It’s really hard to not wait until
the last minute to do an assignment, but you will
save yourself so much stress down the road if you
do your assignments without procrastinating. Set
aside time to study, find a quiet place, and get to
work.
Mitchell Kilgas
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Senior, Operations & Supply Chain Management
Manage Greek Life, friends, and school work. Plan
your week every Sunday so that you know what
you need to do each day to stay ahead and nev-
er get behind through out the semester.
Kari Kirchner
Gamma Phi Beta
Senior, Elementary and Special Education
Always know your priori9ties. Of course have some
fun and relax now and then, but also don’t slack
to the point that you aren’t doing your work. You
are first and foremost a student. None of the other
campus organizations would be available to you if
you were not a student first.
Henry Kroll
Phi Delta Theta
Marketing
Don’t study a subject for the test—study it as
though you will need to teach it.
Austin Krouse
Alpha Tau Omega
Junior, Political Science & Legal Studies
Work on good time management in college. I bought and used
a planner for the first time my freshmen year in which I organized
my daily activities Being a brother of Alpha Tau Omega has
taught me to be more organized in my daily tasks, and it overall
taught me to be a well-rounded person. I made it a habit to
write down everything. I would write down homework, projects,
meetings with professors and even intramural games all the
time. Having good organizational skills and having good people
around you to help motivate you in your school work is a must in
college. There is always one of my brothers either studying at the
house or the library which makes studying more enjoyable. By
being organized in your academic life and social life, you will
have a beyond rewarding college experience.
Noah Leininger
Lambda Chi Alpha
Senior, Music Education
@NoahLeininger
Stay on top of coursework. Keep your syllabi or course calendars close
at hand and check them daily so you’re not caught off-guard by an as-
signment. Professors don’t always give reminders, and if it’s in your sylla-
bus, you don’t have an excuse.
Reach out to your peers—if you have a brother or sister in your major,
study with them. If not, find a friend who isn’t and study with them. Look
for tutoring sessions.
Use the Writing Center! Write your papers early enough that you can sit
down with the writing center staff and go over it with them. They’re ex-
ceptional writers and could catch things you’ve missed in your edits.
If you have an issue, email your professor early and be honest. No pro-
fessor has sympathy for someone who waits until study week to come
up with excuses about grades.
Connor Liegibel
Phi Delta Theta
Junior, Criminology/Criminal Justice
Use proper time management, or else your time at
ISU will be difficult. If you use time management
properly, you are able to get the important things
done first and have fun afterwards.
Mallory Mappes
Delta Gamma
Freshman, Human Development & Family Studies
Study and go to class.
Cameron McQuern
Theta Chi
Sophomore, Accounting & Management Infor-
mation Systems
I studied when I needed to and allowed myself
plenty of time to complete assignments.
Salena Mendoza
Delta Gamma
Sophomore, Textiles & Apparel Merchandising
Go to the library! Have a study buddy and some-
one to motivate you!
Logan Moscrip
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Sophomore, Exercise Science
@TKE_Logan
• Listen to music while studying. Have a playlist
made so you don’t have to keep changing the
songs.
• Study alone. The only time you should study in a
group is if everyone in the group has the same
class or even major as you.
Mary Nagle
Alpha Chi Omega
Junior, Exercise Science
Organization is key, creating a schedule for completing
certain tasks on certain days can help ensure that you
are completing assignments on time and not feeling
rushed to complete them last minute. Also finding the
right environment and habits that help you complete
assignments, study for a test/quiz, or write a paper can
help you complete these tasks more efficiently and ef-
fectively. For me, it involves a quiet environment with no
distractions. Finding what works best for you and stick-
ing to it can make school work seem less demanding
and help keep you focused.
Jerrode Nalls
Kappa Alpha Psi
Senior, Packaging Engineering Technology
I keep my mind focused on finishing out my col-
lege experience and making sure everything is
done by the due date. There is a quote I live by is
"Business before pleasure always and forever".
Anthony Quarles
Kappa Alpha Psi
May 2013 Graduate, Legal Studies
Purchase a planner and fill it out for the whole se-
mester so you know what assignments, quizzes,
tests, and projects are due way ahead of time. I
did not start doing this until my junior year of col-
lege sadly but my last four semester I have earned
over a 3.0 GPA doing so.
Being organized is a key to success.
Matt Rayner
Kappa Alpha Order
Senior, Sport Management
Stay focused on the information you are studying.
Cut out all of the distractions that you may be
faced with while preparing for a test so you can
absorb all of the important information.
David Schimmel
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sophomore, Legal Studies & Political Science
@SAE_schimmy_D
Make notecards right after class of the important
information in your notes, and then review those
notecards periodically up until the test.
Megan Schumacher
Alpha Omicron Pi
Sophomore, Nursing
@Misss_MEG
Always show up for class and pay attention. Don’t
cram everything the night before a test.
Kara Sizer
Gamma Phi Beta
Senior, Elementary Education
I pretend I am in elementary school again and I
have to get my homework done before I can “go
plan with the other kids.” The moment I get out of
class I go to the library/study area and do the
homework that was assigned. This helps me re-
member what was just taught, keeps me from pro-
crastinating, and allows me to avoid all-nighters.
Austin Skaggs
Alpha Tau Omega
Sophomore, Chemistry/Pre-Dental
@amwSkaggs
Try to balance everything that you have going on.
Schoolwork comes first, then other activities. Sometimes
you have to sacrifice social events to make sure school-
work gets done. Finding what studying tools work best
for you and utilizing the library are key to academic
success. Also contacting your professors if you do not
understand something and/or asking others in your
class for help is important.
Molly Smoot
Alpha Phi
Junior, Nursing
Manage your time wisely. Being part of the Greek
community and trying to maintain a good GPA is
manageable if your time is used to its full potential.
Dan Stechmiller
Alpha Tau Omega
Junior, Information Technology
I would highly recommend going to class every time, pay attention to the sylla-
bus. Also, buy a planner/assignment notebook. If not, at least use an app on
your smartphone to keep you organized in each of your classes, such as, a cal-
endar or my class schedule (it's free to download). These are two very helpful
apps to keep you on top of all your homework, projects, and exams. Further-
more, I would strongly encourage to get any homework or projects done as
soon as possible so you don't have to stress out about time crunches or any-
thing else popping up at the last minute. Don't study for hours at a time, but ra-
ther review constantly (or daily if possible). In doing so, you will always keep the
material fresh in your mind, and never have a need to cram. Additional-
ly, establish a personal relationship with your professor. They are very under-
standing people, but don't be afraid to talk to them or ask a question at any-
time, whether that is face to face or via email. And finally, two key factors that
will take you further than just in college are time management and priorities.
Hopefully the planner and/or apps will help you in doing just that. Good luck to
all :)
Bart Stucker
Pi Kappa Alpha
Senior, Communications
Study in the library or another quiet area devoid of
distractions. Don’t be afraid to take a study break
every now and then.
Jessica Sweeney
Alpha Phi
Senior, Communications: PR
Manage your time wisely and keep in touch with
your professors about your progress in each
course.
Joslynn Trail
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Spring ‘13 Graduate, Athletic Training
Sett an hour to two hours of time aside daily to
study, utilize the quiet library rooms, use head
phones at the library to block out noise, and do
not stress or cram.
Brooklee Trout
Gamma Phi Beta
Junior, Business Administration
@BrookleeTrout
I believe that in order to be successful in one's
studies, one needs to fully commit themselves to
their academic field of study. I use a calendar for
everything that I do, especially for school due
dates and events with my sorority. Organization is
key for success and the people that I know that
are organized tend to do better in school. In order
to do well academically, a student must have bal-
ance in their life and stay organized.
Melissa Turpin
Zeta Tau Alpha
Senior, Communication
The strategy that i use for my academic success is a planner. I
figure out in advance when my homework, quizzes, and test
are, and I get them done at least a week in advance. For a
test for example, if I know it is on Thursday, then on Monday I
will write the information needed on note cards, on Tuesday I
will study half of my note cards, and then on Wednesday I will
finish studying. By Thursday, I am ready to take the test. If I
were to suggest a tip I would say to use note cards. I would
suggest note cards because I believe it helps you to remem-
ber information better and it is organized.
Philip Ulrich
Lambda Chi Alpha
Junior, Information Technology
Academic success is achieved differently for dif-
ferent people. For instance, staying busy helps me
be productive. Find what works best for you and
do it! Also, don’t be afraid to try new studying
techniques. There might be a better way to keep
you excelling academically that you haven’t tried
yet.
Jackie Wagle
Sigma Kappa
Senior, Elementary Education
Organization, time management, and determina-
tion are three very important tools that can be
used not only in maintaining excellent grades, but
also in achieving overall success. College is about
finding a balance between academics and extra
curricular activities.
Madeline Webster
Junior, Language Studies
@MadelineAnn15
During finals week, turn off Facebook entirely and
throughout the year limit it by keeping the library a
social media free zone (including texting!)
Jessica Weesner
Chi Omega
Senior, Accounting
My advice for academic success is to always at-
tend class and get to know your professors. I be-
lieve it is much easier to get help or have a profes-
sor be understanding when you have formed a
strong relationship with him or her.
Ben Wilcox
Pi Kappa Alpha
Freshman, Professional Aviation Flight Technology
Stay on top of all your assignments and use some
sort of an organizer.
Lea Zebrowski
Alpha Omicron Pi
Sophomore, Secondary Math Education
@lea_renaee
Find that one spot that you can just sit down and
focus. Mine would be on the lower level of the li-
brary. I can really focus and knock things out.