Keys to Success in College

January 16th, 2008

College can be intimidating. There are big classes and lots of pressure to succeed because you are investing a significant amount of money in your education. But in the end, your investment will help you create a better future. So here are a few tips to help you succeed in college and achieve your dreams.

Sit in the front row. Studies show that students who sit in the front row consistently get better grades than those who sit in the back. When you're upfront, there are fewer distractions between you and the teacher. Sitting in the front row is especially important for tests. It can be very difficult for a teacher to answer your question during a test if you are sitting in the middle of a large classroom. But sitting in the front makes it easy for the teacher to walk up and answer your question.

Talk to all of your instructors outside of class. Most teachers hold office hours or are available before or after class to answer questions. Your instructors will be more willing to help you if they see that you make an effort in their class. So approach your teacher after class and ask a question about the class - they will know you paid attention. Plus, it always helps to make sure the teacher knows your name if you need a recommendation letter.

Come to class prepared. If there was assigned reading, do it. If you have an assignment, complete it. Being prepared for class helps you better understand the material when the teacher covers it the first time. More importantly, you'll be more familiar with the material so you will need less study time to master it come test time.

Be on time for every class. Getting a quality education isn't cheap, but it's well worth the investment. Show up on time to get the most out of your money. Some teachers will give you the benefit of the doubt if you were always on time, and your good attendance and punctuality could help you get that next letter grade.