Lessons to apply
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Christmas break is over and all that remains
of the holidays are a stack of crumpled balls of wrapping paper, empty
cartons of eggnog, and a longing that we had a little more time off to
sleep in. It's back to class and time to get in the groove all over again.
It won't be long before that first essay is due and that first test paper
lies in front of your eyes waiting to be filled in with the correct answers.
It's important to start each term with a fresh perspective – don’t
get wrapped up in last term's bad marks or feel too overconfident in past
A's. Each term is a blank slate and you can remake yourself.
I return to class a little wiser, not so fresh and with a slew of ways
to better the university experience and myself. This isn't the usual study
more, priorities, organize, analyze jargon – this is actually what
you need to survive university.
First off, read what professors put on reserve. If they go through the
effort to put it there you might as well read it. There are hints in their
selections which provide great information for final exam questions. This
I learn after looking at what is on reserve and wishing I had seen it
before those in-class essays and finals. It is important to routinely
check the reserve catalogue because sometimes they put it there without
even mentioning it during a lecture.
Secondly, learn to be more confident in your own beliefs instead of always
relying on the critics. Question what they say, dissect opinions, create
your own, and do research to strengthen your views. It is okay to agree
with a theorist but you also need to think for yourself. After all, university
is all about learning to think coherently and be critical of the material
around you. A new perspective that is well researched and supported will
be refreshing for your professors and may add a plus to that letter on
your paper.
Thirdly, when writing a paper always begin by defining the terms. This
will not only help your professor to see where you're beginning from but
will also get you thinking about the basics of your argument and provide
an even footing to continue your argumentation.
Fourthly, after you've finished a paper hit the AutoSummarize function
if you're an MS Word user. No I am not a salesperson for Microsoft, but
this function does allow you to see where the strong points are in your
argument. Nonetheless in the end rely on your own judgment, not the computers,
to cut pieces from your work. You should be able to pick out the thesis
in your paper easily; if you don't know what it is the professor never
will.
Fifthly, spend the most time on your introductory paragraph and concluding
paragraph. Many professors say they know the mark that they will give
by how solid you write these two key paragraphs. Of course the body of
the paper is considered, but the introduction and conclusion are where
the strongest points should be.
Sixthly, if they give you two hours to do an exam, take two hours –
don't leave early. This is not to say that people who leave early didn't
fully complete the exam or are more likely to get a worse mark than those
who stay, rather it is a better reflection on yourself if you stay; professors
see that you are concerned about your mark. This is also important because
often hints are given in the last few minutes for those students who stick
around.
Seventhly, study what you love. Do not let an overzealous professor put
you down; their comments do not define you. Chances are if you were the
one with the red pen you could come up with plenty of comments on him
or her. While a paper is your work, their comments are not personal stabs
at you. They want you to get better and by making you feel like there
is nowhere to go but up they push you to succeed.
Eighthly, establish a working relationship with all your professors. Make
it your goal for them to know your name or at least recognize you if you’re
in one of the 250-person lecture classes. Go to see them during office
hours if you have a question, attend class and offer questions and comments
during lectures. If they see that you’re interested then this will
play favorably not only in your marks but also in any reference letters
or recommendations that they may make for you.
University is not only about studying and putting effort into assignments
but it also about understanding the game. Once you know how to get great
marks and find out what works best for you in one subject, it will carry
over into other courses and disciplines. Success is directly correlated
with effort and by approaching everything with a positive attitude this
effort will come a little easier.
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