3 Tips to Succeeding from Day One

You know what I like about tips?  They're free and, hopefully, worth more than you paid for them!  Here we go:

Chart Out Your Semester

Generally speaking, professors spend the first day of class going over the syllabus and talking about what textbooks you need.   The exception to this rule is Eddie Davila - awesome Supply Chain professor - who intentionally dives into course material on the first day to reward those who attend the first class (or to punish those who don't, however you want to look at it).

Use the first few days to review the course schedule and write down all of the assignments (at least the major ones) and their due dates into either your planner or smartphone.  If you are really bright, you'll give yourself automated reminders that sound at least 1 week in advance; that way, you'll never end up doing things at the last minute.

I can tell you, from experience, that this has been an invaluable tool in helping me stay on track - especially once the semester gets rolling and it feels like you have something due every other day!

Sit in the Front Row

Why?  Here a few reasons:

1. Helps Develop Rewarding Professor/Student Relationships - Professors notice/get to know the students in the first row (unlike those who sit in the middle or back of a class of 300).  If they know you and vice-versa, it is easier to ask for help and/or future recommendation letters.
2. Motivates Consistent Attendance - When you don't show up, the professor often notices and comments.
3. Encourages Punctuality - It is a long walk to the front of a classroom if you are 15 minutes late.
4. Helps You Focus - Most of the kids in your classes will have laptops and at least 3/4 of those will be on Facebook, YouTube, ESPN or some other website.  Sitting in the front will help you to focus on the material, rather than on the YouTube video the guy in front of you is watching.
5. Less Time Studying Later - If you sit in the front row, you'll likely pay attention and take good notes.  Do you know what that means?  You'll spend that much less time studying outside of class because you already learned it in class.

Start Studying at Least 1 Week Before the Test

Question: What is more effective?

• Studying for 20 minutes every day for a week or...
• Studying for  3 Hours right before the exam?

If you have taken MAT 210, you might have noticed that 3 hours is more total time than 20 minutes each day for a week (140 minutes or 2.33 hours).  Nevertheless, I can promise you that 20 minutes effectively spent reviewing for an exam each day for a week will help you to internalize/understand the material better than if you were to try 'cramming' 6 weeks worth of material into your head in 3 hours.

Studying in short bursts:

1. Encourages productivity (because you only have 20 minutes).
2. Prevents drowsiness (so long as you don't study in bed).
3. Is easier to talk yourself into doing!  It is much easier for me to tell myself that I will study for 20 minutes and then go eat some ice-cream than it is to condemn myself to 3 hours of cramming followed by a 1 hour mid-term!

If you will spend the first week charting out your semester, consistently sit in the front row and start studying at least 1 week before each test, I promise you that, at least by comparison, your grades will soar and you'll feel a lot less stressed!

I'd love to hear any "Tips for Success: that you may have.  Please, comment below!