It's back to school season! Whether you are a college student yourself, or maybe you know someone to share this post with, this blog covers some practical advice from a recent college graduate. Lauren graduated the University of Iowa this past May and joined our Harvest Point® team in June.
A fun fact about Lauren is that she has held a 4.00 GPA throughout both High School and College academic careers while being involved in athletics, clubs, organizations, and having a part-time job. We convinced her to share some of her top advice for managing a healthy school and social life balance, while requesting that she leave some of the accolades for the rest of us (sheesh).
Lauren's 10 Tips For a College Student:
1. Go to class (no, really).
Whether it's an 8:00am or 8:00pm class, make it a priority to get yourself in the classroom. My dad always told me that simply showing up puts you in the top 80% of your peers. Especially in today's world, lots of lectures are recorded, but you still might miss some key information that wasn't necessarily recorded. I had lots of professors who would give study advice for those who actually attended the class.
2. Pay attention in class.
The best way to study and learn information is to hear it the first time. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible and take good notes during the class. This simple switch in your habits will pay off when it comes time for an exam or project.
3. Learn the key concepts.
I had a management professor who taught me this studying method and it was a game-changer. During each lecture, I would take notes and pay careful attention to the content. After the lecture was over (either that same day or before the next class), I would re-write any key concepts in a master note sheet. Often times, professors will give you key concepts to know and this is a great starting point and I would add any details necessary. Not only does this provide an immediate form of studying, but it also produces a clear, consistent note sheet that is ready to study before an exam!
4. Pray.
I prayed over my assignments, projects, and exams in college. This small but mighty practice made a major difference in my routine, stress, and success. I knew that no matter the outcome, all the glory was for the Lord. I was never defined by a score, but rather by my Creator.
5. Treat school like a 9-5 job.
As a student, classes, homework, and projects take up a large part of your day. It is important to not let it consume your days. If you treat school like a 9-5 where you are focused on getting your school work done within the week and before 5pm, you will find you have much more free-time on your hands. This method really helped me balance school with my personal life. I rarely had late-night or weekend homework to complete which in turn created a healthy routine for me as a student.
6. Use a planner.
Make sure you find a way to keep track of all your classes and assignments. I used Google calendar to block out time for every class, work shift, club meeting, and event that was going on. I also added reminders for deadlines to ensure I always had my work done on time. It's also always a good practice to review the syllabus for each class and write down any exam/project dates on your calendar ahead of time. Always better to be prepared!
7. College is so much more than a homework assignment.
Get out and get involved! One of the best things you can do as you step foot on campus is to find a club or organization to join. This is a great way to meet new people, try new things, and find leadership roles later on. I made some great friends throughout my involvement in various organizations and opportunities.
8. Don't forget to enjoy it.
My favorite part of college was the people I met. You will look back on your college experience and remember the memories made with those around you rather than what grade you got in a specific class. You can prioritize success in school and a healthy social life.
9. No matter what, be thankful.
What a blessing it is to be able to attend college. Don't forget to thank the ones who are helping you throughout your college experience. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, roommates, professors, mentors, etc. all play a major role in having a successful college career. Don't take the support for granted!
10. You got this!
You were made for such a time as this, now go and enjoy every inch of this experience. One day, you just might be writing a blog with your very own advice and reminiscing on one of the best chapters yet.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.