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How to succeed in college

Graduates of Corban University pointing and smiling

 

You may find college different from high school in many ways. Learn how to succeed in college.

Your college success checklist

Here's what you need to do to succeed in college.

 ACHIEVE

Continue good habits that will help you be successful.

  • Go to all your classes and be on time. Come prepared, ask questions and take part in class discussions. If you must miss a class, e-mail the professor and get notes from a classmate.
  • Stay on top of your reading and assignments. You may not need to turn them in, but they will help you learn the material. You'll be thankful come midterms!
  • Determine the place that you study best (at home or at the library, for example). Practice good study habits.
  • In high school, your parents or guardians received your report cards. In college, your grades only come to you because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Talk with your family about their expectations about sharing your academic progress.
  • If you are planning to transfer colleges, make sure the classes you are taking will transfer as well.
  • If you are planning to go to graduate school, including law, business or medical school, learn what the required classes are for admission. They may not be required for your major, so you'll need to make a plan for taking additional classes.
  • Take a class unrelated to your major or program that interests you.
  • Consider spending a term studying in another country or at another college. Visit your school's department for off-campus study to learn more about your options.
  • Find a system that works for you to keep track of class material, assignments, deadlines, and other commitments. Read the syllabus for each class and make note of when big projects or exams are scheduled.
  • In college, you usually spend less time in class and more time studying on your own. Make time in your schedule to study daily and use time between classes wisely.
  • Ask for help from your professors, advisor or classmates. Find a study partner or group, go to office hours and use tutors.
  • Check your school e-mail regularly. The college will use this as their main method of communicating with you.
  • Make a good impression when talking or e-mailing professors and college staff. Introduce yourself, be polite and be clear about what you need. Use capital letters, spell words out and write complete sentences.

 ENGAGE

  • Join student groups, volunteer for an organization you care about, or get a part-time job. Try something new or start your own club. Most colleges have many activities including student government, sports, and career organizations.
  • Make a plan for summer. Consider summer classes, internships or research, special programs or a job.
  • Choose friends that share positive goals and interests. It can be difficult to make new friends and adjust to a new place. Keep an open mind and get involved to meet a wide range of people.
  • Find a mentor – a professor, advisor, former teacher, or older student that you can talk to. Share your future dreams and plans with them.
  • Be a role model and mentor for younger students.
  • Stay connected with family and friends from home while focusing on new experiences and people on your campus.
  • If you get sick, use your college's health center. If you must miss a class, e-mail the professor and get notes from a classmate.
  • Use your college's counseling services if you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or have other concerns.
  • You and your healthcare providers are the only ones who can see your health records because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, you may want to share health concerns with your parents or guardians.
  • Be safe online and on your phone.
  • Be responsible with risky behaviors like drinking, doing drugs, and having sex. Use your school's health center to ask questions, get free resources and get help when you need it.
  • Be kind; treat others with respect.

  EXPLORE

  • Explore careers that match your degree and your interests. Think about the classes you've taken and the ones you've enjoyed the most.
  • Talk to your professors, advisor and career center about jobs related to your major or program. Discuss your interests and goals.
  • Visit the career center to find volunteer opportunities, an internship, research or a job shadow to learn more.
  • Talk about your future dreams and plans with your family, friends and other adults and set goals.
  • Attend a career fair.

Learn how to transfer colleges and plan ahead to make sure credit transfers.

  • Review what is most important to you in a college. Develop a list of colleges that you're interested in and that have your program or major.
  • Research admission requirements for each college to make sure you're on track.
  • Get to know the colleges. Take a virtual tour or if possible, visit a college campus. You can also meet with admissions representatives online or during a college fair.
  • Apply by the deadline. Be prepared with all the information you need before you apply.
  • Talk to your advisor and professors about programs and careers that interest you.
  • Review what is most important to you in a college. Develop a list of colleges that you're interested in and that have your program or major.
  • Research admission requirements for each college to make sure you're on track. You may need to take an entrance exam before applying.
  • Get to know the colleges. Take a virtual tour or if possible, visit a college campus. You can also meet with admissions representatives online or during a college fair.
  • Apply by the deadline. Be prepared with all the information you need before you apply.

  PAY

Talk with your parents or guardians about managing college costs. You’re the only one who can see your tuition bill and financial aid information because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

  • Re-apply for FAFSA or ORSAA every year.
  • Apply for scholarships. You may be eligible for more scholarships now that you're in college. Check with your college financial aid office and keep an eye on department newsletters or bulletin boards.

Life happens. Contact your college’s financial aid office if you or a family member lost a job or had unexpected medical expenses, childcare costs, or other financial issues.

  • Some colleges may have emergency grants for current college students. They can help pay for laptops, course material, food, housing, health care and childcare.
  • You can ask for a review of your financial aid offer. Your college's financial aid office might have a template to follow or you can use this free tool. Email it to the financial aid office to start the conversation.