College Tips

[PhuturePriest]

I'm beginning my first semester of college on January 19th. Though it is not my preference, I'm doing online classes for the sake of cost expense. I'm doing a history class, German, sociology, and English composition. Does anyone have words of wisdom concerning anything, i.e., study tips, schedule recommendations, how not to fall behind, etc.?

[HopefulHeart]

Do the reading. I like to make notes in the margins of my textbooks as I read. It's easy to fall behind on reading, so make an effort to stay on top of it.

Keep track of due dates in a day planner or online calendar.

For online classes, you will probably have to participate in forum-like discussions. These can be annoying, but try to make meaningful contributions.

For studying, be sure to key on what the professor emphasizes. The concepts that the prof considers important will likely be on the test. Also, try to find out what format the tests will be (multiple choice, short answer, essay) and plan your studying accordingly.

For English comp, you will probably have to do some sort of research paper. This site will be helpful: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Don't hesitate to contact the prof via email if you have a question about the course or the material. Professors like students to show interest and ask questions. You want the professor to remember you and your contributions favorably when it's time to distribute final grades.

Good luck!  

Edited December 29, 2015 by HopefulHeart

[Basilisa Marie]

Oh honey, congrats! :D 

I HATE online classes because they capitalize on all of my greatest weaknesses as a student. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES:

• Pay attention to the syllabus. Get yourself a calendar and schedule in tests, essays, homework, AND when you're supposed to participate in the wretched online discussion forum. Set an alarm on your phone. Do whatever it takes. I once got a C in an online class because I forgot to have the requisite number of "participations" in the online discussion. 
   
• If you forget to have something in on time, especially if it's small, DO NOT just write it off as "next time I'll get it done, I can handle missing one" and then fail to make any effort to absolutely ensure you get the next one done. They will snowball because your class exists in your computer, not as a place you have to get off your rear to run to in the snow by a certain time. 
   
• If you have a group project, make sure it looks like you're doing a lot of work. I once failed a group project for another online class because all my group members I knew in person because we lived on campus, and we met in person to work out who did what. I did a lot of good work, but there was ZERO evidence of it in the forum. Professor didn't care because we were supposed to work on the project in the discussion forum and then submit the group essay. That wasn't a fun day. 
   
• Basically I'm an idiot who fails at closely reading the syllabus and taking it seriously for online classes. Don't be like me. 
   
• Do all the reading at first. You will find out how much reading you actually have to do once you get a better handle on the class. You'll learn to "gleen" the important things instead of reading every single word to remember every single word. You'll remember more if you read every single word, though. Figure out what works for you. What actually works for you, not just what lets you be lazy. 
   
• Learning a language is hard. Set aside some time, even twenty minutes, to go over vocab EVERY DAY. Make flash cards. Review them daily. EVERY DAY. Don't be like me and blow this off. If you don't put in the time you'll never get the language to sink into the part of your brain it needs to live in, and your life will be SO MUCH HARDER. The language part of your brain is like a muscle. If you don't work at it every day you it will never perform well. 

The moral of my personal cautionary tale is that online classes make it very, very easy for you to be lazy. I am very good at being lazy. Don't be like me. 

[PhuturePriest]

9 minutes ago, Basilisa Marie said:

Oh honey, congrats! :D 

I HATE online classes because they capitalize on all of my greatest weaknesses as a student. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES:

• Pay attention to the syllabus. Get yourself a calendar and schedule in tests, essays, homework, AND when you're supposed to participate in the wretched online discussion forum. Set an alarm on your phone. Do whatever it takes. I once got a C in an online class because I forgot to have the requisite number of "participations" in the online discussion. 
   
• If you forget to have something in on time, especially if it's small, DO NOT just write it off as "next time I'll get it done, I can handle missing one" and then fail to make any effort to absolutely ensure you get the next one done. They will snowball because your class exists in your computer, not as a place you have to get off your rear to run to in the snow by a certain time. 
   
• If you have a group project, make sure it looks like you're doing a lot of work. I once failed a group project for another online class because all my group members I knew in person because we lived on campus, and we met in person to work out who did what. I did a lot of good work, but there was ZERO evidence of it in the forum. Professor didn't care because we were supposed to work on the project in the discussion forum and then submit the group essay. That wasn't a fun day. 
   
• Basically I'm an idiot who fails at closely reading the syllabus and taking it seriously for online classes. Don't be like me. 
   
• Do all the reading at first. You will find out how much reading you actually have to do once you get a better handle on the class. You'll learn to "gleen" the important things instead of reading every single word to remember every single word. You'll remember more if you read every single word, though. Figure out what works for you. What actually works for you, not just what lets you be lazy. 
   
• Learning a language is hard. Set aside some time, even twenty minutes, to go over vocab EVERY DAY. Make flash cards. Review them daily. EVERY DAY. Don't be like me and blow this off. If you don't put in the time you'll never get the language to sink into the part of your brain it needs to live in, and your life will be SO MUCH HARDER. The language part of your brain is like a muscle. If you don't work at it every day you it will never perform well. 

The moral of my personal cautionary tale is that online classes make it very, very easy for you to be lazy. I am very good at being lazy. Don't be like me. 

My proclivity towards laziness is precisely why I started this thread, and greatly appreciate all this information.  

It's so much harder for me to do a class if it isn't "real." Some have said you can just as easily skip physical classes at universities, but there's still a set time and a sense of needing to be there, whereas online stuff simply exists, floating around without apparent structure.

It is for that very reason that I only chose four classes rather than five.

[Lilllabettt]

1. look at the syllabi/ registration website and find out when your papers, projects, -- but especially your  finals - are going to be scheduled. If you see a ton being due on the same day, or if there are time conflicts (e.g. 2 exams at the same time on the same day) start talking to your professors about other arrangements now.

2. Do the reading. If you do the reading when it is assigned you have already separated yourself from half the class. (This does not apply to grad school, where some professors deliberately assign too much reading in order to teach students to prioritize and separate wheat from chaff. Your undergrad professors may do this, but it is rare at that level.)

3. If you possibly can, go to office hours. This is awful; do it anyway. Twice. Once in the beginning, once in the middle of the semester. It doesn't matter if you need help or not. Fake being confused and then act like you "get it" after they explain. Or ask them for their opinion on the reading. Professors love sharing their opinion.

4. This doesn't necessarily apply to online learning - but if you ever go to a sit-down class -- make sure you sit in the first row, in the center, every single day. Be on time or early every single day to get that seat. BE THERE EVERY SINGLE DAY. (If you have to be absent - and I mean HAVE to - send an email to your Professor apologizing ahead of time.)  Even if you say NOTHING the entire semester, your professor will know who you are. This technique is powerful for  quiet people or those who struggle with public speaking. Someone once gave me this advice and it changed my life.

5. After finals are over, go in person to thank your Professor for their help during the semester. If you cannot go in person, write a thank you note. If you cannot write a thank you note, send an email.

 

The above techniques enabled me, a person who was painfully shy and with average intellectual gifts, to beat the bazingas out of higher education. You need your professors to give you a good grade, give you the benefit of the doubt where there is any, and serve as references for you on future adventures.

Not to be cynical, but it is in many way a game to be played - and you are paying to play, so play to win.

Anyone who tells you "grades don't matter, learning does" is your future competition in state and federal government, Silicon Valley, Wall Street, the Big 4 accounting firms, graduate, law, medical schools, fellowships, etc., all of whom sort applications by GPA.  You can severely limit your horizons by screwing up a semester or two of undergrad and by neglecting to nurture relationships with professors. So take it all seriously and don't blow it off. 

 

 

 

[CatherineM]

I've had many online classes. Some have been moodle where you can interact with other students. That helps. I did the class at a certain time each day, no excuses. Went onto my google calendar on my phone so it synched with my husband and son's phone so they'd know not to schedule things for me then. 

I only had to drop one of them and that was the semester I was in the hospital. You're right about skipping classes on campus. I did that with math classes that were a review for me back in the day before you could advance placement out of them. Forgot to go to an exam once because of it, so you can screw either one up. 

There's nothing wrong with trying to keep costs down with online classes. It's worse to go in debt for college at a rate you can't make up. I knew a kid who went $200,000 grand in debt for her education bachelors and masters. She worked nights at Burlington for 20 years. 

[Nihil Obstat]

1 hour ago, CatherineM said:

 I knew a kid who went $200,000 grand in debt for her education bachelors and masters. 

That is a lot of debt. She might have bought a small country instead.

[Makarioi]

Congrats and good luck!!  I did my Master's on line, start to finish in traditional semesters.  Look and apply for as many grants as you can.  Ask your professors or guidance counselors for them as well.  Many folks think that on line classes are easier, I think they are harder.  You MUST be organized and dedicated, read all of the materials and know what is expected of you and when. Participation in the forums and in any assignments is very important.  In my time, you couldn't repeat what anyone had already said in discussion in the forum topic, always a new idea or thought on topics.   I liked that I could go to school any time that I wanted to (even in my PJs), work at my own pace but mindful of the requirements. I'm an auditory and kinesthetic learner and there was many an occasion I'd read and re-read and re-read something before it sunk in.  I figured out that if I read it out loud, I heard it and it stuck. 

At the time, going to a testing center for exams wasn't a requirement.  They were done at home on your honor, TIMED and just because they were 'open book' didn't make it easier.  You HAD to be prepared and know the material because there wasn't time to look anything up in a book or online.  My shoulders would be like granite when I completed an exam.  Taking the exam with the clock ticking on the side of the screen.....talk about stress.  Then there's the presentations and papers, all APA format and Turn It In.com. Ah! 

My life was college, the demands of my program made sure of that.  Working full time, taking care of a family and taking 2 classes a semester, it was a rare occasion that I visited friends, took a walk or went to a movie.  When it was all over 2 1/2 years later, I kept going back to my 'desk' in the family room as though I had to do something for school, it was habit.  

[DominicanHeart]

Do not procrastinate 

[elizabeth09]

If you can, get ahead of schedule.  I like to type my notes, so that way they are neat, and easy to find.

[truthfinder]

I'll speak to the history course, as that's what I know best.  A caveat: I've never taken an online course, but I know I'd be a disaster if I did.  Alright: I don't know what history you're taking, but there's seems to be two general approaches to historical courses, particulary in the first year.  1: A general survey which runs roughshod over an entire historical era and is meant to acquaint the student with all the 'facts' of that period, theme, etc.  2: (and doesn't exactly exclude the previous) A course, which while focused on the events of a particular historical time-frame, is actually getting you used to writing in a historical manner. (Writing in history is very different than a lit class or anything else. I can pretty much always tell when a student is majoring in something that isn't history). 

Try to figure out early what exactly the goal of the course is. It may be explicitly written by the prof either in the syllabus or in an introductory post, or you may want to inquire about this more directly. This will make it easier to understand whether or not you should focus on all the people, places, dates, and events, or whether learning to craft a paper or discussion post which is analytical and 'deep thinking' is the most important goal.  (Also be careful, a lot of courses have a 'myth-busting' quality to them; so something you think you know, you might not.  And trying to defend yourself without academic sources will probably not garner any respect from the teacher).

Read your syllabi closely and particularly any grading rubric or essay instructions you might receive.  I've had some strange ones over the years, and have also had to enforce marking policies I personally don't agree with.  In some regards, writing essays is about following the rules.  You might be able to bend some rules with some profs, but with others, you could receive a severe deduction in grades.  I also echo what was said Basilisa says about skipping papers - to me, this is just chucking your grade out the window.  In my opinion, it's often so much better to take a percentage deduction (if it's offered) and hand a paper in late than thinking "oh well, I missed deadline, next time".  It's far better to get 30% on an assignment that was late than 0 because it wasn't handed in at all.  Also, again reading the syllabus, some courses require all assignments to be handed in regardless of their score in order to pass at all.  

I will also agree with Lilllabett about office hours - I'm not sure why students hate them so much.  When I have office hours, I literally just sit around doing some boring work waiting for a student to show up.  You're not bothering me; and as long as the student is not a complete brown-noser, it lets me get a better idea of what they know than what they show in class.  This is particularly true of those students who are anxious about talking.

 And goodness: we can tell when you've done the readings.  This is more so in live classrooms, but it can come out in online or written work.  Right now, my students don't actually know there's a function on my instructor version of their course readings that allows me to check who has done the readings.  But, truly, we don't even need this - what most instructors are looking for in responses to readings is proof that not only you've read it, but that you've engaged with it on a deeper intellectual level: bias, perspective, how it relates to the course at large and the other readings, is it a 'quality' source (does it have major flaws in interpretation, etc).  

This has been a lengthy post - I hope it helps.

[chrysostom]

A useful note from someone (not me) who graduated top of his class at grad school:  if you have papers, treat the due date for the final draft as one week prior to the actual due date.  i.e. get it done a week early.  This gives you time to get some distance and perspective on the paper, plus it ensures you are never late and automatically removes a major source of stress.  You will have to plan ahead to do this.  Papers won't write themselves.  Good luck.

[Not The Philosopher]

There will inevitably be times when you feel completely swamped by work and deadlines and your world seems to be crumbling around you. It's not, but it'll feel like it is. If you soldier through it, you'll make it to the other side somehow, so don't give up when it happens.

[Luigi]

My motto, for all classes, is: Read the material, come to class, do the work, you will learn!

The only difference with online classes is the bit about "come to class." RECOMMENDATION: Treat each online class as if it were a traditional class - sit at the computer and do History MWF 9-9:50, German MWF 10-10:50, Sociology on TR 9-10:15 and Comp I on TR 10:30-11:45. Or something like that. 

And the rule of thumb for college classes is "Two hours of homework for every hour of class." So if you're taking 12 credit hours, you should be studying 24 hours per week. Schedule that, too. Now if you're good in English, you may not need the full six homework hours, but if you're weak in German,  you may need more than the the suggested six hours of homework. So it still averages out to two hours of homework for every hour of class. You should figure out by Week 4 whether you're doing enough homework in each class. 

Divide the semester into four four-week units. Take stock at the end of each four weeks - what's my grade, am I keeping up, where/why am I falling behind, what can I do better, what's coming up in the next four weeks, and so forth. 

 

If you made it through high school, you don't really have anything to worry about - college is just more of the same - except that you're completely independent. You'll do fine if you stick to your schedule. 

Edited December 30, 2015 by Luigi

[PhuturePriest]

2 hours ago, truthfinder said:

I'll speak to the history course, as that's what I know best.  A caveat: I've never taken an online course, but I know I'd be a disaster if I did.  Alright: I don't know what history you're taking, but there's seems to be two general approaches to historical courses, particulary in the first year.  1: A general survey which runs roughshod over an entire historical era and is meant to acquaint the student with all the 'facts' of that period, theme, etc.  2: (and doesn't exactly exclude the previous) A course, which while focused on the events of a particular historical time-frame, is actually getting you used to writing in a historical manner. (Writing in history is very different than a lit class or anything else. I can pretty much always tell when a student is majoring in something that isn't history). 

Try to figure out early what exactly the goal of the course is. It may be explicitly written by the prof either in the syllabus or in an introductory post, or you may want to inquire about this more directly. This will make it easier to understand whether or not you should focus on all the people, places, dates, and events, or whether learning to craft a paper or discussion post which is analytical and 'deep thinking' is the most important goal.  (Also be careful, a lot of courses have a 'myth-busting' quality to them; so something you think you know, you might not.  And trying to defend yourself without academic sources will probably not garner any respect from the teacher).

Read your syllabi closely and particularly any grading rubric or essay instructions you might receive.  I've had some strange ones over the years, and have also had to enforce marking policies I personally don't agree with.  In some regards, writing essays is about following the rules.  You might be able to bend some rules with some profs, but with others, you could receive a severe deduction in grades.  I also echo what was said Basilisa says about skipping papers - to me, this is just chucking your grade out the window.  In my opinion, it's often so much better to take a percentage deduction (if it's offered) and hand a paper in late than thinking "oh well, I missed deadline, next time".  It's far better to get 30% on an assignment that was late than 0 because it wasn't handed in at all.  Also, again reading the syllabus, some courses require all assignments to be handed in regardless of their score in order to pass at all.  

I will also agree with Lilllabett about office hours - I'm not sure why students hate them so much.  When I have office hours, I literally just sit around doing some boring work waiting for a student to show up.  You're not bothering me; and as long as the student is not a complete brown-noser, it lets me get a better idea of what they know than what they show in class.  This is particularly true of those students who are anxious about talking.

 And goodness: we can tell when you've done the readings.  This is more so in live classrooms, but it can come out in online or written work.  Right now, my students don't actually know there's a function on my instructor version of their course readings that allows me to check who has done the readings.  But, truly, we don't even need this - what most instructors are looking for in responses to readings is proof that not only you've read it, but that you've engaged with it on a deeper intellectual level: bias, perspective, how it relates to the course at large and the other readings, is it a 'quality' source (does it have major flaws in interpretation, etc).  

This has been a lengthy post - I hope it helps.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely be sure to read through it several times to make sure I didn't miss anything. The history class is on civilizations up to 1500 (it doesn't specify whether BC or AD, but it's assumed to be AD.) It was that or American history up to 1885, and I thought the choice between the two to be rather clear.

Any advice on notes, or reading and gathering the necessary information in general? This will be the first time I've ever done structured schooling like this, so I'm very much out of my element.