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  Staying on Track

Advisors

Meeting with an advisor keeps you on track to a successful completion of your studies. You and your advisor are partners in exploring education and career goals, and selecting courses and schedules to meet these goals. Advisors will also keep you on track with the necessary classes you will need to graduate. Studies show that students who work with advisors are more likely to complete their degrees.

 

Your first meeting with your advisor may take place before the start of school your freshman year. Visit your advisor frequently as you make your way through school. Your advisor can monitor the classes you need and help you earn your degree on time.

Student Services

Your school wants you to succeed, and offers information and assistance to help you reach your goal.

Orientation

You should attend orientation as a new student or transfer student to learn about:

  • campus resources and building locations
  • course offerings and registration
  • academic policies and expected student conduct
  • campus activities and clubs

Disability Support

Schools are required to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities. If you are a student with disabilities, meet with your school’s disability support services office to find out what services they offer. You might find:

  • help with registration
  • note-taking assistance
  • alternate materials, such as large print books, Braille, and audio or electronic texts
  • assistive technology

  
 Ahead of Schedule?

Can you get college credit through testing? Talk to your advisor.

  • Advance Placement (AP) exams are offered at high schools. Ask your advisor if your exam score will earn you any college credit.
  • Through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), you can get college credit through one of 33 exams. For more information go to www.collegeboard.com.
  • DSST testing provides college credit for your life experiences or previous learning, based on one of 38 exams. More information is available at www.GetCollegeCredit.com.
  • At some colleges, you can challenge a course that teaches material you already know well. You might be expected to write a paper, take an exam or do a project that will show your proficiency in the subject area. A faculty advisor can tell you if you have this option.
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     School-Life Balance

    Being on your own and away from home for the first time can be challenging. Create a good balance between your new independence and your new responsibilities.

    • Go to class. This sounds simple, but it trips up many new students! Being in class ensures that you’ll be on top of coursework and assignments.
    • Keep up with all class reading, assignments, and activities. Remember, you are on your own now and it is your responsibility to complete your required work.
    • Balance schoolwork and play. Schoolwork should take priority over other activities. But remember to reward yourself with something fun after completing your work.
    • Watch your nutrition. It may be tempting, but don’t live on pizza, candy bars, soda pop, and doughnuts. Maintaining a healthy diet is necessary to stay healthy and alert. Research healthy eating tips for college living.
    • Check out the student recreational center. Take advantage of campus intramural programs. Exercising on a regular basis helps you avoid that freshman fifteen, and reduces stress.
    • Get a good night’s sleep. Partying late and all-night cramming for exams cause a huge dent in your sleep schedule. Too many late nights make it hard to be alert and engaged for your classes.
      
     Study Skills

    Building good study skills is critical to your success in school:

    • take notes in class and review them often
    • schedule your study time wisely and stick with it
    • study in chunks of twenty to fifty minutes
    • study during the day with a refreshed mind instead of late at night
    • highlight and take notes of important material while you read
    • find a quiet, distraction-free study place
    • form a study group with other well-prepared and focused students
    • prepare for exams three to five days before the exam

    Take advantage of professors’ office hours. Meeting with your professors one-on-one gives you a chance to learn more about their expectations. It also shows professors you’re interested enough to seek them out and ask questions.

    If you need additional help, check with your professors and advisor about tutoring services. Many schools have free tutoring available for students who are having difficulties. You might also want to pay for a private tutor.