The last two years I've worked as a Peer Academic Consultant here at The University of Arizona. I work with students in the College of Letters, Arts, and Science that are on Academic Probation with the University or need assistance getting through the semester. I teach them the skills to become a better student and help motivate them towards a better direction for their future. I wanted to share three tips with you that can ultimately help you succeed in your academic career no matter what circumstances! I am a 3.6 cumulative GPA student and still use these tips every day both in and outside of school.
FIRST,
Be organized. I cannot stress this enough. Understand that if you have this component in your life, everything will feel so much easier. By being organized I mean finding something that works for you, whether it is a planner, a reminder on your phone, or a mentor you check in with. Use your resources, they are there to help you! Don't just buy a calendar and post it on a wall, ACTUALLY USE IT and use it how you want! Being personable is also very important in this, think of a creative way for yourself to get organized that you will enjoy doing every week instead of copying what your friend does!
SECONDLY,
Have a good sense of time management. When I've told my students to get a hold of their time, they skyrocketed in academic success. When you find time for your academics it completely improves your grades and your overall knowledge. So many students say they actually feel like they are learning when they have a good sense of their time management. Give yourself an hour before class to review, go to class, and then give yourself time to reflect what you've just learned or start the homework while your brain is thinking/working! Trust me there is enough time in the day - I still have time to hang with my friends even though I am enrolled in 6 classes, have a part-time job, and have two internships.
THIRD,
Find what best suits YOUR test preparations. Whether it is flashcards, a Quizlet, or writing down terms over and over again. Really understand what can help you actually learn the material instead of memorizing it. You're going to need this information in the future anyway for your career right? So why not take advantage of it? Test yourself, play with your mind, and see what knowledge you can pertain.
The feeling of learning something is an unbelievable experience, at least for me. I love flashcards because it helps me first memorize the content, but then the more I do it the more I understand what I am actually studying and learning. Definitions of terms are no longer are just words, they have a meaning and a background to it that connects to another aspect to what I am learning. Basically learning is a full circle in whatever industry you are in, repeating motifs will come up. Find something that works for you to get the grades you've been wanting to achieve.
I hope these three tips helped you! P.S. my favorite place to studying and do homework is on the fifth floor of the Main Library. I've attached a picture of my favorite view. Happy studying :)
