16 Tips to Improve Study Habits in 2016

With the new year approaching, many people will be adding "become a better student" to their New Years Resolution. I have a few tips that may help in accomplishing your new goal.

1. Go over syllabi before the first day of class. Highlight all important information (dates major assignments are due, test dates, contact information, etc.). Write any questions you may have down about what will be expected of you over the course of the semester. If they are unanswered the day you go over the syllabus in class, do not forget to ASK your questions..

2. Restock on supplies. Make sure you have plenty of paper, pens, printer ink and index cards.

3. Shake hands with each professor. This is especially important in large lectures. You want your professor to notice you and notice your performance in class. 

4. Stop skipping class. Every class is important. If it wasn't then the professor wouldn't be teaching it. Missing days to handle personal business or because you are sick is one thing. It is another to miss because you do not feel like going.

5. Make a friend in every class. An upperclassman gave me that advice and it worked wonders. If you miss class you automatically have one person you can ask about the information you missed in class. It also helps make the school feel smaller when you recognize them outside of class.

6. Not all attention is good attention. Professors do not like the people who cause distractions (talking, playing on your phone, etc.). Students do not like the person that start debates (in most classes) so avoid talks about religion, politics, and other fire starters.

7. Respect the professor. The professors and TAs have knowledge to offer you. If you would rather not be in class, do not waste anyone's time by taking up space in the class.

8. Understand that you control your ability to learn. You may not like your professor but you're paying to be in the class for a semester so do not waste your time or money. Even if the teaching style does not suit your learning style, there is something to be gained from the class.

9. Take your time on assignments. Do not rush through your work. If you do, you may not fully understand. Whoever is grading the assignment can tell you rushed and will base the rest of your potential off of that.

10. Study. If you have never studied before, learn what study methods work for you the best.

11. Take better notes. If the PowerPoint is provided, do not write any information from the slides in class. Write things the professor repeats, star things that the professor says are important, and rewrite your notes after class.

12. Work as if there is no curve. You never know how the curve will affect you. It will rarely affect you negatively but you should be able to accept the grade you earned if the professor decided not to curve that semester.

13. Take advantage of extra credit. Those opportunities are not guaranteed in every class. You have to remember "grades are earned and not given" so not all professors will give extra credit or curve grades.

14. Make corrections. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher to see your test. Go over anything you may still be unsure about. If your final is cumulative you will be glad. If the final is not cumulative, the information may still be important or helpful to know.

15. Accept your mistakes. Understanding where you went wrong will help you to figure out how to correct yourself and not make the same mistake twice.

16. Believe in yourself. You are your own worst enemy. The only thing stopping your success is you so believe and achieve.

Hopefully my tips will help you to put your best foot forward and earn the gpa you want. Good luck. 

~Jay