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Success in College: From C's in High School to A's in College

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I was required to purchase this book for my Chemistry 110: Principles of Chemistry I class. While this book has nothing specifically to do with chemistry, it provides a lot of information about how to become a better student. The author, Peter F. Burns, discusses how he transformed himself from a mediocre high school student into a very capable college student. It is quite easy to relate to Professor Burns as he presents his material clearly, concisely, and in an easy-to-read format. In short, Professor Burns conveys that the key to success and failure is 'perspective.' Therefore, Professor Burns frequently creates comparisons like some of the ones I have listed below to stress that college is a VERY different experience than high school and will almost certainly require considerably more effort.

[Note: What follows is a brief synopsis of the type of material covered in the book.]


Difference between High School and College:

High School:
Parents structure your lives.
Attendance is mandatory.
Intelligence leads to good grades and respect.
Subjects covered a month of two.

College:
You structure your life.
Attendance is voluntary.
Intelligence is a given. Respect is earned.
Subjects covered a week or two.

The goal of college is to learn. If you do not work diligently, you will not maximize your learning potential. GPA is a reflection of how much you learned. However, it is possible to have a good GPA without maximizing your learning potential, as well as having a poor GPA while maximizing your learning potential.


Do your very best, no one can expect more, but if you do less, you cheat yourself.

Quotes:
If you want to pass, pay attention in class! (PS: To pay attention in class, you have to be there.)

Keys to Success:
(1) Develop good study habits.
(2) Do not miss any classes.
(3) Peruse your class syllabi.
(4) Stay organized.
(5) Take comprehensive notes in class.
(6) Prepare for the unexpected.
(7) Start projects/papers early.
(8) Establish a pattern: (a) eating, (b) sleeping, (c) studying
(9) Have good time management skills.
(10) Study between classes.
(11) Overestimate challenges. (not underestimate)
(12) Reflect on what you have learned.
(13) Don't rely on highlights in used textbooks.
(14) Use all the time given for an exam (check your answers)
(15) Utilize your college's writing center.
(16) Get to know your teachers/professors.

Notes:
If you do miss class, get notes from two classmates who were in class. Compare the two students' notes. Also, since you will be quickly copying notes from teachers' lectures, read and recopy the notes. Preferably the best time to recopy the notes is after class either on a computer or in neat handwriting. Using a computer makes it easier to create very organized, structured notes.

Essays/Research Papers:
Good papers are never first drafts! Writing takes practice and revision! Also, be certain exactly what material the professor wants you to write in your paper as well as how you should present the material. Always, create an outline, opening thesis, and conclusion for research papers.

Strategies for Exams:
(1) Work well in advance beginning on the first day of classes (if not before).
(2) Find a quiet place to study where you will not be disturbed.
(3) Study on a regular basis. Do not wait until three days before the exam.
(4) Determine which material the exam will cover.
(5) Attack your notes.
(6) Consult your notes as soon after each class as possible.
(7) Work with your professors - if you have a question, ask.
(8) Pay attention to detail and to the possible themes of the course.
(9) Move beyond the facts of who, what, where, and when, in order to address the why and how.
(10) Read the books (and other assigned reading).
(11) Know key terms in the textbooks.
(12) Know the themes of the assigned reading.
(13) Know exactly what the test/exam will cover. (ex: chapters 5-13)
(14) Outline the chapters - summarize the main points.
(15) Anticipate exam questions (what is repeated in the lectures).
(16) Incorporate the information you studied into the exam.
(17) Determine whether group or individual studying works best for you.
(18) Get plenty of sleep the night before the exam. Do not study all night!
(19) Come to the test with a positive attitude.
(20) Listen to oral directions carefully.
(21) Choose the multiple-choice response that most completely answers the questions.
(22) Watch out for words like only, every, always, none, and all, which signify absolutes.
(23) Write an outline before you write your essay.

Rules of Dealing with Professors:
(1) Attend office hours on a regular basis.
(2) Listen to your professors.
(3) Follow your professors' advice.
(4) Understand the criteria your professors use to grade exams and papers.
(5) Understand the five stages of grief you may experience when you receive a less than satisfactory grade.


Five Stages of Grief after Receiving a Poor Grade, and Student Responses at Each Stage:
Denial "No way!" "I can't believe it!"
Anger "That stupid professor!"
Bargaining "I know you say A is the answer but couldn't B also be correct?" "Can I get partial credit?" "Considering I didn't have enough time, can you drop the grade for the lowest essay?" "Can I do makeup work?"
Depression "Why am I even in college?" "I should drop this class."
Acceptance "Well, maybe I can do it better next time." "Maybe I should study more/differently next time."


Evaluating Your Performance:
(1) Assess why you underperformed.
(2) Determine why you succeeded.
(3) Ask professors how you can improve.

Rules for In-Class Behavior:
(1) Understand that class time is quite serious.
(2) Pay attention.
(3) Take copious notes.
(4) Behave
(5) Respect the professor.
(6) Respect the other students.
(7) Avoid sidebar conversations.
(8) Do not pass notes.
(9) Add something substantive to the discussion when you speak.
(10) Talkers do not necessarily know more than nontalkers.


Good Student verses Not-So-Good Student:

Good Students:
Attend every class
Study on a regular basis
Need no special treatment
View grades as their responsibility
Pay attention to detail
Take advantage of extra-credit opportunities
View grades as impersonal
College is their priority

Not-So-Good Students:
Attend class on an irregular basis
Study on an irregular basis
Ask for special treatment, such as paper extensions
View grades as someone or something else's responsibility or fault.
Make careless mistakes
Do not take advantage of extra-credit assignments.
View grades as personal
College is one part of a full plate

Extra-credit paradox:
The students who get extra credit do not need it. The students who need it do not complete the extra-credit assignments.