Start the Spring Semester Off Right! 5 Tips for Getting Ahead

Here it is … your big chance to make this semester count. After a long winter break, you are primed and prepped to make the most of this semester. To help you stay on track, Tutor Delphia has 5 tips to help you start the semester off right!

Our very own tutor Lyndi Rice has drawn from her own experiences as a Volunteer Adjunct Assistant Professor at Rowan University to compile a list of the most useful tips for our college-aged students.

(1)  Go to every class.  Professors often give extra information during lectures that is used for generating tests in addition to what is found in the lecture notes or book. Plus, going to each class provides more opportunity to interact with other students and the professor. Learn to take good notes, and don’t be afraid to ask for something to be repeated if you missed it or didn’t understand it. This is your education; own it.

(2)  Sit near the front of the class.  Professors do pay attention to who is alert and interested in what is being covered. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or volunteer answers in class. This is good practice for when you enter the workforce.

(3)  Make use of office hours.  Get to know the professor. Showing that you are interested in the subject and going directly to him/her with questions will show that you are eager to learn. Plus, if you are straddling a grade, it could make a difference at the end of the semester if the professor knows who you are and that you put forward a lot of effort.

(4)  Use all available resources.  Most schools offer free tutoring or help in certain areas — like help with writing and grammar. Use these resources if and when you need them. Check out what resources are available to you at the library and student centers. Your tuition helps pay for these resources; make sure you use them. If you need additional help, hire a professional tutor and/or consider auditing a class with more basic information.

(5)  Find or create a study group.  In more difficult classes, make friends with those that sit around you and try to find or initiate study groups. It is always helpful to have some buddies in the same class so that you can share notes and study together.

Here at Tutor Delphia, we also encourage you to stay organized with your course work. Color code files on your computer or at your desk so that each color represents one of your classes. And always make sure to be prepared — yup, we are talking about sharpened pencils, pens full of ink and plenty of clean paper (or a tablet) for taking notes.

Check in with us to let us know if these tips helped you get off to the right start this semester!