Written by: Alicia Ramirez-Hernandez, Cisneros Class of 2023
As a first-year student, I recognize how difficult the transition from high school to college can be, especially with changes in academic expectations. Long gone are the days of waiting to study for an exam until the night before or writing a “research” paper with sources from the first page of Google. However, with the right tips, managing your studies can become easier! Below are my Top 4 tips for staying on-track with coursework.
Read the syllabus.
The syllabus is the core of every course and reading the syllabus will keep you on-track. That said, reading is NOT skimming. On the day that you receive the syllabus, write down important dates/deadlines for each class. I prefer to keep it all in a planner (with a different colored pen for each class). Professors may not always remind you of these deadlines, so it is important to be responsible and keep up!
Form study groups.
Aside from having someone to sit next to during lectures, your peers can serve as an additional study resource. Form 2–4 people study groups to prepare for an exam and use the opportunity to motivate one another. Aside from keeping you on track, study groups are a great way to meet new people. Study over Starbucks, research over Roti, or tutor over Tonic — there’s a new possibility every day!
Explore resources around campus.
The Academic Commons is a great place to look for resources when you don’t know where to start. You have access to tools such as the Library and Writing Center, so use them. My go-to study space on campus is Gelman Library, where you can book a room with a white board, rent textbooks, or find a quiet space to write a research paper. The Writing Center is a lifesaver, especially for first-year University Writing Courses. You can set up an appointment to review your paper and make modifications that make a difference between a C and a B+. Make sure you schedule an appointment early — spaces fill up quickly!
Attend office hours and ask for help.
Professors set up office hours for your benefit, so take advantage of the opportunity. Office hours are a time to ask questions, review problems, or build a relationship with your professor. It can be intimidating to walk in to a professor’s office, so feel free to walk in with a group. My study group and I walked in to office hours before our accounting exam and got an exclusive on what to expect! Remember: introduce yourself, ask questions about the lecture, or ask a question about the course to leave a good impression on your professor.
My final piece of advice? What works for others may not work for you. You may prefer to study alone or read syllabi weekly for deadlines. Regardless, find tips that best fit your needs and stick to it — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Alicia Ramirez-Hernandez is a first-year Cisneros Scholar in the GW School of Business. Alicia’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.