TIPS OF BECOMING A
SUCCESSFUL STUDENT
Read and understand the course syllabus. The course syllabus is the guide for what your instructor expects in
the course - what assignments are due and when, the priorities for
learning, and how grades are determined.
Get to know your instructor. Use before and after class time or the instructor "office hour" to discuss any difficulties you are having with your class. At COM-FSM, your instructor will work with you and help you to be successful.
Don't skip class EVER (unless you are really
sick or have an emergency).;
Woody Allen says that "80% of success in life is
showing up". "Showing up" is the foundation for success in life and
in college. Your college years are part of your life. For college
students, we might restate Woody Allen’s quote to read "80% of being
a successful college student is showing up. The other 20% of
success is hard work, persistence, striving for excellence and
knowing which thing to click on your computer screen."
Do all readings and assignments on schedule
and turn them in. Falling behind is
self-perpetuating, and coming to class unprepared makes you
able to understand the new material and ask questions.
Ask about and investigate student support
services.
COM-FSM offers a number of services - tutoring, labs
for reading, writing, math and computers, advising and counseling
services, library, and career center - and all are available free of
charge! Use them often to assist with your work.
Don't drop a course without first talking to
your instructor and/or an advisor. Although you may be experiencing difficulties in a
course, there may be solutions to your problems that you might not
see. We want you to be successful, so talk to the COS staff members
and get their help.
Set measurable academic and personal goals
each semester. A key difference between students who succeed and
those who don't is that students who succeed have clearly defined
goals.
As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Always bear in mind
that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one
thing." Successful students tend to be realistic and recognize that
their success or failure is primarily determined by their efforts.
Get to know other students and participate in
student activities.
Forming study groups is one of the best ways to be
successful. Get to know others by attending events on campus.
Build a master calendar. With all of your life activities scheduled (work, classes, study time, practice), you will be able to see in advance and plan for two tests on one day, for example. You can be proactive rather than reactive in approaching you academic assignments