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How do I mentally prepare for the classes in college?
mostly the generalized classes first.
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5 answers
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Melanie’s Answer
Hey there! Preparing for college classes can be stressful when you don't know what to expect. If you are following a career path that you are passionate about, I can assure you that this will help you through your courses. General education classes can be hard to stay engaged with when it might not be something you are interested in. However, just remember that everyone has to go through them in college and they do help give you a general sense of whatever topic they are covering and will help you ease into the college mindset. I would say my number one advice for preparing for classes would be to make sure you know the best way to study that works for you. This can look different for everyone. For me, I know that I retain knowledge best when I write down my notes in a notebook. However, other people work better when typing on a laptop. Also, for studying, some people prefer to create note cards or simply read through their notes. Some people work better when studying in a group while others focus better when working alone (me!). Whatever your case may be, figuring out how you learn best now will help you when you get into your more rigorous courses.
Figure out how you like to study
Find materials that will help motivate your studying
Find aspects of each course that interest you and allow that to help you get through
Melanie recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Melanie!
Noah
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
You can prepare by researching and getting familiar with the campus, professors and classes you are preparing to take. All collages have amazing on line tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.
I would also recommend meeting with your Collage Counselor on a regular basis, they are also a great resource and can help you stay on track.
I would also recommend meeting with your Collage Counselor on a regular basis, they are also a great resource and can help you stay on track.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Some tips:
1. It's sort of like having to eat your vegetables before getting dessert. There will always be things in life that you have to do that you don't really want to do. Might as well accept it rather than fight it.
2. Review the professors on-line, see what others are saying about them. If you are just taking the class because you have to, and know you can't possibly be really interested in it, you are looking for an easy professor. When it comes to your major, that rule changes.
3. You have some control over your schedule - take classes when you are alert! Only you know when that is.
4. Don't take too many classes with a heavy reading load all in one semester.
5. Don't fall behind! Read the reading assignments prior to class. Take good notes during class - do not rely on the professor's version of the power point presentation as your "notes."
6. Get to know your classmates. Even if you don't want to study with them, if you miss a class, you need to be able to get the notes from someone.
7. Take advantage of whatever study resources your school offers, such as writing lab.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for help - I have managed to find some decent on-line videos about subjects that were kicking me, but, sometimes you just need to go chat with the prof during office hours.
9. At the beginning of the semester, ask questions such as what percentage of exams come from class, what percentage from readings, Then, allocate your study time accordingly. Also ask (b) testing style - multiple choice, essay, what?
10. Don't take too many classes back-to-back. Preferably not more than two in a row. Give yourself a break.
11. Proper diet, exercise, and hydration help the brain to function.
You will find that you have some amazing professors in some of these classes that somehow manage to make them interesting. Remember to thank them for doing that! Good luck to you!
1. It's sort of like having to eat your vegetables before getting dessert. There will always be things in life that you have to do that you don't really want to do. Might as well accept it rather than fight it.
2. Review the professors on-line, see what others are saying about them. If you are just taking the class because you have to, and know you can't possibly be really interested in it, you are looking for an easy professor. When it comes to your major, that rule changes.
3. You have some control over your schedule - take classes when you are alert! Only you know when that is.
4. Don't take too many classes with a heavy reading load all in one semester.
5. Don't fall behind! Read the reading assignments prior to class. Take good notes during class - do not rely on the professor's version of the power point presentation as your "notes."
6. Get to know your classmates. Even if you don't want to study with them, if you miss a class, you need to be able to get the notes from someone.
7. Take advantage of whatever study resources your school offers, such as writing lab.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for help - I have managed to find some decent on-line videos about subjects that were kicking me, but, sometimes you just need to go chat with the prof during office hours.
9. At the beginning of the semester, ask questions such as what percentage of exams come from class, what percentage from readings, Then, allocate your study time accordingly. Also ask (b) testing style - multiple choice, essay, what?
10. Don't take too many classes back-to-back. Preferably not more than two in a row. Give yourself a break.
11. Proper diet, exercise, and hydration help the brain to function.
You will find that you have some amazing professors in some of these classes that somehow manage to make them interesting. Remember to thank them for doing that! Good luck to you!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Noah
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hi Noah, mentally preparing for college classes is a great idea! Congratulations on taking action to prepare for your future. Planning ahead and visualizing success is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and build positive momentum.
Colleges come in many forms: 2-year technical, 4-year degree, graduate level and so on. I suggest spending time thinking about why you're going to college. Is it to obtain the qualifications needed to secure a professional role? Maybe to enjoy the community of others who are also pursuing their academic and professional goals? Something different? Once you are clear on why you're attending college, approaching the classes in your degree plan becomes more natural.
To be successful in college, building community can help uncover resources. When I worked in college financial aid departments, I noticed that the best students had relationships with a financial aid counselor (for scholarships and financial planning), academic advisor (to maintain progress toward graduation and career goals), registrar (to adjust class schedules/academic majors), and career services (to learn about internships, work-study, and full-time employment).
Finally, your environment plays a big part in mental preparation. Think about where you plan to study (home, library, on campus, etc) and how you can make it the best place to relax, focus, and study.
You got this, Noah! Mentally preparing for college is all about 1) remembering why you're there 2) building community and 3) having a nice space to study.
All the Best,
Charles
Colleges come in many forms: 2-year technical, 4-year degree, graduate level and so on. I suggest spending time thinking about why you're going to college. Is it to obtain the qualifications needed to secure a professional role? Maybe to enjoy the community of others who are also pursuing their academic and professional goals? Something different? Once you are clear on why you're attending college, approaching the classes in your degree plan becomes more natural.
To be successful in college, building community can help uncover resources. When I worked in college financial aid departments, I noticed that the best students had relationships with a financial aid counselor (for scholarships and financial planning), academic advisor (to maintain progress toward graduation and career goals), registrar (to adjust class schedules/academic majors), and career services (to learn about internships, work-study, and full-time employment).
Finally, your environment plays a big part in mental preparation. Think about where you plan to study (home, library, on campus, etc) and how you can make it the best place to relax, focus, and study.
You got this, Noah! Mentally preparing for college is all about 1) remembering why you're there 2) building community and 3) having a nice space to study.
All the Best,
Charles
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Noah
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Apart from choosing your major and minors subjects, I do not think there is specific preparation is required before attending college. In the college, you can better enjoy and learn in these 3-4 years. My college days is one of most precious and enjoyable period in my life.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Attend the classes that you have interest
2. Focus on your critical thinking and analysis skills in the college. The learning mode in the college is self learning
3. Discuss with the professors as much as you can. They are guru on the subjects and can give you a lot of inspiration
4. Join the extracurricular activities you have interest. Participate the organizing of the event
5. Establish good network with your school mates
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Apart from choosing your major and minors subjects, I do not think there is specific preparation is required before attending college. In the college, you can better enjoy and learn in these 3-4 years. My college days is one of most precious and enjoyable period in my life.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Attend the classes that you have interest
2. Focus on your critical thinking and analysis skills in the college. The learning mode in the college is self learning
3. Discuss with the professors as much as you can. They are guru on the subjects and can give you a lot of inspiration
4. Join the extracurricular activities you have interest. Participate the organizing of the event
5. Establish good network with your school mates
Hope this helps! Good Luck!