Читать книгу How to Succeed At University--International Edition - Danton O'Day - Страница 6

As discussed previously, an undergraduate degree generally takes three to four years. But if you have goals of going on to graduate or professional schools, a four-year Honours degree may be required depending on the institution. Today many students take an average of over five years to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree. Here are some tips to get completed as quickly as possible with a degree (i.e., marks) of which you can be proud. Many of these points are expanded upon later in this chapter and elsewhere in the book, but here is a quick summary of the guidelines for university success:

1. Get on Track Immediately

It’s too bad that in many countries the introduction to university life starts with “Party Week”—sorry, “Orientation”. Many students fail to understand that once classes start the party is over. It’s usually okay to go out with your friends but make it once a week, not every night.

2. Use Your Freedom Wisely

Unless you are living at home, you are now on your own. No one is going to tell you what to do or when to do it. As your own boss, you need to remind yourself that you do have responsibilities and commitments. Then make sure you live up to them. One of these commitments is emphasized in the next point.

3. Attend All of Your Classes

We can tell you from experience: it’s always the class you miss that turns out to be the most important. Getting the notes from other students just doesn’t cut it. Often you won’t be able to read their writing let alone understand what their shorthand means. Sometimes, professors drop clues or emphasize points that indicate what will be on tests and exams. Other important class issues can also be brought up that can cost you dearly if you don’t find out about them.

4. Do All of Your Coursework

It’s not uncommon for students to study hard for important exams and finals but to put minimal effort into the minor tests and reports. This approach is an “A” killer and most likely a “B” killer as well. Getting poor marks on the minor tests and reports can nickel and dime you to death, taking your A or B grade on major tests and exams down to a C. Also, many professors look at their students’ progress in the class as they assign final grades. For example, professors may give their students the best possible grade or reward them with a boost in their grade for consistently high quality work. When professors see a student with an uneven record, they usually don’t adjust his or her grade upwards. So do the best you can and you might get a pleasant surprise.

5. Manage Your Time

Students often are taught the basics of time management in high school (secondary school) but few use what they have learned. Why? Because in high school students usually don’t need time management; they can cram successfully or pull an all-nighter to get reports or studying done. At university, this just won’t work. You need to schedule your commitments on a daily, weekly and monthly basis using your timetable, a calendar and “To Do” lists. Later, we’ll show you how to do this.

6. Talk to Your Professors

Every year university professors and instructors get dozens of requests from students who need references or letters of recommendation. “Professor, I did well in your biology class. Can you write me a letter of recommendation for medical school?” A not uncommon response is, “Who are you?” Actually, most don’t say that, but they do think it because they don’t know many of their students. This is because some classes can be very large. Usually the students have never spoken to their professors or asked questions in class. With hundreds of students in each class, how can your professors get to know you unless you make an effort to let them know who you are? There’s another reason for talking with your professors. They can give you insight not only into other aspects of the classes they teach but also ideas that can help you make meaningful career and life choices.

7. Correct Any Failings

This is a tough one because each of us has strengths and weaknesses. One area of common weakness is in writing. You are going to have to write reports and essays as well as essay-type examinations. If your writing is weak, no matter how well you know the material you’ll lose marks regularly because you can’t communicate your thoughts effectively. Another issue is spelling. Each discipline has key terms and words that embody the subject. Learn to spell them correctly.

8. Leave Your High School Attitudes Behind

Some students attend a university where their friends are going rather than one that specifically suits them. Others seem to carry over high school attitudes. A simple example is talking to friends during lectures (our special pet peeve) or having your cell phone ring. Not only will these approaches annoy your instructors, your fellow students will also notice your attitude.

9. Know What Is Available

Things won’t always go as planned. You may get sick. You may get lonely. Something bad may happen. For these reasons, you need to know what resources are available on your campus. The university offers a diversity of resources to help you in your academic life and with other aspects of the student experience. There are doctors, nurses and counsellors to help you with health issues. There are clubs where you can join in activities that may interest you. There are always on-campus activities and sporting events where you can meet up with your old friends or make new ones.

10. Have Fun

While the previous nine rules may sound like you’re in prison, that’s not true. You’ll be interacting with students between classes and at various social events. You’ll still get to socialize and have a great time. If you find that you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’s time to re-evaluate why you are at university. What do you want out of life? Once you know, then you’ll be on your way to success.