Success Begins with a Plan
Know your desired outcome: What do you want your education to help you achieve? Plan a course of study that will get you to that goal. Work with a counselor or advisor to help keep you on track.
Commit to attending all classes/doing all work: all classes/lessons are important. A professor would not discuss/assign something frivolous. There is only so much time for the course; it can't be wasted.
Complete assignments before you go to class: Most professors use reading and other homework assignments as a "jump-off" point. They do not simply go over the material you have been asked to read. They assume that you already know it, and make their lectures flow from those assignments.
Keep a well organized note/assignment book (see Note Taking Process)
Take part in course related activities and services: Speak with your professor (after all, who could know more about the subject?); attend workshops; speak with tutors in the Learning Assistance Lab (215-641-6589).
Success in college, as in most of life, comes easier if you have a plan. Organization will help you be prepared and keep you focused on the things you need to do. Below are some guidelines which, if followed, will help you be successful in reaching your goals while in college.
