Thursday, January 11, 2007

Top Ten Tips for Achieving Success at University

Top Ten Tips for Achieving Success at University
by Jim Smith


These are the top ten essential strategies you need to achieve your full potential at university.
1. You're not alone.Every student can improve whatever his or her current academic performance. Visit the Study Skills Center at your university and ask what services they offer. Use the resources that are available to you.
2. A place to think.Success at uniersity requires work. The right environment for study is important. You can study in a library, in specific study rooms or in an empty seminar/class room.
3. Break the task down into manageable chunks.Attempting to remember large amounts of knowledge in one night is an ineffective method of achieving your full potential at university. Time spent studying each day is by far the most effective method. This enables your mind to fully absorb the knowledge you need to do your best.
4. Organize for success.When we study at university we need to be able to fit pieces of information together to form an overall "bigger picture". Organize your notes with headings and categories. Look for patterns and see where different concepts link together.
5. Plan ahead and write it down.Be sure to have a planner or diary so you can plan time for reading, writing essays and revision.
6. Work, rest and play.Being tired and stressed will impact on your academic performance. Eat properly, do exercise that you enjoy and get enough sleep.
7. Be present!It may seem obvious but make sure you attend your classes. Taking your own lecture notes is infinitely more effective than reading the work of another student.
8. Lock key information in your mind.It's much easier to store and retrieve crucial knowledge by actively using creative and interesting learning strategies. Pinpoint keywords, describe specific examples, construct mnemonics, write brief and succinct notes, use a highlighter in your textbooks (not in library books though)! Make your learning an interesting and creative experience.
9. Practice makes perfect.If you don't practice recalling relevant knowledge it's easy to simply forget what you've learnt. Practice retrieving information from your memory, without referring to texts or your notes. Practice doing this with mock exam questions.
10. Technique.Exam technique can sometimes mean the difference between a pass and fail. Find out how the different elements that make up your course will be assessed well in advance. Will there be essay-based exams or multiple choice? When you are in the exam room read the instructions carefully, divide your time according to the weight each of your answers contributes to the overall exam mark. Answer the questions you find easiest first.
As you can see using the simple strategies above can make your time at university not only more successful but also less stressful.
Click for help and expert advice on achieving your full potential at university.
Finally, good luck and have fun!
About the Author
Jim Smith has studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at various universities. Do you want to achieve outstanding results at university? Click Here for Free Expert Help.

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