Master Your Classes
Background
I want to preface this article by detailing that it is primarily aimed at incoming or present college students seeking pieces of advice from a recent graduate. I know how daunting college can get and what the pressures can do to you, so I felt compelled to offer some knowledge through my experience.
I am a recent graduate from Marquette University with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. My personal goals consist of furthering my education whether it be by attaining a PhD or MD; therefore, what I preach I do in fact intend to continue practicing.
Meeting With Professors
To some this can be quite daunting. Maybe you are one in a three-hundred person lecture hall and just cannot seem to find the opportunity to catch your professor after class, maybe he is constantly swarmed with students and if you wait much longer you'll be late for your next class, or maybe you really just do not want to approach him.
This is the fact of the matter: you do not have to be best friends with all of your professors, but create meaningful relationships with at least two to three. What do I mean by "meaningful?" I mean when junior year rolls around and your future boss for the company you have been dying to work for asks for an academic letter of recommendation, you need to have that professor, or those few professors who will gladly write to them about how great you are. On the flip side, you do not want to be a senior scrambling to beg teachers who don't remember your name to write letters for that Master's Degree you need to progress in your career. Make sure you create positive, and lasting encounters.
This also applies to grades - true teachers value seeking help immensely. Attending office hours, consistently posing questions, and being present for review sessions only enhances the teacher's perception of your work ethic. I cannot even begin to describe how many professors are willing to help your grade when you show your dedicated to improving. Go to class. Ask questions. Make relationships.
Tutoring
This is not as universal since schools have various forms of tutoring but the concept is the same. If free tutoring is offered on your campus, take advantage of it. With absolutely no shame I signed up for all the tutoring I could get in undergrad. Why? Some tutors will go through old exams with you that are very similar to the ones you will be taking, if you partake in group tutoring, you can get phone numbers of classmates who will be willing to collaborate on homework and studying, and you can shrink down that huge lecture hall to a much smaller scale where it's easier to ask questions. Tutors also take the time to go over concepts that may have either been covered in too little detail in class or too difficult to comprehend at first glance. These individuals are usually students who did well in the class you're currently enrolled in so they have the tools to help you succeed too.
Study Groups
You do not want 11 pm to come when you realize that you have no clue how to do that homework assignment due in 59 minutes and no one to contact for help. Make connections with people in your classes. You'll soon realize that it doesn't matter if they're hot or popular, sure that's a bonus, but what matters is now you have expanded your network of help. Become the ring leader, have your connections meet, create large study groups, and now you'll find you're drowning that much less.
Numerous times I have received texts from friends in my classes reminding me of assignment due dates or last minute activities that I would have forgotten to log if it weren't for them. You don't have to become best friends with your study partners but establish a mutualistic relationship where it becomes routine to work on assignments and study together. Remember, you all have one common goal: to succeed in the class. By combining study methods and academic backgrounds you not only learn the material but adopt new ways to study, memorize, or even note-take. Group studying also allows individuals to play to their strengths as teaching the material is one of the most effect means of learning. For example, maybe one partner knows chapter 18 better so he explains it to the group while you have a better grasp of chapter 19, and so forth. I guarantee you will find this a truly beneficial experience.
Conclusion
Obviously every person has different methods for academic success; what works for you may not work the same for someone else. Feel free to leave any constructive criticism below or additional feedback on what works or worked best for you! I love hearing new opinions!
As always, thanks for the read!
Alexi Papakyriacou
Side note: a very good friend of mine, 