|
MyCerritos |
ABC Index |
Employees
& Webs |
TalonNet |
Library |
Calendar |
Web Email |
About Us |
Home|
MyCerritos |
ABC Index |
Employees
& Webs |
TalonNet |
Library |
Calendar |
Web Email |
About Us |
Home|
College Success Strategies
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
~ J. K. Rowling
~ J. K. Rowling
Research has shown that the consistent habits and specific strategies are what separates successful, effective college students from their peers.
Helpful Handouts:
Take a look to learn some insightful tips to help you stay on track to graduate.
1. Expect a learning curve: College is a life-changing experience and you may find the transition a bit bumpy. Be patient and recognize that mastering all the new experiences you encounter takes time.
2. Be flexible: You may find that a course you are really excited about is no longer available or that the classes you are taking for your major aren't quite as compelling as you expected. Being open-minded and willing to adapt can make college a less frustrating and more enjoyable experience.
3. Be prepared for tougher academic demands: 200-page reading assignments are not unusual in college. Carve out time each day for heavy reading and assignments and take advantage of campus resources such as tutoring centers that can help them devise strategies to manage their workload and keep their performance level high.
2. Be flexible: You may find that a course you are really excited about is no longer available or that the classes you are taking for your major aren't quite as compelling as you expected. Being open-minded and willing to adapt can make college a less frustrating and more enjoyable experience.
3. Be prepared for tougher academic demands: 200-page reading assignments are not unusual in college. Carve out time each day for heavy reading and assignments and take advantage of campus resources such as tutoring centers that can help them devise strategies to manage their workload and keep their performance level high.
The Academic Support Center provides free tutoring services (walk in, group, one-on-one appointments).
Website: http://www.cerritos.edu/asc
Handout: Overcoming Math and Science Anxiety
4. Be proactive: Being a self-starter is an important trait to cultivate for college, and beyond. Taking the initiative to meet with professors, consult with advisors, or seek out activities and opportunities related to personal development and career goals can really pay off.
5. Get organized: Buying a planner, writing "to-do" lists or e-mailing reminders to themselves - Do whatever it takes to keep up with deadlines and manage all of your commitments.
Our website includes links to helpful websites with to do lists and tips.
Links: Handouts
6. Get involved-Get connected: Joining student organizations and participating in social events can turn even the largest campus into a smaller, friendlier place. Study groups are another way that you can connect with their peers, as well as enhance your learning experience. The Re-Entry Center offers workshops and socials to help you expand your social and professional network.
Link: Workshop Schedule
7. Get to know your professors: Take the take time to get to know your professors. They are here to help you do well in your courses. Make an effort to email them outside of class and let them know if you encounter any problems in the class. Making this investing reaps additional benefits such as having future references for advanced degree programs, professional schools, and/or job opportunities. Also, many professors are well-connected with the line of work you may be interested in and can inform you of potential job and internships opportunities.
8. Become financially literate: Financial literacy starts with understanding the requirements of scholarships and loans, and the steps needed to maintain them. It also means creating a budget and then sticking to it, knowing the terms-of-payment for credit cards and cell phone services, and focusing on "needs" rather than "wants."
9. Stay healthy: Maintaing both physical and mental health is crucial in order to perform effectively in school. Eating a well-balanced diet will help you succeed by improving energy and concentration. Be careful not to overextend yourself to the point of burn-out. Taking time out for regular exercise and relaxing activities is just as important as making time to study.
Check out articles like this which provide great tips on maintaining a healthy mental and physical balance: Staying Balanced
10. Be persistent: From working through challenging course assignments to developing direction for a future career, succeeding in college takes time and effort. Persistence will pay off as you achieve your goals.
10. Be persistent: From working through challenging course assignments to developing direction for a future career, succeeding in college takes time and effort. Persistence will pay off as you achieve your goals.
For more inspiration, check our these great success stories quotes on our "Inspirations" page.
Link: Inspirations
11. Ask for help when you need it: Whether you're thinking about changing your major or are dealing with a difficult personal situation, help is always available. Seeking out information and assistance from advisors, counselors, faculty and friends can help you survive the tough times and keep them on the road to success.
Check out our brochure for a listing of helpful on-campus resources.
You can also download a FREE copy of our Re-Entry Referral Directory for a listing of free or low-cost services offered on-campus and off-campus.
