What You Should Know Before Attending College

What You Should Know Before Attending College College students today are a diverse lot, represented by all ages, experience levels and lifestyles. Knowledge is more plentiful than ever, making it easier for us to choose from courses in a variety of learning models, school environments and even tuition prices. Use the advice in this article to get the most from your upcoming or current course of study. Read the course syllabus first thing. The syllabus will tell you when your instructor is available to answer questions and provide extra help. You will quickly see what will be expected of you in the course. The syllabus tells you what your instructor wants you to learn, and thus how to prepare for tests. If the campus you are attending is large, it is important to familiarize yourself with it during the first week. You should know how to get to the cafeteria, library, the Professor's offices, college security, study rooms and the student center. Knowing the location of places you have to go saves time. Once you start college, you should schedule an appointment with your adviser to set up a study plan. Your academic adviser will help you choose your classes, your activities and make plans for your future. Meet with your adviser on a regular basis to talk about your progress and make sure you stay on the right track. Keep your loans to a minimum. Look into scholarships, grants and special programs to help pay for college so that you won't have a lot of debt hanging over your head when you graduate. For many students, loan checks seem like free money while they are in school--but once you get out they become an obligation you may regret. With everything you've learned from this article, you have armed yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in college. Whether this is your first time in college or you've just decided to return to school and finish your degree, you need all the help you can get. You're already off to a great start!