1. Taking a gap year before starting college usually doesn’t work; “find yourself” during the summer after you graduate from high school. The best time to start and complete college is between the ages of 18 and 22. It is more difficult to start and complete college after these ages, because your responsibilities increase as you get older.
2. Understand the number of classes and credits you will need to graduate, and allocate them over the number of semesters it will take you to graduate; typically 8 semesters in 4 years. Note that some colleges refer to “units” and “semester hours,” rather than “classes” and “credits.” By taking classes during the summer, you can lighten your load during the school year or graduate early. Also note that an increasing number of students complete college in 5 years, rather than the usual 4 years.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your classes.
4. When choosing classes, take one hard class, two moderate classes, and one easy class; don’t bury yourself by taking all the hard classes in one semester.
5. Spread your classes out over at least 4 days a week. This will usually extend your final exams. You want to avoid having to take multiple final exams on a given day.
6. Ask other students about their experiences with teachers and keep a list of good and bad teachers. Teachers are also qualified on the Internet. Avoid bad teachers.
7. When scheduling classes, keep in mind the location of those classes. You don’t want to have to rush between classes to avoid being late.
8. Get your books early whenever possible.
9. At the beginning of each semester, schedule all projects and tests; stay organized throughout each semester; use a written or electronic planner.
10. Turn off your phone while attending class and while studying.
11. Distribute your homework in seven days. Don’t fall behind with your homework.
12. Review your class notes every night and add to them as needed.
13. Before submitting papers, please use the spell checker on your computer and fully justify your papers.
14. Teachers are usually available during office hours, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
15. Do not skip classes; teachers often emphasize the material that will be on the exams.
16. Some teachers make old exams available in the library or online; check them out when they’re available.
17. When studying for a test, study the material you don’t know, rather than the material you do know. Don’t always review material from the oldest chapter to the newest chapter. From time to time, start with the newest chapter and work backwards.
18. Two weeks before your final exams, all of your focus should be on completing your final papers and studying for those exams.
19. Before you start your first answer on any test, quickly scan the entire test so you can allocate your time between questions.
20. If you finish an exam early, take the time to check your answers before you turn in the exam.
21. When it comes to choosing a major, choose something you enjoy, something that interests you, and something that will allow you to make a living after college.
22. After choosing a major, keep in mind that upper-level courses are not offered every semester. As a result, plan your class schedule accordingly, so you don’t have to attend an extra semester or two to complete your coursework.
23. Look for summer internships to gain experience in your chosen field and to prepare for a career after graduation.
24. Treat college as a full-time job; You will need to devote a substantial part of each day to attending classes and studying.
25. Keep a list of professors who show an interest in your performance and who you think will be willing to give you a recommendation for grad school or when you apply for a job.
26. Start your graduate work as soon as possible after graduating from college.
27. If you need to borrow money to go to school, only borrow what you need. Alternatively, consider attending a community college for the first two years to reduce your outstanding student loans when you’re done.
28. Don’t use your student loans to pay for spring break or other vacations; you will regret it later.
29. Alternatively, attending a four-year college that you can commute to is also a viable option, which will also help you save for grad school or life after college.
30. If you need to work part-time while you’re in college, stack up your work hours over a couple of days if possible. This will reduce the downtime involved in preparation and travel to and from work.
31. If your parents are paying your tuition, room and board, and meals, thank them repeatedly; they are making sacrifices for your benefit.
32. If you are renting an apartment or a house, read the lease carefully before you sign it. Immediately after moving in, thoroughly inspect the apartment or house and submit a dated list of damages and needed repairs to the apartment or house. If possible, it would also be beneficial to take dated photos or videos at the time of moving in and after moving out of the apartment or house. College town landlords are notorious for excessive repair costs and refusal to refund security deposits.
33. When you move out of your apartment or house, be sure to transfer utility bills out of your name. Do not trust roommates who may stay in the apartment or house for an additional period of time. If these utility bills go unpaid and end up in collection, they will hurt your credit score for years.
34. If you live off campus, consider purchasing a meal plan so you can eat in a nearby dorm between classes, to avoid the hassle of coming home for lunch.
35. Keep in touch with your parents and siblings. This will keep you grounded and you will feel more secure.
36. Ask your parents to keep your bedroom uncluttered, so you have something to come home to and feel comfortable when times get tough, when you feel homesick, when you’re home for the summer and holidays, or when you just want to visit.
37. Rest. Treat college like a marathon and not a 100-yard dash.
38. Take a shower every day and wash your clothes regularly; it will make you more desirable and efficient.
39. Learn to manage your time.
40. Limit tattoos, body piercings and gauges. If you don’t limit the same, you’ll regret it when you’re older.
41. Don’t party like it’s the last day of your life; everything in moderation, including spring break.
42. When you go to a party, do not get drunk; nothing good comes of it.
43. Inevitably, the police will show up at a party you attend; show them respect and behave in their presence.
44. Don’t drink and drive. Keep in mind that getting ticketed as a minor in possession can also be detrimental to your career.
45. Walk away from conflict. There is no need to get into a fight over anything.
46. Avoid getting involved in hazing. If you do get involved in hazing, use your common sense; make sure the person being hazed is not physically at risk.
47. If you become sexually active, practice safe sex and birth control. Remember, some STDs last forever; and no!” means no!”.
48. Be a leader, not a follower.
49. There is no substitute for dedication and hard work; your effort must be 100% at all times.
50. To be successful, you must grab the bull by the horns, stick your foot halfway up its butt, and try to control it.
51. Success through college and earning a college degree is your ticket to a better life. Don’t waste the opportunity.