Tips for Success

Know Your Faculty

If you are having difficulty in a course, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your professor. It is important to discuss your difficulties with the person who is an expert in this field and will be assigning your grades. Faculty want to help students who are interested in working hard and are academically motivated. Prepare for your meeting by writing down your questions or concerns and bringing along any related materials (text books, exams). Ask your professor for suggestions on how you can improve. Then follow through with these ideas.

Academic Advising Is Important

Your academic adviser is an important resource for your success at UDC. Your adviser is knowledgeable about your major, as well as about College and University requirements. Advisers can help with course selection, provide information on internships, discuss possible careers, and suggest graduate or professional schools. We recommend that you meet with your adviser at least once each semester to make sure you are making sufficient academic progress.

Class Attendance

One of the most important ways to increase your chances for academic success is to attend every class. Research has shown that students who attend all classes do better than those who do not. Attending every class allows you to review course material again (after reading about the subject) and learn your professor’s view on the topic. You might receive special clues and insights during the class session because professors often stress material in class that differs from the reading assignments. Try to be an active learner in the classroom. Sit in the first few rows, ask questions, take notes and make the most out of your time in class.

Goal Setting

One of the most helpful tools for being successful—in college and life—is to set realistic goals. Students without goals generally do not accomplish a great deal. Goals should be:

• Specific – A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal
• Realistic – Try to offer yourself a little challenge
• Measurable – Know when you have accomplished your goal
• Timely – Set a time frame by which they should be completed
• Written down – Write them down to make goals feel tangible and real
• Personally Desirable – Goals should be things you want to accomplish, not necessarily what others would like you to do

State your goals in the affirmative and indicate what you will do. Instead of writing, “I will not waste time,” consider instead, “I will follow my time management schedule.” Review your goals periodically and make necessary adjustments. Be sure to reward yourself for achieving your goals!