While we as students juggle between these multiple roles, what is the best - and simplest - way to excel in our classes?
I have a piece of advice: follow the ANTS formula.
'A' is for attendance. Show up at your classes/lectures. Never compromise your attendance with something that you may have to do over the night. For example, do not let practices or meetings and discussion to go on till late night, which may eat into your rest hours. Remember that you are here in college to attend classes. Attendance show always - and it is so important that I have to repeat, always - your no.1 priority.
'N' is for note-taking. An average student attends a lecture with a conscious mind; an excellent student attends a lecture with a smart mind. What differentiate an 'A' and 'B' grade student is the ability of that study to catch the gist of the lecture and jot them down in a systematic order. Learn the Top 5 tips to effective note-taking with Dennis G. Jerz here. Trust me, these notes will help you tremendously when it comes to tests and finals. Besides, by taking notes in class it also helps you to stay alert and focus. That means, you will not fall asleep when you are writing something.
'T' stands for your texts. This is the simplest yet the most incredibly challenging task for students who doesn't event bother to remove the shrink wrap that comes with their textbooks. Find your best hours of the day to read your textbooks. Some of us consider ourselves the "morning people" while some the other way round; some of us need to have something to chew when we read whilst some just need some music - you figure it out for yourself. Reading your texts before going to classes is very much like bring your sword with you to the battle field. You don't want to come in empty handed.
And finally, 'S' is for support. We all need help some point in our learning process. Take advantage of your instructor's office hours. From what I have experienced over the past academic year, almost all instructors or professors are willing to help students with their learning. If you have questions about your assignment, or just some confusion over the lecture in your class, schedule an appointment with your instructor to talk over it. Make use of the privilege you have to learn from the people who are professional in their field. Professional tips are definitely more handy than what your friends/classmates can offer. After all, it's your professors who set the exam questions!
Your first quarter of the semester may be pretty awakening. If you have been struggling with classes, or simply being lukewarm in your studies, take these tips with you for the rest of the semester. Just like it wouldn't be a picnic without the ants, it wouldn't be a successful semester without the ANTS!
Cheers.
