checked them out! Clearly, I haven’t read them all. However, this is not a research book for teachers, it is a learning resource for students. My goal is not to impress other educators but to get down to the basics of what students need to do to be successful.
Did You Know?
A diversity of research has shown that self-image is the strongest indicator of life satisfaction. More to the point, academic performance at university is directly related to life satisfaction.1
There are a couple of take-home messages here. I am an expert on university life, have good insight into what motivates students and know what works for most and what doesn’t. On the other hand, like anyone, I don’t know everything. Since I don’t know everything, I keep trying to improve, to grow and to learn. I also know you are not like every other student. You have your own ideas and approaches. You will like some of my ideas and will hate others. The key is that you read what I have to say. If you don’t like some things, then use the information to suit your needs. Adapt what I have to say to your own specifications. If you don’t then it will take you several years before you’re truly on track and doing the best you can at university.
This is a fully updated version of a book that many previous students have found invaluable in their quest for success at university. It contains the tried-and-true information that never changes. It also contains new insights into student learning and new approaches. Are you hoping to be a doctor, lawyer or business professional? Are you just trying to make Mom and Dad happy because they’re footing the bill? Or are you still unsure about what you want to be in life but you want to ensure that your academic background will help rather than hinder your success? Whatever your reasons are for wanting to be successful in school, this book is for you. This book will not only show you the tricks and skills you need for student success, it will put them into a relevant context and assist you in preparing for your future.
The Ten Rules for University Success
An undergraduate degree used to take four years. Now the typical student takes an average of over five years to complete his or her Bachelor’s degree. Here are some tips to get done in four years with a degree (i.e., marks) of which you can be proud. Many of these points are expanded upon later in this chapter and elsewhere in the book, but here is a quick summary of the guidelines for university success:
1. Get on Track Immediately
It’s too bad that your introduction to university life starts with “Party Week”—sorry, I meant to say “Orientation.” Many students fail to understand that once classes start the party is over. It’s okay to go out with your friends but make it once a week not every night.
2. Use Your Freedom Wisely
You’re now on your own. No one is going to tell you what to do or when to do it. As your own boss, you need to remind yourself that you do have responsibilities and commitments. Then make sure you live up to them. One of these commitments is emphasized in the next point.
3. Attend All of Your Classes
I can tell you from experience: It’s always the class you miss that turns out to be the most important. Getting the notes from other students just doesn’t cut it. Often you won’t be able to read their writing let alone understand what their shorthand means. Sometimes, professors drop clues or emphasize points that indicate what will be on tests and exams. Other important course issues can also be brought up that can cost you dearly if you don’t find out about them.
4. Do All of Your Coursework
It’s not uncommon for students to study hard for the big tests and finals but to put minimal effort into the minor quizzes and reports. This approach is an “A” killer and most likely a “B” killer as well. Getting poor marks on the minor quizzes and reports can nickel and dime you to death, taking your A or B grade on major tests and exams down to a C. Also, many professors look at their students’ progress in the course as they assign final grades. For example, I try to pull students over lines to give them the best possible grade or to reward them for consistently high quality work. If I see a student with an uneven record, I won’t adjust his or her grade upwards. In short, students get what they deserve.
5. Manage Your Time
All students these days are taught the basics of time management in high school but few employ these methods. Why? Because in high school you usually don’t need them; you can cram successfully or pull an all-nighter to get reports or studying done. At university, this just doesn’t work. You’ll need to schedule your commitments on a daily, weekly and monthly basis using your timetable, a calendar and “To Do” lists.
6. Talk to Your Professors
Every year I get dozens of requests from students who need letters of recommendation. “Sir, I did well in your cell biology course. Can you write me a letter of recommendation for medical school?” My response is, “Who are you?” Actually, I don’t say that, but I do think it because most of the time I don’t know the students. They’ve never spoken to me before or asked questions in class. With hundreds of students in each class, how can I get to know them unless they make an effort? There’s another reason for talking with your professors. They can give you insight not only into other aspects of the courses they teach but also ideas that can help you make meaningful career and life choices.
7. Correct Any Failings
This is a tough one because each of us has strengths and weaknesses. One area of common weakness is in writing. You are going to have to write reports and essays as well as essay-type examinations. If your writing is weak, no matter how well you know the course material you’ll lose marks regularly because you can’t communicate your thoughts effectively. Another issue is spelling. Each discipline has key terms and words that embody the subject. Learn to spell them correctly.
8. Leave Your High School Attitudes Behind
Some students attend a university where their friends are going rather than one that specifically suits them. Others seem to carry over high school attitudes. A simple example is talking to friends during lectures (my special pet peeve) or having your cell phone ring. Not only will these approaches annoy your instructors, your fellow students will also notice your attitude.
9. Know What Is Available
Things won’t always go as planned. You may get sick. You may get lonely. Something bad may happen. For these reasons, you need to know what resources are available on your campus. The registrar’s office offers a diversity of resources to help you in your academic life. There are doctors, nurses and counsellors to help you with health issues. There are clubs where you can join in activities that may interest you. There are always on-campus activities and sporting events where you can meet up with your old friends or make new ones.
10. Have Fun
While the previous nine rules may sound like you’re in prison, that’s not true. You’ll be interacting with students between classes and at various social events. You’ll still get to party and have a great time. If you find that you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’s time to re-evaluate why you are at university. What do you want out of life? Once you know, then you’ll be on your way to success.
