Why do you need to hit the ground running?
Many classes in college are based on a few exams, so the first test can be 30% of your grade. For the Early Grade Feedback program, faculty give Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory ratings to students in many of the first year courses. In the past, students that got a U after a month of classes had a 49% chance of getting a D or F and students that got a S after a month of classes had a 11% chance of getting a D or F. It is very important to get off to a great start.
How do you hit the ground running?
Academic Planning-Use your academic advisor to discuss interests and goals
Success in Class- Figure out what works for you. Where do you sit in the classroom, where do you study (room, study rooms in the residence hall, library), when do you study (between classes, late at night), how to study (with others, note cards, writing equations on the mirror)
Active and Experiential Learning- How are you going to supplement your classroom experience? (Research, Study Abroad, Student Organizations, Internships)
Tracking progress- If you are not doing well in a class at the beginning of the semester, DO something about it (attend U-Turn to learn about academic resources, and develop a plan of action, talk to your professor, review your exam to see how you can improve)
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