College Academics
Start Strong. Stay on Track.
College comes with greater independence and greater responsibility for your academic progress. You'll be expected to manage your time, understand course requirements, communicate with instructors, and seek help when you need it.
Building strong academic habits from the beginning can help you stay on track toward your degree or credential while making the most of the resources and opportunities available to you.
Understand College Expectations
Know What's Expected of You
College courses may look and feel different from high school. You'll often spend less time in class but be expected to complete more reading, studying, assignments, and preparation on your own.
At the beginning of each course:
- Read the syllabus and keep it for reference.
- Add exams, projects, papers, and important deadlines to your calendar.
- Understand attendance and participation expectations.
- Know how assignments should be submitted.
- Review grading policies and understand how your final grade is calculated.
- Learn how and when your instructor prefers to be contacted.
Attend and Engage
Make attending class a priority. Class time gives you access to instruction, discussion, activities, examples, and information that may not be available in your course materials. Being present also gives you opportunities to ask questions, participate, and build relationships with your instructors and classmates.
When you're in class, be engaged. Minimize distractions, participate when appropriate, and take notes that help you identify and understand the most important concepts.
Your Syllabus Is Your Guide
Think of the syllabus as the roadmap for your course. It typically outlines assignments, deadlines, grading policies, attendance requirements, course expectations, and instructor contact information.
Don't just read it during the first week. Refer back to it throughout the semester.
Manage Your Coursework
Plan Your Time Before It Gets Away From You
One of the biggest adjustments to college is learning to manage your own schedule. Classes may only occupy part of your day, but the time between classes isn't necessarily free time.
Build a weekly schedule that includes:
- Class and lab times
- Study and homework time
- Work hours
- Meals and personal responsibilities
- Activities and organizations
- Exercise and downtime
- Sleep
For larger assignments, work backward from the deadline and break the project into smaller tasks. Starting early gives you time to ask questions, make revisions, and handle unexpected problems.
ICAN Tip
Treat college like a full-time commitment. Schedule time for coursework just as you would schedule a class, job, or appointment.
Build Effective Study Habits
Find What Works for You
There isn't one study method that works for every student or every course. College requires you to take greater responsibility for learning outside the classroom, so develop routines that help you understand, remember, and apply what you're learning.
Study Regularly
Don't wait until an exam or major deadline to begin.
Set aside regular time each week to review course material, complete assignments, and prepare for what's ahead. Breaking your work into smaller study sessions can make large assignments and exams more manageable.
Studying regularly also gives you time to recognize when you don't understand something—and get help before the next exam or assignment.
Take Useful Notes
Focus on understanding the main ideas rather than trying to write down everything that's said.
As you take notes:
- Listen for main ideas, key concepts, and examples.
- Pay attention to information your instructor emphasizes.
- Mark concepts you don't understand so you can revisit them.
- Write ideas in your own words when possible.
- Review your notes soon after class while the material is still fresh.
Connect your notes with assigned readings, presentations, course materials, and other resources to build a more complete understanding of the subject.
Use Active Study Strategies
Simply rereading a textbook or your notes may feel productive, but it doesn't always show whether you've actually learned the material.
Try strategies that require you to retrieve and apply what you know:
- Quiz yourself without looking at your notes.
- Create practice questions.
- Work sample problems.
- Explain concepts in your own words.
- Use flashcards for information you need to recall.
- Create a study guide from memory and then check what you missed.
- Study with classmates and take turns explaining concepts.
Different subjects may require different approaches. A strategy that works well for history may not be the best way to prepare for chemistry or math.
Keep Up With Course Materials
Use assigned readings, textbooks, online materials, lecture notes, videos, and other resources as part of your overall learning process.
Instead of waiting until an exam to review everything, keep up with assigned material throughout the semester and connect what you're reading with what you're learning in class.
Prepare for Exams Over Time
Start preparing well before test day.
Review the material that will be covered, identify areas where you need additional practice, and ask questions while you still have time to get help.
Before an exam:
- Review course objectives, notes, assignments, and study materials.
- Practice retrieving information rather than only rereading it.
- Work practice problems when appropriate.
- Ask your instructor what types of material or questions to expect.
- Attend review sessions when available.
- Give yourself enough time to prepare without relying on last-minute cramming.
During an exam, read directions carefully, manage your time, and move on temporarily if you're stuck on a question.
Ask for Help Before You're Behind
If you're struggling, don't wait until the end of the semester.
Talk with your instructor, visit office hours, ask questions, connect with classmates, or use tutoring and other academic resources available on campus.
Getting help early gives you more time and more options to get back on track.
Work With Your Instructors
Build Relationships and Ask Questions Early
Your professors and instructors are important academic resources. If you don't understand an assignment, are struggling with course material, or have questions about your progress, reach out.
Take advantage of:
- Office hours
- Time before or after class
- Email or other approved communication methods
- Review sessions
- Opportunities for feedback
When asking for help, be specific about what you don't understand and what you've already tried.
ICAN TIP
Communicate Professionally - Use your school email account, include a clear subject line, identify the course or section you're enrolled in, and clearly explain your question or concern.
Use Your Campus Resources
Asking for Help Is Part of College Success
Colleges provide resources specifically to help students succeed. Learn what's available before you need it so you know where to turn if a course becomes challenging.
Resources may include:
Academic Advising
Understand degree requirements, select courses, explore majors, and monitor progress toward graduation.
Tutoring and Academic Support
Get additional help with challenging subjects or develop stronger academic skills.
Writing Centers
Get support with brainstorming, organization, research, citations, revisions, and other parts of the writing process.
Libraries
Access research materials, databases, technology, study spaces, and assistance from librarians.
Accessibility Services
Students who qualify for academic accommodations should connect with their institution's accessibility or disability services office.
Career Services
Explore majors and careers, find internships, develop professional skills, and prepare for employment.
I'd include Career Services here intentionally. Students shouldn't wait until senior year to discover that office.
Know Your Academic Progress
Stay on Track Toward Graduation
Don't assume that passing your classes automatically means you're making the progress you need toward your degree.
Know:
- Your degree or credential requirements
- Required courses for your major
- General education requirements
- Prerequisites and course sequences
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Credits you've completed
- Credits you still need
- Requirements for scholarships or financial aid
- Expected graduation timeline
Meet with your academic advisor regularly and review your degree progress before registering for future semesters.
Choose Your Major With Purpose
Connect What You're Studying to Where You Want to Go
Your major is an important part of your college experience, but choosing one should be connected to your interests, strengths, career goals, and the opportunities you want after graduation.
As you explore or evaluate a major, consider:
- What will you study?
- What skills will you develop?
- What careers commonly connect to the major?
- Do careers you're considering require a particular major?
- Are internships, clinical experiences, research, or other hands-on opportunities available?
- Will you need additional education after completing your degree?
Explore Choosing a Program or Major →
When Your Plans Change
Understand Your Options Before Making a Change
Changing direction in college isn't unusual. You may discover a new interest, decide your major isn't the right fit, consider transferring, or need to adjust your course schedule.
Before making a change, understand how it could affect your:
- Degree requirements
- Credits and graduation timeline
- Tuition and other costs
- Scholarships
- Financial aid eligibility
- Housing or enrollment status
- Career plans
Dropping or Withdrawing From a Course
Before dropping or withdrawing from a class, talk with your academic advisor and financial aid office. A change in enrollment can affect academic progress, financial aid, scholarships, and the time it takes to complete your program.
Changing Your Major
If you're considering a new major, compare the requirements you've already completed with the new program. Find out which credits will apply and whether the change could add additional semesters or costs.
Considering a Transfer
If another institution may be a better academic, financial, or personal fit, research how your credits will transfer and what requirements you'll need to complete at the new school.
Protect Your Financial Aid
I think this deserves a small section because academic decisions and financial aid are interconnected, but the detailed explanation belongs under Financial Aid.
Academic Progress Can Affect Financial Aid
Receiving financial aid isn't only about completing the FAFSA. Students generally must continue meeting their school's academic progress requirements to remain eligible for certain types of aid.
Pay attention to your grades, the number of credits you successfully complete, and your progress toward your degree.
If you're struggling academically or considering changing your enrollment, talk with both academic advising and financial aid before making a decision.
Keep Looking Ahead
College Is Preparation for What Comes Next
Academic success is important, but your college experience should also help prepare you for your future.
Throughout college:
- Continue exploring career options.
- Build relationships with faculty and professionals.
- Look for internships and work experiences.
- Participate in activities and leadership opportunities.
- Develop skills employers value.
- Build your résumé.
- Use career services.
- Begin preparing for employment or graduate school before your final year.
