Survival Guide

Clark’s College Survival Guide for Classes

(Treat college like your job, a job you’re paying to have)

1. ·         Show up
2. ·         On time
3. ·         If commuting, leave early. If not commuting, leave early.
4. ·         Follow instructions
5. ·         Take notes in every class
6. ·         Complete assignments on time
7. ·         Show an interest in the class
8. ·         Speak up, ask questions
9. ·         Don’t be the only person in class to do so
10. ·         Read the assignments, books and other assigned sources
11. ·         Don’t plagiarize—do your own work, in your own words
12. ·         Learn your professors’ names, spell them correctly
13. ·         Learn your professors’ pet peeves, interests
14. ·         Don’t make excuses for poor work—learn and correct it
15. ·         Don’t whine
16. ·         You have to take classes you’re not interested in. So? Be an adult and do the work.
17. ·         Take classes in your interest as soon as possible.
18. ·         Don’t take a bunch of hard classes in all the same semester—spread them out.
19. ·         Write complete sentences
20. ·         Grammar problems? Go to Grammarly on line, or tutoring center
21. ·         Stay off your phones, no earplugs
22. ·         Avoid sitting at back of class
23. ·         Be noticed by the professor for good reasons
24. ·         Many professors have psychological “fudge factors.” If you’ve followed these tips and your grade is on the borderline, it often pays off.

Socially there is much more to college than class.

1. ·         Get an internship.
2. ·         Get involved with a group, any group. Make new friends.
3. ·         Go to events.
4. ·         Have fun.
5. ·         Follow your passions.