What to do the first week or so to make the best of Freshman Year.
Whether the freshman is coming from a large high school to a small liberal arts college or a small private high school to a large state flagship college, parents fear the child may not adjust, may fall through the cracks. Here are some ways to get through the first weeks:
- Follow Directions. Meaning: heed the syllabus, note the assignments in advance, set alerts for all the deadlines. The professors don’t write them as suggestions; they expect students to follow syllabi in order to learn the material and be graded on it as described in the syllabi. There should be no surprises if the syllabus is detailed. Read it; heed it.
- In a large lecture classroom, Sit Close in the First Couple of Rows. Being closer keeps the mind from wandering and encourages more eye contact with the professor. Just a fleeting glimpse will cause a connection. It also put intimidating classmates out of sight behind you.
- Try to Raise a Hand in Each Session; having that goal will keep you focused and listening for the opportunity to ask a question or make a comment. Even if the opportunity to raise your hand never occurs, at least you were engaged in the lesson. Get noticed by the professor so they won’t have to guess what grade to give you. The raise-hand-every-session plan works in smaller classrooms, too. Listening closely in anticipation of contributing will increase comprehension of the subject and result in higher grades.
- Make an Appointment to Go to Professor Office Hours. Professors post their availability; take advantage of it early in the school storm. You want the professor to know you’re there to use your tuition money wisely (learning). You’ll also be the first to hear from the professor more details about upcoming units in the course, extra credit, job openings, research opportunities and other “inside scoops”.
- Don’t Get Frustrated. Students shouldn’t fear not knowing or not understanding. Every student gets lost in at least one course or subject area in their college career. Don’t give up right away.
- Get Tutoring Early. Every student, no matter how brilliant they are, will need tutoring. Students should go in the first month even if they think they have a hang of a subject.
- Join a Study Group or Create One. This is the best way to realize you’re not alone.
- Know Your Limits Early. Freshmen will be taking core required courses, but if by chance your schedule includes a tough elective (a course not required) that will not impact on fulfilling your major but is harder than you’re ready for, then consider taking the class Pass/Fail or dropping the course altogether. Pass/Fail will not affect your average. The you drop one course, hopefully you’ll be able to register for a more appropriate course. WARNING: these course decisions must be done in the first couple of weeks of the term. Classes close out early so students don’t miss too many lessons and never catch up.
Ready to start school on the right foot? Going in with realistic, open eyes — and mind — is the way to go!
