Are you a recent high school graduate or GED recipient coming to college? If so, we have a few tips for succeeding here at SUNY Ulster and making the transition easier.
Manage Time Wisely
Have you been told that college students need two hours of study for every credit hour? While full-time students will probably not spend 30 hours a week reading their notes, it’s important to consider the rule when designing your job and school schedule. Just because you are in class only on Tuesdays and Thursdays doesn’t mean the work stops! Depending on the classes you take, you could have a relatively relaxing first month of college… only to have three papers, a major presentation, and two tests due right before midterm. Students learn to plan ahead. Recent Ulster graduate Tyler Williams says, “Make sure to keep up on every part of your studies; there’s nothing worse than typing a 10 page research paper the day before it’s due and having to sacrifice sleep and the quality of your work.” Try your best to plan days ahead of time to work on assignments.
Attend Classes
Even though your whereabouts are no longer closely tracked each day, there is no reason to stop going to class. It may sound obvious, but if you want to do well academically at Ulster you must attend as many classes as you can. Don’t sleep through them, either. Not only is attendance important for getting all assignments and notes to do your work completely and efficiently, it’s also necessary for staying enrolled. Grades are significantly decreased when you exceed the number of allowed absences, and you can get kicked out of the class altogether if you don’t pay attention to the number stated in the syllabus. It also affects your Financial Aid. Don’t risk it!
Befriend Professors
In college, faculty members are active participants in students’ lives and futures. Professors here at Ulster are happy to help students with their work and careers. In class, they will often give tips about what they want to see in your work. Taking note of this can be the difference between just a passing grade and an A. Outside the classroom, they will give you valuable insight about working in your field and can recommend you to future employers and colleges. Connecting with them means having an interested and helpful network for your entire career. One will also be your advisor at Ulster, so make sure you start building a relationship with him or her early on.
Know How the Work Differs
Courses are designed differently in college; rather than having a number of small tests and homework to make up a grade, classes tend to rely on heavily weighing two or three tests and, depending on your major, the contents of your portfolio, a research paper, or a class project. Ulster’s Professor Dina Pearlman stresses the importance of self-motivation, saying, “Often assignments will only be given once. Students are expected to research and follow through on their own. However, if you are struggling with questions, we are all too happy to help and guide you.” Professors are ready to help with any material you don’t understand, as long as you take the initiative to go to them. The result of learning is different, as well. In college, you are expected to think critically and back up assertions. Most tests and work will be based more on what you took away from what you learned and are designed to make sure you have an understanding of what led you to your conclusions. Memorizing facts are only the first step, you then put them together to form and defend your thesis.
Take Responsibility
To succeed in college, you must know how to handle your own responsibilities. With the help of your advisor, you will make your own schedule. Be smart with it and register as soon as possible, so you’ll be able to take the classes you want at decent times. A number of classes are only available at one time during the semester, so you’ll want to be sure you get a spot in the class. When it comes to the classes themselves, be organized and know when assignments and exams will be. Ulster student Kristy Lyons has a great tip: “Check your email and portal on a regular basis. Professors send emails and post on the portal for assignments that are due.” Your college email is also how professors let you know about cancellations, so you could save driving in by just taking a few seconds to check the portal. Come prepared to every class. It’s helpful to keep a planner and notes handy, as they will be your closest friends when your brain is already storing information for a research essay and two other exams!
Know Your Limits
If you’ve never done it before, college work is a big change. Even if you did well in high school, you shouldn’t expect to get straight A’s right off the bat. Give it your best shot, and keep your options open. You will probably have to adjust your methods of studying and thinking about the work. You may find you need some extra help to do well, and Ulster has an abundance of resources to help you do it. The Learning, Writing, and Math Centers are there for you, and almost all the gen eds have tutoring available from both professionals and peers. Don’t be afraid to go to them for assistance.
Work Hard, and Have Fun!
In the end, you are the only person who can make sure that you are prepared for college and will take your experience seriously. By keeping an open mind about your education and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you, there is a good chance you will be successful and have a great time at Ulster.
