Tips for Studying Successfully

From OSU Wiki

Contents

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Important Dates To Keep In Mind

To have a successful study life in the university, it's very necessary to keep yourself informed. Don't forget the Academic Calendars. For example, you can check to see when you register, when the deadlines are for you to drop your classes or when you will be billed for your tuition. You must check your ONID and department accounts twice a week. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your advisors for help. Don't keep the questions or doubts to yourself.

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Choose An Instructor That Can Help You Most

Every instructor has their own style of teaching. It's very important for you to choose an instructor that you feel comfortable to work with. Before you sign up for a class, you can go to Rate My Professorsof Oregon State University, and get some ideas of the instructors that you are going to work with. You can see a lot of comments given by the students who took their classes before. Their comments and suggestions are always impartial. That way, you may choose an instructor who can help you most. If you can't find any comments on the instructor you are looking for, you can search their websites and read the requirements for their classes. Another shortcut to know your instructors better is to ask your friends who took their classes before. In a word, well prepared is half done!

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Tutoring Center

If you have questions that your instructors can't help you with immediately or if you fall behind in your class and need extra help, you can go to Academic Success Center. It provides information on Tutoring Services on Campus. You can have tutors that help you out for free. If you don't do well in your study, this is a wise choice.

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What To Do During Class

  • Attend every class! A lot of material is covered and discussed during lecture that you may not get from the textbook but may be relevant to the exams.
  • Listen attentively in class and don't be absent-minded. Sometimes, missing one word can make a world of difference!
  • Come to class early if you want to have a good seat. Instructors discourage tardiness because it distracts the whole class.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions in class. This will help clarify things for you in time. It also lets the intructors know that you are interested in their class. Every instructor likes active students.
  • Take notes during your classes! Write down main points that you think are important, otherwise they would slip off your mind easily after class.If you don't get used to taking notes,Class Noteswill give you some help. Many class notes have been uploaded there, and it will save you a lot of effort.
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What Not To Do During Class

  • Do not talk on the phone. This can distract you during class
  • Do not text message friends. Even though you are not loud it can be distracting to you and other students and the professor might spot you doing it
  • Do not watch movies on laptop. This is really distracting to not only yourself but to everyone five rows behind you
  • Do not listen to your Ipod in the middle of class. How are you going to pay attention if you can’t hear the professor?
  • Do not talk loudly to your neighbor. If you must talk, do it quietly
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Study Techniques

  • Try to read the material before going to class. In OSU, the instructors always expect their students well prepared before class and lectures can be very fast. If you don’t prepare in advance, you would easily get lost.
  • Give special attention to small details in your homework. Sometimes the instructors are picky. Use Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar check. Be sure to always reread your homework before turning it in.
  • If you don't understand something, ask in class or go to Tutoring Services on Campus to seek outside help.
  • Talk to your instructor at least once a term. Let your instructors have a chance to get to know you. This can also help you clarify any questions you may have.
  • Study in a comfortable environment. The library is a good place if your apartment is noisy. Also, you can find a lot of useful material to help you study in the library.
  • Manage your time appropriately. Make sure you keep a good balance between study and recreation.
  • Work with other students in class. It makes your life much easier if you work together. It’s also a good idea to find someone who has had the class before to give you pointers.
  • When you read your textbook, make sure you read to learn and understand the material, not just memorize it.
  • Try not to panic! Panic can’t help you solve your own problems. Try to relax!
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How To Prepare For Your Exams

  • Be sure to review all of your homework, class notes, and your highlighted text for the exams.
  • Some instructors or students have old exams that you can ask to look at. These can provide useful insight to what types of questions are likely to be asked.
  • Manage your time on exams. Try all questions, and don't leave any problems blank. You might get partial credit if you try each problem.
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