Study Tips
“How do I study…let me count the ways” (with apologies to E.B.Browning)
“If you want to dance, you have to pay the band”, so goes the old saying. Well at BC3 or in any other academic endeavor for that matter; if you want to succeed you have to study. It’s just common sense right?
There are mountains of study tips out there to scale and even the experts do not agree on every aspect of the process. However, we would like to share a few thoughts on how to get ready for your college experience as it relates to studying and course preparation. Some of the common prescriptions for healthy study habits are as follows:
- Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals- What is your plan for tomorrow? A year from now? 5 years from now? Having a checklist helps!
- Create a Calendar-Always write down due dates or exam schedules. Even consider keeping your personal and academic calendar in one place, so you can see your commitments inside and outside of school.
- Take Notes-Make time to re-write and review them after class.
- Get Organized- Create both paper and online folders for your courses.
- Form a Study Group-Keep it small because they can easily turn into social gatherings. The Heaton Family Learning Commons has five study rooms that can be reserved by students during their business hours throughout the year.
- Slow Down on Tests-Make sure you give yourself time to fully understand and respond to the questions.
- Find the Best Study Environment for You-Being stuck in a room with absolute silence is not for everybody. Get to know your learning style to determine what works best for you.
- Take a Break-Stop and re-focus when you feel the need. It is better to study in small intervals over the course of a week than cram everything in the day before an exam.
Dr. Stephanie Sarkis wrote an article for Psychology Today in which she outlined 50 general tips for students to help ensure a happy and successful college career. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Many colleges have free tutoring centers on campus. Take advantage of them (…of course we offer free tutoring here at BC3) https://bc3.edu/services/tutoring/index.html
- Sit near the front of class.
- Attend the whole class. Even if you feel like you will just die if you sit there any longer. Even if you feel your brain start to ooze out the side of your ear. Because we (professors) sometimes give really important info at the end of class.
- Sleep. Get it. Get enough. You may be laughing at this, being a college student and all...but you need to get enough sleep.
- I can't emphasize this enough: INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR PROFESSORS AND GO TO THEIR OFFICE HOURS. This is so important, I'll tell it to you again: INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR PROFESSORS AND GO TO THEIR OFFICE HOURS. We're nice people. Seriously. And we really like it when someone is interested in our classes.
You can find the entire article here.
You might also wish to check out the following as well:
- bc3.edu/services/academic-success-tips.html
- https://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/2DF9E34D/7-Best-Study-Tips-for-College-Students/
For those who started this fall, congratulations, your journey is underway. Know that we are here to help you every step of the way. Please contact these offices should you need any assistance. Good luck to you all!
- BC3 Main Phone Number: 724.287.8711
- Admissions Office: 724.284.8501
- Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE: Placement Testing & Advising): 724.287.8711 x8606
- Financial Aid: 724.287.8711 x8329
- Records and Registration: 724.284.8510
-Jerry Johnston, Admissions Representative/Business Relations