College Tips for Your College- Bound Teenager

Review these tips with your teenagers. Some of them may seem trite but you will find them valuable as you begin college.

• Break down school projects and home tasks into small easy portions.
• Set a deadline before the teacher’s deadline. That way you can hand the project in and make changes if necessary.
• Study difficult subjects first. When doing homework, do the easy subjects first so that extra time can be spent on the more challenging subjects.
• Limit overall household television and screen time.
• No radio, stereo or television when studying. The exception is baroque music, which has been proven to increase concentration skills.
• Do not accept telephone calls when studying. In fact you can post a “quiet-study zone” sign for the whole family to acknowledge.
• Study in a comfortable place but do not be so relaxed. You will probably fall asleep if you study in bed because you associate it with sleeping.
• When your teacher is lecturing write down words he repeats and emphasis in the lecture.
• Read ahead in the textbook so you can anticipate any questions you may have.
• Look up vocabulary you do not understand when you are reading a textbook. Most textbooks have glossaries.
• Picture the directions in your mind. Form a visual picture after your teacher gives you instructions. Imagine a circle when the directions are Circle the correct answer.
• Sit in the front of the class if possible. It is easier to pay attention. Also the teacher can see your facial expressions and may further explain a point.
• Watch your teacher’s nonverbal cues. Notice their facial expression and mood changes.
• Watch what excites your teacher about the lesson. This is likely to be on the exam.
• When you are listening intently, lean forward to the edge of your seat.
• Assume the teacher will only give the instructions once. Do not anticipate that the teacher will repeat himself.
• Review your notes before class.
• Ask the teacher a question concerning the assignment. Think of a question. This forces the teacher to interact with you and demonstrates that you will want to learn.
• Remember there is no such thing as a dumb question. When in doubt, ask.
• When forming study groups do not look to friends but to others who have good work or study ethics.
• Read the teacher’s objective before the start of the lesson to determine if you did indeed learn the lesson. (Sometimes the teacher may state the aim of the lesson so listen carefully).
• When studying make up your own mock test in the format that the test will be in (multiple choice, true/ false, essay, etc.) Take your own test after you have taken a break from studying. You should make it challenging.
• Learn relaxation techniques before an exam. Breathe deeply. Picture yourself doing well on the exam.