Barry Said:

Tips on being a straight A student in college?

We Answered:

Time management

Other tips.

I take good notes. Because I work in health care, I know medical abbreviations, so when taking notes I write all the important stuff down. I then type my notes over. I make study cards/flash cards. I spent the recommended amount of time per hour of class. You need to study 2-3 hours for every hour in class. I also went to every class unless being in bed with the flu. I went to office hours to ask questions. I did get a 4.0. I also worked full time.


Some people tape the class. I do not find this helpful but people who do not take good notes often do. I also start studying day one and not the day before.

I would make cheat sheets with the key points, I would then bring them to the gym while on the treadmill. Other people record them and listen to them while working out.

My other tip is to be careful what you highlight. Some people I know had the prettiest pages but everything is highlighted. So use it them sparingly to highlight what is truly a key point.

Good grades are important but striving for perfection and not getting it is not very health. Even though I got a 4.0, I only got 3.3 in my previous degree when I just a traditional adult.

Best wishes

Charlotte Said:

First time college student, help!?

We Answered:

The simple answer is this. You should be fine with 5 courses. Young minds can easily adapt to such things. Many students start with a 5 class load and do quite well. As for time management, don't worry about it yet. Plan things as they come but do that responsibly. Allow yourself a certain window of time to get things done. As for note taking tips, take only what is helpful to you. Don't write down every single word if you don't think it will aid you later. If it suits you best, draw pictures during class. They're your notes, take them how you want to. The easiest way to pass a class is find out what your instructor likes to see and give them what they want. All you have to do is impress the person giving out the grades, in all honestly, no matter what anyone else tells you, most of what you will learn will not serve you later in life, I promise. Give the grade givers what they want and your life will be easy. If you want to get something out of the material for your own benefit, that's one thing, but just to get a grade, don't work too hard. ANY place you find to work after college will teach you most everything specialized they want you to do.

Let's face it, many of us have jobs that we could have done 3 years before receiving our degree, we just didn't have the piece of paper. Unless you're becoming a doctor or a lawyer, don't work yourself up over it too much. Take things as they come and life will be easy, I promise.

Viola Said:

Do you have any tips for a first year college student/ nursing student?

We Answered:

Be sure to join at least one group, preferably a nursing one. It will really help to know the people in your class on a social level. You can study together, help with homework, etc.