College Success Strategies

A diverse panel of eight interdisciplinary Honors Scholars shared their top tips for success in college. 

Haley, BS Biology (Biomedical)

1. BALANCE. While we are here for school and we all want to succeed it, is important to have a healthy, balanced life.
2. Take time after you come back from class each day to review what you just learned in lecture.
3. Keep going when you fail.
4. Find an ally in a professor/staff member/mentor.

Teddy, BA English (Pre-Med)

1. 11:00 pm rule
2. Overestimate your time
3. Uphill battle

Jesse, BS Biochemistry ACS and Music

How to use Procrastination:  “the action of delaying or postponing something”
-Google.
1. What is procrastination?
     -necessary skill
2. The good
     -time management
     -knowing the future
     -help prepare for shorter deadlines
     -intentional procrastination
3. The bad
    -what is early?
    -what is late?
4. Know your limitations
    -every person is different
    -never neglect quality
    -learn to fight it

Carlyle, BS Psychology (Pre-Professional)

1. Habits are powerful behaviors.
2. Get rest and health before tests or exams. Sleep helps consolidate memories and focus your mind.
3. Embrace the peace the Sabbath brings. Take it as a time to meaningfully reconnect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your Creator.

Juliane, BS Biology (Biomedical) and Math Studies

1. Try to find a balance. All aspects of your life (physical, social, emotional, academic, spiritual, etc.) contribute to your overall well-being. Don’t neglect some aspect of your life because you’re too focused on something else.
2. Form good habits because the habits you continue now will form the person that graduates in four (more or less) years. Grow in your relationship with God and your knowledge about Him as much as you can during college, so you have a solid foundation when you begin a “real adult life”.
3. Reach out. You’ll hear it over and over again, but there’s an Honors community and an Andrews community around you, ready to support you in whatever you pursue. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, even if it’s not directly related to academics.

Ingrid, BA English (Pre-Law)

1. Learn to say no. It’s completely acceptable to reject social obligations    or opportunities. Your time is valuable and limited.
2. Find a mentor(s) that will guide your path.
3. Be mindful of who you surround yourself with (friends, study partners, significant others, etc.)
4. Bonus: Keep a detailed planner.

D'Shauna, BS Biology (Neuroscience)

1. Get enough rest. You will be able to retain more information when you are well rested.
2. Ask for help. Don't keep questions to yourself. Ask your professors, teachers, tutors, or classmates for clarification on class material or homework questions.
3. Make a schedule. Consistency is key. Try to wake-up and go to bed around the same time everyday. (I know this is difficult being a college student.)
4. Make a list of tasks to complete every single day. The list can pertain to both personal and academic priorities. This way you know what needs to be done and avoid missing deadlines.
5. BONUS: Maintain your health. Make sure to exercise, rest, and eat a well-balanced diet. Being consistently sick will negatively impact your academic and personal life. Reach out and seek help if you are having medical or personal issues. Don't brush these issues aside hoping they will disappear.

Alexandra, BS Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

1. Set small, achievable deadlines leading up to large, looming deadlines. This helps you stay on track and not feel overwhelmed.
2. Find people with similar and positive study habits to study with. They will be your motivation to stay focused and you’ll be theirs.
3. Work on making a balance between school and social-life/free time, even if that means scheduling time to take a break and do something fun. This way you won’t feel for guilty taking a much needed break.