As college students we often forget that we are considered professional students. However, if we are to be successful in our college years, this is the mindset we need, both during class and on our own time.  

Be sure to attend all classes. Missing class can leave you lost and confused about the material. Get to class early, never leave until it’s over, and try to avoid leaving during class. Turn your cell phone off during class- your carefully picked ringtone can be just plain annoying and rude when it disrupts a lecture! Sit toward the front- you get more of a one-on-one experience this way. It also helps you avoid distractions and lets you be more engaged. Taking notes is also a good way to keep yourself engaged. It forces you to think about the important things in the lecture, and gives you a great study tool in the future! Don’t be frustrated if you don’t understand everything right away. Often if you can grasp the framework, you will be able to fill in the rest on your own.

Being a professional student doesn’t end when class does. It continues the entire time you are in college. Keeping yourself organized outside of class can help you focus in class, and when studying for those exams. Keep all notes, assignments, exams, handouts, and everything else related to a class together. Be sure you make an honest attempt at all homework- graded or not. This allows you to figure out your weaknesses, giving you exactly what you need to study for! Be as thorough as you can, because if your professor can’t understand your work he or she won’t know how to help you. Make sure you meet all of the deadlines of the course–it is your responsibility, not your professors. You are in charge of your study habits and class work, and stepping up to the requirements of the course is part of that. That’s how professionals think about it. Toward that end, budget time to study regularly during the week, and avoid distractions so you can focus when you study.