Wednesday, October 21, 2009

College vs. High School: The Syllabus

A rookie mistake made by many new college students is too overlook the syllabus. Do NOT do this. Though it may only be a sheet or two long, it is a valuable resource and will be a reliable friend for the entire semester.

When you receive a class syllabus, take the time to read through all of it. Be sure that you know and understand the professor's attendance, exam, and make-up policies as well as the grade breakdown. If the information is not available or you do not understand the wording, be sure to speak up—doing so could prevent negative consequences later on! You should also highlight the professor's contact information so that you can easily find it should you need to schedule a meeting or receive extra help.

After reading through the syllabus, mark down the dates of assignments, quizzes, papers, and exams. You can do this on a calendar, in a planner, or in your iPhone. The method you choose is not important, just be sure that you choose one that is accessible and easy to use. It may also be helpful to note the amount of points or grade percentage assigned to each item. Lastly, remember to refer back to the syllabus to ensure that you are on track with assigned readings.

Live and love your syllabus—it is one tool to success that you do not have to pay for!

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