Strategies For A New School Term...And Getting That Degree

There's nothing so exciting as starting a new school term. Really! It ranks up there with, oh, I don't know, March Madness. Who are you picking to go all the way?

OK, maybe a new term isn't as exciting as the best college hoops of the season. But if you're paying for your education, then you really should get excited about a new term. Think about it. It means you're one more term closer to graduating. Think longterm goals here.

Nowadays - especially here in the United States - we have trouble staying focused on our longterm goals - like getting a degree. Trouble is we often don't see the connection between our daily actions and our longterm goals. So... here are a few suggestions for students. These are only a few and definitely not all the possible suggestions for academic success. If you have some ideas to share that might help others make the grade, share them in the comments below.

Here are my suggestions (now, I've gotta check out the brackets):
1. Get your textbooks and start reading - There's no better way to fall behind in class than to avoid reading your books for class.
2. Go to class - OK, this is another way to fall hopelessly behind in class. And when you're there, be prepared to learn. Be quiet so you don't disturb other students. Take notes. Ask questions.
3. Form study groups - This always helped me. It helps you make time to study, and gives you a friend to talk to about the ideas you're learning about in class.
4. Clear your schedule - I know, this one is tough - especially with March Madness going on. But if college is a priority, you must spend more time sitting at a table or desk studying than sitting at a sports bar eating nachos and downing brewskies while watching the game. Your friends may try to influence you to drop the books and join them, but resist!
5. Rest - Now that I'm older, I understand the wonderful benefits of rest. It's hard to learn when you're constantly tired. We all have busy schedules with work, family, etc. It may be a challenge, but find the time to let your body recharge.

Poll Results In: People Don't Like Writing School Papers

OK.... we didn't really need a poll for that. The more specific question (even if it was just for fun) was this: "How much time do you spend writing a paper?"

After counting all three responses (I almost had to use both hands when counting), here are the results:
Paper? What Paper got two votes
About 15 minutes got two votes
About an hour got one vote
Several weeks got NO VOTES

By that overwhelmingly lopsided poll result it's clear that we like avoiding the pain of writing papers for as long as possible. This was all for fun and games, but like all tasks that take hard work and sacrifice, I'm sure the truth is in there somewhere.

It takes discipline to force ourselves to set aside our fun-loving tendencies and embrace the responsibility of doing our homework.

As students approach a new term or semester, they must ask themselves if they are prepared for the sacrifices that must come when seeking a college degree.

I made a mistake my first semester of college over 20 years ago. I spent more time having fun and failed my classes. It was a waste of my time and money. What kind of student are you? What is your idea of a good student? What is your idea of a bad student?

If we're truly honest with ourselves, we probably resemble both the good and the bad. We're a little of both.