Most kids want to go to college after high school. Unfortunately, today’s first-year students are entering college increasingly unprepared for the rigors of higher education. Roughly one-third of all incoming freshmen drop out of college during their first year, and over half of students never reach graduation.
This post is sponsored by Northwest University.
While there are multiple factors that contribute to these alarming statistics, failure to prepare for the expectations of college classes is a major contributor. In order to succeed in classes and complete a program of study with the competencies necessary to succeed in their professional field, students need to develop rock-solid study habits.
Here are six essential study habits to teach your kids so they’ll be ready to succeed once they reach college.
Find a Distraction-Free Study Area. In college, every second counts. Students can easily become overwhelmed with all the expectations of multiple classes. Students should create a distraction-free study area to maximize their study time. It can be helpful to find a location away from their dorm or house, like a library or quiet study nook. But simply finding a location isn’t enough – it’s important to remove distractions, too. Put cell phones away and on silent so they’re not a distraction. Better yet, leave them at home so they’re not even a temptation.
Create a Study Schedule. Carve out time for studying and then break down that “study time” into more intentional tasks. With so many competing deadlines and priorities, simply having a written plan of when you’re going to study what will reduce that feeling of overwhelm.
Use Pen and Paper. Students retain more from pen-and-paper notes than from typing on a laptop. Whether it’s re-writing your typed notes into a notebook, jotting down the essential details of this week’s unit, or making an outline of your upcoming research paper, do it the old-fashioned way for maximum information retention.
Find a Study Group. Study groups are great to keep you accountable. They also help expose you to new styles of studying, and help you learn new things in new ways. Find a study group for your most challenging classes and learn how there’s power in numbers.
Utilize Campus Resources. Most campuses have tons of resources dedicated to student success. Use them! Access tutors, academic counseling, homework help, research assistance, study skills workshops, time management classes, and stress relief programs. Your college wants you to succeed, but can’t help you if they don’t know you need it. Seek out support early and take advantage of all the programs your tuition dollars are helping to fund!
Be Intentional About Down Time. Nobody can give 100% for 100% of the time. The brain needs rest to function. Take study breaks and use planned down time to refresh yourself in ways that are beneficial to you. If you’re an extrovert, go out to dinner with friends. If you’re an introvert, curl up with a movie or good book. Think about the activities that make you feel most refreshed, and make sure you carve out time for them.
Northwest University is a top-ranked Christian university with over 70 academic programs that is committed to your child’s success. Providing academic support, spiritual growth opportunities, and robust community, we have everything to help your child thrive as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Learn about the comprehensive supports Northwest University offers its students and schedule a visit today!
