Student Survival Guide

Developing effective study skills is essential to a student's academic career.

Without being able to effectively study a student can not efficiently learn. If a student does not have the skills he needs to study and learn the student will not produce well written assignments. The first step in making sure to study efficiently is making sure I am comfortable and relaxed. The second is reading the material in an effective manner. To successfully retrieve information from a source the material should be scanned. The reader should then think of questions that relate to the material about to be read. After this the material should be read thoroughly and the questions answered. By reading the material multiple times and answering questions that relate to it I am able to digest the information I wish to use. Thus knowledge is truly obtained.  I find it useful to later discuss the topics I am learning about with my friends, coworkers, ad family in order to make sure I understand the information correctly. I like to debate the different topics I am studying; it helps me remember and comprehend the material completely. Reading the information out loud also helps when trying to study. There are many ways to study well, but these methods work best for me.

The ability to conduct successful library and internet searches is extremely important when attempting to write a well written essay.

These searches will help me find citable references for use in my work. When performing library searches it is most beneficial to learn how the library is set up and where to look to find books on the topic of choice. If all else fails asking a librarian for help is the next best idea. A productive internet search is best accomplished by using specific keywords and narrowing down the topic of choice. It is also essential for a student to use reputable sources when citing information compiled from the internet. Anyone can post anything on the internet, so a student can not trust every page he encounters. I like to find the source or person that created the page. After doing this I can decide if I think the information they have posted is trustworthy. I like to use the library provided by the school because I know it is of good reputation. A research paper is only as credible as its sources are, so doing good research is essential.

Managing time wisely is also a key element to making the most of an education.

If time is not managed well assignments will probably get forgotten about. If assignments are not forgotten about they will be rushed because of time constraints. Without a well planned time schedule a student will be stressed about accomplishing everything in his everyday life as well as his homework. Stress about time can also lead to the decision to plagiarize. Managing time successfully can be tricky, but there are some things that can help. I find that making a calendar with all my assignments, the hours I work, and whatever other plans I have on it is the easiest way to keep up with everything. This way I can see when I have time to complete my homework. I can also make sure to get everything besides my homework done as well. I can also factor in time for myself, my family, and my friends. By doing so, I do not feel like all I do is work.

Upholding academic honesty is crucial when writing papers in a college classroom.

Not being academically honest is detrimental to a student's grade and damaging to the students ability to learn. Plagiarism is dishonest, and it takes away from the credibility of a student's paper. When one plagiarizes one is cheating oneself from the knowledge he could be obtaining. By thoroughly reading the material the information can be organized into statements that are original instead of replicas of the material cited. After the data is examined, questioned, and thought about it can then be formed into my own ideas. After I have decided to use a source, it should be referenced, so that it can be cited correctly. The most efficient way of citing material without plagiarizing is using APA format. When used correctly APA format allows a writer to quote information obtained through research while still giving credit to the original author. By using APA format I can avoid plagiarism.

It is vital to set and achieve goals while pursuing an academic career.

If I can not set or accomplish my objectives nothing will ever be achieved, especially not college or any other schooling. When setting goals I try to figure out what things I will have to do before my goal can be realized. When taking on new challenges it is important to realize there are long-term goals and short-term goals. In order to achieve long-term goals a student must first decide which short-term goals must first be set and fulfilled. I must also set a time frame in which to complete my goals.  I must make sure my time frame is realistic in order to avoid failing to meet me my set time which may discourage me. Once I have figured what I am trying to achieve and the best possible way to go about achieving it I can be successful in my goals.

Learning to study and research in an effective manner, handle time cleverly, avoid plagiarism, and set and accomplish goals are all imperative to being successful academically. Practicing these habits will help me pursue and achieve my academic career in the easiest, most productive and satisfying way possible.

If you are dedicated to your education, please check out the College Study Skills -- Brute Force Study Guide.