Here are some tips to make sure you get the grades you want.

ESTABLISH A STUDY ROUTINE

• Prioritize your subjects. "I'll study math for an hour and then..."
• Distribute your study time. Two 30-minute sessions may be better than one 60-minute session
• Study at the best times of the day in a place that is comfortable to you. Reduce background noise.
• When exhaustion or boredom sets in, try changing subjects OR pace the floor OR take a five-minute break.
• Find a classmate to study with.
• Don't waste time by listening to the radio or talking to others while studying.
• Don't wait to study until you're in the mood-it may never come!

LEARN INSTRUCTORS' POLICIES

• Be observant and recognize differences between individual instructors.
• Learn what each of your instructors expects from you in class:
• What is the instructor's policy on tardies and absences?
• Can missed tests be made up? If so, when and where?
• Are there deadlines for work to be handed in?
• Is a paper required for class? If so, does it have a particular format and must be typed?
• Is outside reading required?
• Find out the location of your instructor's office and his/her office phone number.
• If you have a concern, make an appointment with your instructor
• Don't ask the instructor personal questions or for special favors, special treatment or to skip an exam.

LEARN EFFECTIVE NOTETAKING

• Use a three-ring, loose-leaf notebook. Have tabs for each subject and start each new topic on a new page. Add, change or discard pages.
• Listen to the instructor and take notes on major points. Concentrate on listening, not on note-taking. Don't write every word being said. More is not always better.
• Take notes in your own words if possible.
• Invent your own shorthand and add words as you go along.
• Review notes night after class; fill in missing details.
• After a test, evaluate notes and change them if necessary.

MAXIMIZE YOUR CLASS TIME

• Come to class on time and don't leave early.
• Come prepared with notebook, pencil, pen, answer sheets for tests etc.
• Stay "tuned in" to the instructor for the entire class.
• Participate in class discussions and ask questions.
• Hand your work in on time.
• Keep records of all work completed.

USE TEXTBOOKS PROPERLY

• Read ahead before the class: *Skim over the chapter. Look at the chapter outlines, headings, new words etc.
• During the class:
• Underline key words and phrases but no more than 10% of the chapter.
• Write notes in the margin of the book.
• After class, read the chapter immediately.
• Make up 10-20 questions. Close the book and answer the questions. Change questions if necessary.
• Try to apply what you've learned with family, friends, coworkers etc.

LEARN HOW TO TAKE TESTS

• Reduce your test anxiety.
• Prepare for the test. There's no substitute for knowing the material.
• Make an appointment with the instructor to discuss material you don't understand.
• Before a test, reread the text and study notes.
• Use spring boards and deep thinking "The important things in this chapter are..."
• Arrange a review quiz session with classmates.
• During a test:
• Start on tune and keep track of time.
• Skip difficult questions; answer them later.
• Ask the instructor to clarify a question if necessary.
• For multiple choice questions: anticipate answers before looking at options; read all options first; watch for clues to answers in other questions; look out for absolutes ('never-always" usually makes statements false).
• Don't read into questions, go by the words present.
• If a test is making you tense, use desensitization: think of something pleasant such as lying on a beach. Switch back to the test. When you become uneasy again, switch back to the scene.

• Contact Us

Transfer to a 4 year College
Start or Develop a Career
Earn a Certificate
Personal Growth
Tips for Success

Resources:

• Admissions & Records
• Counseling
• Financial Aid
• Directions to West
• Campus Map
• Telephone Directory
• Campus Calendars
• About West
• Student Information System (ID required. Add/drop classes...)