How to succeed in college – Oregon Goes to College

Do your best in school.

Your grades matter for your future. They may also impact your financial aid.

Continue good habits that will help you be successful.

• Go to all your classes and be on time. Come prepared, ask questions and take part in class discussions. If you must miss a class, e-mail the professor and get notes from a classmate.
• Stay on top of your reading and assignments. You may not need to turn them in, but they will help you learn the material. You’ll be thankful come midterms!
• Determine the place that you study best (at home or at the library, for example). Practice good study habits.
• In high school, your parents or guardians received your report cards. In college, your grades only come to you because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Talk with your family about their expectations about sharing your academic progress.

Take the right classes.

Talk to your advisor and make sure you’re taking the classes you need to complete your degree on time.

• If you are planning to transfer colleges, make sure the classes you are taking will transfer as well.
• If you are planning to go to graduate school, including law, business or medical school, learn what the required classes are for admission. They may not be required for your major, so you’ll need to make a plan for taking additional classes.
• Take a class unrelated to your major or program that interests you.
• Consider spending a term studying in another country or at another college. Visit your school’s department for off-campus study to learn more about your options.

Get organized and get help.

In college, you are in charge of your own time. Take advantage of people and programs that want to help you succeed.

• Find a system that works for you to keep track of class material, assignments, deadlines, and other commitments. Read the syllabus for each class and make note of when big projects or exams are scheduled.
• In college, you usually spend less time in class and more time studying on your own. Make time in your schedule to study daily and use time between classes wisely.
• Ask for help from your professors, advisor or classmates. Find a study partner or group, go to office hours and use tutors.
• Check your school e-mail regularly. The college will use this as their main method of communicating with you.
• Make a good impression when talking or e-mailing professors and college staff. Introduce yourself, be polite and be clear about what you need. Use capital letters, spell words out and write complete sentences.

Get involved.

College can be more than just classes. Extracurricular activities give you the chance to explore your interests and make friends.

Spend time with good people.

Get a support system of friends, family, and mentors who want to see you succeed.

• Choose friends that share positive goals and interests. It can be difficult to make new friends and adjust to a new place. Keep an open mind and get involved to meet a wide range of people.
• Find a mentor – a professor, advisor, former teacher, or older student that you can talk to. Share your future dreams and plans with them.
• Be a role model and mentor for younger students.
• Stay connected with family and friends from home while focusing on new experiences and people on your campus.

Take care of yourself.

Eat right, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

• If you get sick, use your college’s health center. If you must miss a class, e-mail the professor and get notes from a classmate.
• Use your college’s counseling services if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or have other concerns.
• You and your healthcare providers are the only ones who can see your health records because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, you may want to share health concerns with your parents or guardians.

Make good choices.

Practice safe, responsible, and kind behaviors.

• Be safe online and on your phone.
• Be responsible with risky behaviors like drinking, doing drugs, and having sex. Use your school’s health center to ask questions, get free resources and get help when you need it.
• Be kind; treat others with respect.

Narrow your career interests.

Visit your college’s career center to get help.

• Explore careers that match your degree and your interests. Think about the classes you’ve taken and the ones you’ve enjoyed the most.
• Talk to your professors, advisor and career center about jobs related to your major or program. Discuss your interests and goals.
• Visit the career center to find volunteer opportunities, an internship, research or a job shadow to learn more.
• Talk about your future dreams and plans with your family, friends and other adults and set goals.
• Attend a career fair.

Do you want to transfer colleges?

Plan ahead and talk to advisors at both colleges.

Learn how to transfer colleges and plan ahead to make sure credit transfers.

• Review what is most important to you in a college. Develop a list of colleges that you’re interested in and that have your program or major.
• Research admission requirements for each college to make sure you’re on track.
• Get to know the colleges. Take a virtual tour or if possible, visit a college campus. You can also meet with admissions representatives online or during a college fair.
• Apply by the deadline. Be prepared with all the information you need before you apply.

Considering graduate school?

Explore your options for next steps.

• Talk to your advisor and professors about programs and careers that interest you.
• Review what is most important to you in a college. Develop a list of colleges that you’re interested in and that have your program or major.
• Research admission requirements for each college to make sure you’re on track. You may need to take an entrance exam before applying.
• Get to know the colleges. Take a virtual tour or if possible, visit a college campus. You can also meet with admissions representatives online or during a college fair.
• Apply by the deadline. Be prepared with all the information you need before you apply.

Keep track of your money.

Stick to a budget and understand student loans.

Talk with your parents or guardians about managing college costs. You’re the only one who can see your tuition bill and financial aid information because of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Make a budget and stick to it. Beware of credit card offers! Use them responsibly.
• Understand your student loans. Accept only the amount of loans you really need—remember, you will need to pay them back.
  • If possible, make interest rate payments on unsubsidized loans while you are still in school.
  • Begin to pay off your student loans within 6 months of leaving school. Look into loan repayment, consolidation or other payment plans if you need them.

Apply for financial aid each year.

Get help from the financial aid office at your college.

• Re-apply for FAFSA or ORSAA every year.
• Apply for scholarships. You may be eligible for more scholarships now that you’re in college. Check with your college financial aid office and keep an eye on department newsletters or bulletin boards.

Get help if there are changes to your financial situation.

Your college should have support services to help you.

Life happens. Contact your college’s financial aid office if you or a family member lost a job or had unexpected medical expenses, childcare costs, or other financial issues.

• Some colleges may have emergency grants for current college students. They can help pay for laptops, course material, food, housing, health care and childcare.
• You can ask for a review of your financial aid offer. Your college’s financial aid office might have a template to follow or you can use this free tool. Email it to the financial aid office to start the conversation.