How to Study in College

[Stokes]

So I can honestly say I've never really studied hard in my academic career because I use to be a wiz at all the AP classes in high school, and now two years into college, I'm not able to do that anymore and realize a lot of times when I read a textbook, it's just going in one ear and out the next.

I'm looking for advice for reading text books so I can remember the information easier, or methods for this. I'm open for all advice!!!

 

[Orsorum]

Practice problems, clarification questions/discussions with the professor, and helping your fellow classmates with the material. Worked for me.

<--- tax accountant. Yes, I did well in my financial accounting courses.

 

[Martin]

You can't teach an old dog new tricks, and seeing as how you're 2 years away from finishing your academic career, I'd say you have no chance. So my suggestion is, be satisfied with average marks and focus your energies on something you that you like.

Of course, you should disregard all of the above if you're failing...

 

[everman]

That was a bit of a "weeder course", having the dept chair didn't help. I got through it fine, just lots of studying. You can't just read the textbook in accounting, you need to practice.

 

[Stokes]

Not failing, im just sitting in the average boat of that C to B- range, and while I'm at a very tough and demanding liberal arts college, to the people partialy paying for my education, its pretty dramatic when they are use to seeing my GPA go from a 3.7 to whatever i'm at which is under 3, lol. but if anyone has any ideas like highlighting something, idk. lol.

We also have built in problem sessions that are mandatory where we do the homework, so i probably will be fine, I was just seeing if anyone had any bright ideas for me to get me out of this slump and maybe send an A back home.

 

[tfinch2]

Grow a pair and work harder

 

[Stokes]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Grow a pair and work harder

that solves everything.. why didnt I think of it

 

[animalia]

I am taking a medical course this semester that is a full year in almost every other nation, which is the EMT-B class. One HUGE textbook, one large workbook, and a small BLS handbook. All I can say is know it, and love it. Read each chapter several times. Do all the review questions. If you find that it is not sticking, read it again, seriously it's all you can do.

I usually read the chapter, take notes on vocabulary, and then read it again; then answer all questions.

 

[dbk]

You can't slack in accounting. I should know, I'm pursuing a masters in it now.

 

[cw42]

It's never too late to change.

 

[Martin]

Originally posted by: Stokes
Not failing, im just sitting in the average boat of that C to B- range, and while I'm at a very tough and demanding liberal arts college, to the people partialy paying for my education, its pretty dramatic when they are use to seeing my GPA go from a 3.7 to whatever i'm at which is under 3, lol. but if anyone has any ideas like highlighting something, idk. lol.

We also have built in problem sessions that are mandatory where we do the homework, so i probably will be fine, I was just seeing if anyone had any bright ideas for me to get me out of this slump and maybe send an A back home.

I'm was in much the same position as you in 2nd year (I'm in 4th year now), my marks dropped from a 91% average in HS to around 71% (~2.8 I think), which is pretty much the average for engineering here.

Instead of more studying, I found a decent part time job and ended up with a nice
internship that was better than most available (even if it did pay the same). When I graduate in a few months, I don't think there'll be any difference between me and someone who has an 80% average.

So my suggestion is, find a job or volunteer position where you can do what you like (or if you're like me, find out what you like doing) and get some contacts/references. It would likely be a far better value than a few extra hours and GPA points.

 

[CarlKillerMiller]

I don't know if it works the same way, but I'm in the life sciences and the thing that helps me out the most is just sitting down with friends who are in the same classes and talking about the work to be done. Discussing the material and sorta teaching each other really, really helps.

 

[Stokes]

Martin - (my first name)

I agree with you completely, I know people pride themselves on having near perfect GPA's but in the long run I dont know how much that will matter really. Maybe a little bit for graduate school but I heard those are more geared toward entry tests.

The side thing I have going for me now is I'm a pilot, I have my private pilots license and working on some other ratings and eventually work in the family business but also use aviation for travelling for business. It doesn't take up as much time as I would like to spend on it, maybe I need to find an internship or something.. Eventually I plan to teach flying by end of summer as a part time job.

 

[Wreckem]

Originally posted by: Stokes
Martin - (my first name)

I agree with you completely, I know people provide themselves on having near perfect GPA's but in the long run I dont know how much that will matter really. Maybe a little bit for graduate school but I heard those are more geared toward entry tests.

The side thing I have going for me now is I'm a pilot, I have my private pilots license and working on some other ratings and eventually work in the family business but also use aviation for travelling for business. It doesn't take up as much time as I would like to spend on it, maybe I need to find an internship or something.. Eventually I plan to teach flying by end of summer as a part time job.

Good to Elite grad programs will take into consideration GPA and Test scores equally.

To get into a good grad program, even at a 3.0 you had better ace the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT if you want a chance to get in.

Hell even a third tier law school, you better be near the average GPA if you want a shot to get in. Avg GPA for third tier law schools are in the 3.5 range. You'd need 90th percentile on the LSAT if you had a 3.0 and even then your chances are 50/50.

GPA matters for Professional degrees, not as much for Academic degrees.

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: dbk
You can't slack in accounting. I should know, I'm pursuing a masters in it now.

Which university, if you don't mind my asking? Do you have a concentration (audit vs. tax, for example)?