Academic Success Tips for Parents
Academic Success Center

Transition to college is one of the most exciting times in your child’s life. One of the more challenging aspects of college is adjusting to the differences in academic life. Many students come to campuses expecting the same skills that carried them through high school will work for them in college. This is rarely the case.

While students initially rejoice in taking fewer classes, more outside and independent work is expected of them.  Classroom performance may be evaluated on only a few papers and/or exams for the entire semester.  More student responsibility is required.  Too often students don’t realize that there are a multitude of resources for them on campus to ease their transition. The Academic Success Center houses tutoring centers at both campuses to assist students in making their academic life successful. 

While you may not be involved in your student’s day-to-day life, you can still contribute to his or her success by encouraging her or him to drop by the tutoring center early each semester. Tutoring is free and students can sign up for up to two one-hour appointments per week, per subject.  Here are a few tips to help your student get started:

How to Get Motivated

- Attend classes. Nothing lowers students’ chance for success more quickly than skipping classes. And it's hard to get caught up after you’ve been away.

- You in charge. Remind yourself that you will need to study or work on an assignment even if you don't feel like it. If you wait till you feel inspired, and have three or four hours of free time ahead of you, you'll be waiting forever. These two things rarely happen together.

- Make college your full-time job. It must be the number one priority in your life for now.

How to Use Your Time Wisely

- Before you can use your time better, you need to know how you're spending your time now. Keep track of your use of time for a week.

- Make a schedule.  Put in necessary activities first such as classes, meals, and sleep.

- Plan study times.  Schedule your most difficult subjects for the times when you are most alert.

Other Suggestions

- Use between-class time for reviewing notes or preparation for your next class.

- Take a 5-10 minute break each study hour.

- Alternate the type of studying and/or subject.

- Plan recreation time.  Schedule approximately 15 hours per week for physical activity and for doing things like laundry and shopping.

- Allow yourself some free time - leave some blank space for the unexpected, or for subjects that might require more time than you had planned.

The Academic Success Center is for students who want to succeed.  While the tutoring center offers assistance for students having specific difficulties, we encourage all students to drop by and see what we have to offer. Visit www.roosevelt.edu/asc for more information.

Academic Success Center