Whether you are an incoming freshmen or a returning student, it is always helpful to get tips that can improve your academics at Providence College.  Tutors from the Office of Academic Services were asked during their Tutor Training to provide a list of the top strategies for academic success at Providence College.  Although you may already employ some of these strategies, there might be a couple that you have overlooked.  We hope this helps, and if you need further assistance, please contact Dan Kwash, Associate Director at 865-2470 or email at dkwash@providence.edu. 

TOP TEN WAYS TO SUCCEED AT PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

1- Meet with your professors:   Try to meet with your professor prior to your first exam, quiz, or paper. Meeting with your professor will show that you have a genuine interest in the class and possibly prevent you from digging yourself into an early hole.

2- Go to all of your classes: You are paying for your classes...If you do not show, it is as if you are throwing money out the window.  Do not underestimate the correlation between going to class on a regular basis and doing well in that class.  Some professors will incorporate your attendance into your final grade.

3- See a tutor in the Office of Academic Services:   Tutors are available in the Office of Academic Services on an appointment basis in almost every subject area.  For further information please visit the  Tutorial Center.  

4- Study with your peers in your classes: Ha ving peers that share a genuine interest in the same class can prove to  be a wonderful opportunity in your overall college experience.  By studying in groups, you are able to share ideas, improve your study strategies, and develop new relationshipswith your peers. 

5- Make daily schedules: Try to create a "To-Do List" each morning for the things you want to accomplish that day.  This can include starting your research for your paper, attending a club meeting, or doing the laundry.  By doing this, you will be in control of your schedule and also give yourself a sense of accomplishment.

6- Make sure to get a lot of sleep:  You will hear individuals who have done "all-nighters."  These can actually do more harm than good.  If you are doing work when you are tired, you will not be as alert, so, as a result, it could take you twice as long to retain material. Instead, try getting a good night's sleep and get up a little earlier to study or complete your assignment.  When you are more alert, you can get more work done in a shorter amount of time.

7- Join clubs to meet people:  There are a variety of clubs and student organizations available on campus.  Joining a club that piques your interest can provide a break from the rigors of academics, and it can be also a great way to make friends.

8- Do not procrastinate:  We all procrastinate to an extent.  What you want to avoid is letting your schedule/work control you instead of being in control of your schedule/work.  Get a day planner and write down all of your graded assignments for the semester so you are able to have all of this information in one place, instead of looking at 4 different syllabi.

9- Take detailed notes in your classes: Taking effective notes in class is a skill developed over time.  If the professor repeats something, writes it on the board, or stresses it in class, that is something you need to write down.  If there are any questions that you have on the notes you take in class, try to meet with the professor as soon as possible and ask if he/she can look over them with you.  The professor can then make the proper recommendations if warranted.

10- Complete your assignments on time:  If you discipline yourself with #5 and #8 on The Top Ten List, then this should not be a problem.  Try to get your assignment (whether it is homework, quiz, test, or a paper) done a day before it is due (if possible).  Doing this will enable you to go over your work one more time and give you another day to complete it due to unforeseen problems (illness, computer problems, etc.).  Passing work in late (regardless of how well it was done) can drop your grade significantly.  If there is a problem with completing your work on time, make every effort to speak to your professor prior to the due date.