■ Whenever possible, consider each professor’s reputation as
you decide whether to select a particular course, especially
if it is an overview or introductory course offered in two or
three sessions. Word soon gets around as to which professors’
lectures are stimulating and rewarding—an environment in
which learning is a joy, even if it isn’t a subject you like!
■ If there’s a course you think you’d like to take but suspect or
know you can’t fit it in this semester (or even this year), take
the time nowto check out course requirements, assignments,
reading lists, etc., and go to the first class. This is generally
an overview of the entire course and the time when most
professors hand out syllabuses, longterm assignments, and
suggested reading lists. You may not be sure you want to take
the course before that class, but you’ll certainly have a better
idea afterwards.
■ Attempt to select classes that balance your schedule on a
weekly and even a daily basis, though this will not always be
possible or advisable. (Don’t change your major just to fit your
schedule!) Try to leave an open hour or half-hour between
classes— it’s ideal for review, postclass note taking, quick trips
to the library, etc.
■ Try to alternate challenging classes with those that come more
easily to you. Studying is a process of positive reinforcement.
You’ll need encouragement along the way.
■ Avoid late evening or early morning classes, especially if such
scheduling provides you with large gaps of “downtime.” And
if you’re not a “morning person,” don’t even think of taking a
class that meets daily at 8 a.m. I did it my freshman year of
college and managed to get there, oh, at least three times.
■ Set a personal study pace and follow it. Place yourself on a
study diet, the key rule of which is: Don’t overeat.The landscape is littered with the shadows of unsuccessful students who
have failed in their pursuits—notbecause they lacked the talent or moti-
vation, but because they just overloaded on information and pressure.
You canbe successful without killing yourself!
Chapter 2 ■ How to Organize Your Studying 43