1. By Mona J Casady Chapter 1 Orienting Yourself to College
Getting the College Edge
By Mona J Casady
Chapter 1
Orienting Yourself to College
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

2. This chapter should help you to:
Begin the transition to college with realistic expectations
Establish a support system
Prepare to work efficiently
Identify and locate campus resources
Enhance your self-concept
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

3. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
Welcome to the continuation of lifelong learning
You are beginning a new chapter in this journey
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

4. Be Aware of Transition Issues
Compared to high school, in college you
will experience:
More demanding courses
More reading and studying
More flexibility within a day’s schedule
Fewer exams for a course with each exam covering more material
More independence
More responsibility
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

5. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
Whether you live at home and commute to campus or live on campus, you will have the most satisfying experiences if you:
Take the initiative to get to know others
Prepare a Living Agreement
Help support the needs of those with whom you live
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

6. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
Work Efficiently
As successful professionals do, you can maximize your efficiency as a college student by:
Getting necessary office supplies
Organizing your materials
Obtaining important reference items
Developing a records management system
Create a separate file folder for each course
Carry only current unit materials
Filing completed unit materials after an exam
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

7. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
You have many helpful resources on your campus to assist you with course work, personal business, health and physical needs, as well as leadership and social skills
Make it a priority to get to know these wonderful resources. Be an investigator!
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

8. Do you have any of these challenges or fears?
Being homesick
Taking tests
Getting good grades
Managing time
Getting along with roommates
Developing new friendships
Being lonesome for friends at home
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

9. Do you have any of these challenges or fears? (cont’d)
Deciding on a major
Knowing how to take notes and study
Not understanding a professor
Disappointing family
Balancing studies, a job, and social life
Finding child care
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

10. Do you have any of these challenges or fears? (cont’d)
Balancing school, family, and a job
Having enough money
Getting lost on campus
Locating resources on campus
If so, you are not alone. These are the most common challenges and fears of freshmen across the nation.
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

11. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
Enhancing your self-concept will help you succeed in college and throughout life
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

12. Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved
Tips for Success
Maintain a good personal appearance
Learn people’s names
Make others feel important
Choose positive reading and listening topics
Commend people; give sincere compliments
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved

13. Tips for Success (cont’d)
Make eye contact
Set realistic goals
Use discretion in developing friendships
Learn from failure
Join and organization with worthwhile goals
Chapter 1
Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved