1. Study Skills DOs, DON’Ts, and Everything Else You Need to Know to Be Academically Successful In College UMKC Counseling Center

2. Getting Ready to Study Know what the requirements are for EVERY class for the WHOLE semester Keep a calendar of due dates – and CHECK IT FREQUENTLY Plan regular study time into your schedule

3. Getting Ready to Study Prepare a quiet study space, free from distractions Expect to study 3-4 or more hours a week for each class Know your learning style – auditory, visual, tactile

4. Reading Your Textbook DO read assigned readings before class DON’T get behind on readings and assignments Use ACTIVE READING – Mark up your book (you paid for it!) – Check out headings, first sentences, boldface words, section summaries – Test yourself with review questions

5. Reading Your Textbook, continued Divide up the assignment Test your understanding at the end of each section Take breaks Reward yourself

6. Taking Good Notes Get to class early; review notes from last class DO sit in near the front of the room to minimize distractions Date and title the lectures If the instructor provides power point slides, still take your own notes DON’T try to write everything down – use active listening to discern the main points and supporting information

7. Taking Good Notes, continued Try to use your own words to capture concepts; this is not about memorizing what the instructor said If you don’t get it all, leave a space, then ask the instructor or another student after class ASK QUESTIONS!!! DO review your notes after class and make a note of concepts you don’t understand; check these against the text or with the instructor

8. Studying for Exams DON’T wait to study until test time DON’T assume the instructor will tell you what’s going to be on the test DO assume that any information from the text or lecture is fair game DO join a study group

9. Studying For Exams, continued Know what kind of test it is – multiple choice, problems, essay, etc. Test your knowledge using the kind of questions that will be on the test Anxious? Eliminate irrational fears about test- taking. Seek help if needed.

10. For More Help… Center for Academic Development Supplemental Instruction (SI) www.umkc.edu/cad 235-1174 Writing Center http://cas.umkc.edu/writingcenter/ 235-1146 Counseling Center www.umkc.edu/chtc/counseling 235-1635