James Malinchak provides 11 tips to help students have a successful semester: 1) Participate actively in class, 2) Create a study chart to plan your time, 3) Finish assignments ahead of schedule by breaking them into tasks, 4) Study in 2-hour blocks with breaks, 5) Avoid cramming by preparing consistently, 6) Form a study group to discuss concepts, 7) Learn to use the library resources, 8) Ask teachers for extra credit opportunities, 9) Visit teachers during office hours, 10) Get involved in clubs related to your field, and 11) Network to expand your opportunities. Following these tips can help students achieve more through organized preparation and taking initiative.

1. Back To School With Success: 11 Ways To Jump-Start Your
Term By James Malinchak
School will begin soon. It's time to return to books and lectures, and if you're a student
programmer, programming board duties. You're faced with the challenge of having a
successful semester. To do so, it is necessary to begin with the right frame of mind. Here are
some tips of James Malinchak that is going to help you to “jump-start” your semester so that
you'll learn and achieve as much as you possibly can. While these tips are academically
oriented, it is crucial to remember that success in one area inspires success in others. Also,
keep in mind that some of these tips may be applicable to your extra-curricular
responsibilities, too. Use them to gain advantage in several aspects of your college life as
possible and enjoy your success!
The 11 Tips
1. Participate in class.
A great way to make a positive impression on instructors is by participating in class. While
many students may sit in class distracted, make sure you are not one of them. You are only
in class for a short period of time, so make the effort to pay attention and participate in class.
Active participation shows your teacher that you've got a sincere interest in learning what
they are teaching. You will also retain more information if you participate in discussions, ask
questions and formulate your own opinions. Take the initiative to participate in discussions
with teachers outside of class. This offers further evidence of your interest and leads to
additional learning opportunities.
2.Create a study chart.
Organize your study time by listing on a calendar when each exam is scheduled. After listing
your exams, plan how much time you will need to devote to studying for various subjects.
Write on the calendar which days you will spend studying for each exam. It is also a good
idea to plan one or two sample test days. On these days, you should create and take sample
tests that will be similar to the actual exam you will ultimately be taking. Ask your instructors if
they have any old exams that you could borrow. Simply by planning your study time, you will
avoid having to cram at the last minute.
3. Finish your work ahead of time.
School itself can be stressful enough. Do not add more stress to your life. Do not wait until
the last minute of the day to complete your assignments. Those who wait until the last minute
rarely complete the work well. Work to complete your assignments ahead of time. When you
receive an assignment, take a few minutes to determine how long it will take to complete it.
Develop a work schedule by breaking down your assignment into minor tasks. Use a

2. calendar to mark the days you will complete each task. Then simply follow your schedule.
You will be amazed at how easy it is to finish your assignments ahead of time, especially if
you break them down and plan a work schedule.
4. Work in two-hour blocks of time.
Studying all-night or even for several hours straight is sometimes ineffective. Consider setting
aside two-hour time blocks during which you will do nothing but study. Concentrate solely on
your schoolwork and do not let anything interrupt your time blocks. After studying for two
hours, take at least a 30-minute break. Your brain can become overloaded with information if
you do not periodically take a break from studying. Try this approach and you will be amazed
at what you accomplish.
5. Avoid cramming for exams.
Research has shown that more information is retained when learning occurs through a
consistent and systematic approach. Cramming the night before an exam or pulling an all-
nighter exhausts your mind and body, thereby making you less likely to retain information. In
addition, the added stress of not feeling fully prepared can have a negative effect on our
memory during the exam. Prepare yourself by working ahead of time.
Create a study group.
One of the best ways to learn is by talking about ideas, terms, and scenarios with other
students. Get together with a few classmates to form a study group. Engage in discussions,
take practice exams and quizzes, deliver speeches, perform research, and write outlines with
each other. Participating in study groups is going to allow you to hear other people’s
opinions, views and ideas, which can help you to understand certain subjects. It is a good
idea to let your teacher know you're participating in a study group. He/she can offer
suggestions on certain subjects that might turn out to be test material and he/she might even
offer to participate in the group session. If the instructor doesn't offer, ask them to join you.
7. Familiarize yourself with the library.
Your campus library contains many study and research aids that can be beneficial to you.
Learn how to use the card catalog, periodicals, microfiche, computers, encyclopedias,
dictionary, thesaurus, and audio and video machines. If necessary, make an appointment
with a library staff member to learn how to use these study and research aids. Many students
do not know how to utilize a library to their advantage. Do not be one of them. You can
conduct research to enhance a paper or to gain extra knowledge for an exam - just by
knowing how to use this facility and its resources.
8. Ask for extra credit assignments.

3. Some instructors will permit you to perform assignments outside of class for extra credit.
Take advantage of this opportunity through such activities as writing a term paper, serving on
a school committee or performing research for the instructor. You may have to ask the
instructor about this privately, and a good time to do this is while making a visit to their office.
(Get the idea?) Instructors may be willing to offer bonus points to serious students who show
initiative. Take the initiative - ask for extra credit assignments. A few extra points could make
a difference at the end of the semester when your grades are averaged.
9. Visit instructors at their offices.
Generally people who are remembered extend themselves beyond expectations. Make the
effort to visit instructors at their offices. Doing so will show that you are serious about
succeeding in class and will make a positive impression. Usually, instructors will reveal tips
about exams, papers ad assignments that are not discussed in class. Take advantage of
such potential benefits. Also, you are more likely to comprehend things you learn in these
one-on-one encounters, and this could mean the difference between making a “C” or an “A”
in the class.
10. Get involved in clubs and organizations.
Involvement in clubs and organizations can have a significant benefit for you with respect to
the career you pursue after school. Make sure that the clubs and organizations in which you
participate relate to the field that interests you. This will help you to build your resume. Also,
serving as an officer - as president or vice president, for example - shows that you have
leadership ability and initiative to accept responsibility. These are characteristics that are
sure to impress potential employers.
11. Network for success.
People are the shortcut to success. The more people you know, the more opportunities you
will have. Get to know as many people as possible. A great way to meet new people who can
be valuable to you is by attending conferences. While at a conference, take the initiative to
meet students from other schools and regions and participate in the various workshops and
educational sessions that are offered. Make sure to stay in touch with as many of the people
you meet as possible. You never know where it may lead.
Remember, there is no time like the present to begin enjoying success. While
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CmZRgg2NPg tips are made to get you started, the work
habits they encourage will serve you far into the future. By applying these eleven tips to your
school experience, you're likely to succeed more than ever before at a higher level. Print and
post these eleven tips in your locker or dorm, and please share them with your friends. Your
success matters!