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College Advice from Harvard and PENNResearch Extra Credit and Relationships with ProfessorsDo you want to get the most out of college? Experts from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania have great advice for college undergraduates.
Here is great advice for simple things college undergraduates can do to improve their grades and relationships with their professors. These are things college students did that helped -- and that the pros confirmed. Class ParticipationSit up front of large lecture courses and ask questions, but don’t ask questions just to get attention. Ask well thought-out questions, and don’t be afraid to ask something that you fear has an obvious answer. Chances are, other students are wondering the same thing, but haven’t the nerve to ask, and the professor will admire your initiative. If available, seminars are a great choice because they allow students more chance for participation. “Look for small courses, as opposed to large lecture courses,” says Diane Frey, Director of Academic Services at the University of Pennsylvania. “It will make you able to speak in class and be identified. This will make you an active learner.” Taking multiple courses with the same professor also allows you to build a relationship with the faculty, adds Dr. Frey. Academic Success with your ProfessorsIt's a good idea to take advantage of your prof’s office hours. Many professors spend their mandatory office hours alone, but students might find that talking to professors outside the classroom can be beneficial. “The most important thing is finding out what you’re interested in,” says Stephanie Kenan, Assistant Dean of Harvard College. “The most important thing for students to do is to get to know faculty members; many students are reluctant to engage their professors outside of class. Graduate students are also wonderful resources and can provide lasting intellectual friendships.” Use the office hours to ask professors about their research; this will help you to not only do well in the course, but it also might help you decide which direction you want to go within the field. “Come to professors with issues and questions about their research,” says Dr. Frey. Ask questions specific to the course’s content, but also ask how to do well, especially if your grades are not all they could be. Ask your professor about an extra-credit assignment or advice on where to get tutored. He or she might have time available to work with you one-on-one. Meeting with your professor also can be a good time to submit a first draft of a paper (not for grammar and style, just for major ideas). Ask him or her if you are on the right track and what he or she may suggest for improvements. Study SessionsSome study sessions are worked into the course schedule, but at other times, they are offered to whomever shows up. If you have the time, take advantage of these. Your goal is to learn, not just to get good grades. Of course, if your grades are less than you think they could be, this will give you the extra help you need. College SuccessParticipating in class, getting help from professors, and making use of study sessions all can have a positive effect on college success. Some of these things might sounds obvious, but most undergraduates don't do them; try them out and you'll have an edge. One last tip: go as many symposia in your major as you can; the faculty will notice you since you might be the only undergrad there. Resources: Classroom Behavior: Getting on Your Teacher's Good Side - A Guide to Better Grades Paying Attention in Class: Active Listening is the Key to Better Grades
The copyright of the article College Advice from Harvard and PENN in Study Skills is owned by Sarah Trachtenberg. Permission to republish College Advice from Harvard and PENN in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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