College Tip #1: Read, Read, Read!!

In high school I NEVER read my textbooks unless it was in class, as a group, out loud.  That does not work quite as well in college.  My first couple of semesters I did what I was use to in high school. never read, just skimmed and took notes and I was passing my classes but it takes more work to pass with A's.  I started actually reading the assigned readings during my Junior year of undergrad and my grades improved so fast that I couldn't believe it.  Reading made everything easier...

• Homework was easier
• I was able to answer questions in class
• I was able to ask questions and get clarification on things I didn't understand
• I realized I used this info in my everyday life
• My test scores improved
• Most importantly my overall course grades improved

Tips for getting through your reading:

• Use a planner and plan out the days or times to read (sometimes I read during commercials when I am watching my favorite show, or read for an hour each day, or if your able to read at work when its slow or on your lunch breaks)
• Prioritize based on
• due dates
• length of assignment
• difficulty of assignments
• Highlight !! Use a highlighter and highlight the heck out of your book, anything YOU think sounds important highlight it
• Place a star or circle important quotes, dates, people, charts, graphs, formulas, etc.,
• Figure out the best way to read
• with or without T.V
• with or without music
• with others or alone
• private place (your room, office, etc.)
• public place (library, coffee shop, etc.)

I really hope this was helpful to those in school, as a grad student I completely understand how difficult it is to get all your reading and homework done and that doesn't even include working and having an actual life.  If you have any other tips please leave them below, maybe I could use them or some other readers can use them.