Keys to Success

I think the keys to success for me right now have 3 main factors: planning, study and time management.

With regards to planning, I should have a clear vision about my major as well the college I want to transfer to. I need to map out all my required courses and try to achieve the highest GPA possible. I should not put all the difficult courses in one semester if that is possible. I need to focus on volunteer projects, esp. those related to my major and intended career, i.e. pharmacy. I need to think about letters of recommendation, making a good impression with my professors as well as a pharmacist. I need a great personal essay when I submit my application too.

About study and time management, I should attend classes regularly and do all the required assignments. It is crucial to establish a routine time to study for each class. For every hour of class instruction, I need to study 2 hours outside of class. Study includes more than just doing homework. I need to go over my notes and textbook, labeling, highlighting and make sure I understand them. Read ahead when possible so I have better idea what will be covered in class.

I should find the time in a day that I perform best to study and avoid late night crams. Breaks are important too. Ten-minute break after every hour of study would suffice. Avoid long blocks of time for studying. Spread out several short study sessions during the day.

I need to make use of resources on campus more. There are instructors’ office hours,  MESA tutors, math lab tutors, library, counselors…

Last but not least, I should focus on being healthy too. Getting enough rest is crucial.