Cut Out Stress with Six Key Tips for Student Success

But it doesn’t have to. Student leaders and success advisers at Kent State are there to ease undergraduates into the test-taking process and help ensure success for every student. N. J. Akbar, assistant director at Kent State’s Office of Student Success Programs, offers “Essential Tips for Keeping Focused Each Semester” to all of his First Year Experience (FYE) students and in his academic skill building workshops. Some student leaders also offer their own tips as well.  Together, these suggested guidelines can help guarantee academic achievement if followed and implemented before exam time. Here is a sample of both Akbar’s and students’ tips for success:

1. Create a Master Plan
Each week, and it may become repetitive throughout the semester, identify which blocks of time will be devoted to each course or assignment. Use a planner to organize activities by day, week and month. Akbar suggests treating your school, work and study affairs like a job, so it’s important to coordinate fittingly. But, do not forget about the importance of sleeping, eating and a balance of social and academic life.

“Make sure, everyday, to set aside at least an hour for yourself,” says Stephon Brown, a student peer success advisor for Student Success Programs. “Take a break from reading, studying or homework to relax, even if it’s just staring at the ceiling. Stress is a natural aspect of life, but if you can minimize it as much as possible, do so.”

2. Set Active Goals
Get comfortable in each course and prioritize duties, then set realistic and reasonable goals, including those for projects, midterms and other assignments. Work enthusiastically and actively at reaching these goals. Write them down and keep them in the workspace.

3. Get Personal with Professors
During the first few weeks of the semester, get to know the professor and start to develop a relationship with him or her. Akbar notes, “It never fails, you will need your professor before he or she needs you, so let them get to know you as a nice, proactive and eager student that’s ready to learn.”

“Students shouldn’t be afraid to ask teachers questions,” says Jasmine Lattaker, a student peer success adviser for Student Success Programs. “For example, ask ‘What should I expect? How should I study?’ The first test will tell it all.”

4. Join a Constructive Study Group
Working with others is a positive way to retain information for an exam or bounce ideas off one another for a project. Akbar recommends choosing a few of the most productive students in the class to gather and prep for the exam or assignment. Brown, who is a senior electronic media production major, says “studying in groups and different collaborative interactions assist in creating mnemonic devices for exams. Figure out what type of studying works for you.”

5. Actually Study!
When reading a chapter assignment or studying for a test, it’s easy to get distracted by Facebook, Twitter or the Internet in general. Turn off the phone and step away from social media for hour-blocks of time. Don’t over exert with long continuous study sessions, but instead use these blocks to push through and truly retain the information.

“While reading, make sure you comprehend the material,” Brown says. “Write notes in the margins summarizing what you read.  This is a way, reviewing later of course, to grasp key concepts in each chapter.”

6. Be Your Own Advocate
Working diligently each semester to prep for important tests and projects is a lot to take on, so it’s important to develop meaningful rewards for accomplishing set goals. This can be any number of activities, including going out with friends or playing a favorite video game, but always remember to work toward a personal incentive.

“Remind yourself what works for you,” says Lattaker, who is a senior fashion merchandising major. “Some people retain information quickly and some need days to understand, so just learn your system and make it work for you and your situation because everyone’s different.”

Achieve
Every student at Kent State develops a high stress level at some point in their college career, but it’s easy to maintain with appropriate guidance and advice. Peer student advisers provide valuable tips that can lead any student to the success they set out for themselves.

“Most of all, enjoy what you do,” Brown says. “Even when the workload is rough, refer back to why you’re doing it. Seek things that inspire you to continue on with your education, and you’ll do fine!”

To make an appointment for one-on-one success assistance with a Peer Success Adviser, call 330-672-4062 or email Akbar at nakbar@kent.edu.