prepping for the whole semester before it starts!
As soon as the professor opens their Canvas up, I like to go ahead and plan out my semester. My biggest tip for incoming freshmen is to use the syllabus as a guide because that's what it is! Professors let students have the syllabus before class starts so they know what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
It might feel overwhelming to look at an entire semester's worth of work but once you realize it'll be spread out over 15 weeks it's not too bad. Here's my guide for using the syllabus to your maximum benefit!!
📖 Read the ENTIRE syllabus!
This sounds like common sense but so many students just skim the syllabus and miss important information. Save skimming for later on in the semester when readings pile up and really READ the whole syllabus.
📖 Put all assignments into a spreadsheet!
I really like being able to look ahead and see when I have a busy week coming up. I use Google Spreadsheets and organize it by due date. It only takes me 10 minutes to add an entire semester's worth of work into this tracker. Super super helpful!
📖 Make note of the course outline!
I like to write out all the required (and extra!) components of the course so I know what kind of assignments I will have throughout the semester. This helps me think about how much time I'm going to have to dedicate to the course each week. A lot of professors make them look kinda ugly in their syllabus (😭) so I try and make it pretty in my Notion page. I'm also a big planner so this is my favorite part!
📖 Start a grade tracker!
So many professors forget to post their grades in Canvas (especially if you have paper assignments), which means it's hard to know your grade in the class. This always drives me crazy so I've been using my own for the past 2 years. I can also use this to figure out what score I need on each test to keep an A!
📖 Understand the learning objectives!
I don't find this as necessary as some of the other things, but it's still helpful. Professors give learning objectives so you know what you're supposed to have learned by the end of the semester. I've always found that this holds me accountable for my learning!
#prepforschool #productivity #college #tipsforcollegestudents #studying #uva
Preparing for a new semester can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success. Start by reading the entire syllabus to understand course expectations and requirements. Take the time to organize assignments in a spreadsheet, allowing you to visualize your workload ahead of busy weeks. Don't forget to note important dates and components of each course, which can help you allocate your time wisely. Additionally, a grade tracker is invaluable; by creating your own, you can monitor your progress and stay informed about your standing in each class. Understanding learning objectives will give you a clearer focus on what you need to achieve throughout the semester. Utilize tools like Google Sheets or Notion to enhance your planning and organization, turning overwhelming tasks into manageable ones. Engaging fully with your syllabus will not only prepare you but also empower you to tackle challenges confidently! These best practices will lead to a structured semester and contribute to a winning college experience.
this might be an obvious answer, but is canvad the same thing as blackboard?