| 1. Start early. Perhaps the best way to prepare for success in college is to get started as early as possible with processes such as applying for aid, completing admission applications and taking placement tests. |
| 2. Plan ahead. To avoid stress and manage your workload, plan ahead for all of your assignments. Get a course syllabus (or outline) for each course, and read it carefully. There you will find the instructor’s expectations as well as a schedule for assignments. |
| 3. Connect with other students. Find a buddy in each class; join a student club or organization, and get involved. |
| 4. Choose classes carefully. Nothing can cause more problems than getting overwhelmed by a class for which you are not prepared. Pay close attention to course descriptions, and consult an advisor or instructor before enrolling each term. |
| 5. Seek help. If you need advice with academic or personal matters, talk with the support professionals who are available to help students. If you have trouble with a class, go to the instructor. Also, check out tutoring services or computerized study aids. |
| 6. Do the work. It may sound simple, but an essential factor in college success is attending every class and completing all assignments. Unfortunately, too many students try to get by without reading everything that has been assigned or otherwise scrimping on coursework. If you do everything that is asked of you, the odds of success are in your favor. |