How do you find college success? Years of working side by side with college students with and without learning disabilities or ADHD, have shown me that successful college students take these five steps.

Step one

Be willing to learn.

Remember that you are in school to learn. Be open to new knowledge. Be curious. Everything your professor has planned for the course is designed to contribute to learning. Embrace learning and you’ll be embracing college success.

Step two

Connect the dots.

College success especially builds on finding the relationship between the syllabus, the lecture and the readings. Ask yourself, “What am I learning by doing this project, or writing this paper or reading this chapter.” or “How does this piece of knowledge contribute to the learning objectives of the course?”

Step three

Ask specific questions.

Successful college students know that learning is a two-way street. Like the UPS man, the professor delivers instruction through lectures, assigned readings and class activities. The student receives the delivery and must open the package. The type of question matters. Don’t walk into your professor’s office and say “I just don’t get it.” That is not a question. Specific questions are based on the lecture or the readings. Ask questions for clarification.

Step four

Get help.

If you want success in college, don’t wait until two weeks before finals to ask for help. Get help early in the semester. Your college campus has lots of help such as the writing center or the counseling center. Visit the career advice office. Look for help at your department’s office. Find on-campus tutors. The librarian knows everything! Talk with your classmates about your questions. If you have a question, chances are they have the same one. Ask an upper level student. They have been at school longer and have a better handle on where to get help.

Step five

Get started.

Finally, you are the only one who can get the information into your head. You are the one who must master the required material for the test. Take responsibility for learning.

You can find success in college. If you want to know more contact me at ruth@ruthbomar.com