Tips for Success
Go to Class
Attend all your classes regularly. If you have to miss, contact your instructors. When you are in class, be involved in class discussions. Read your course syllabi, listen carefully to directions, assignments and deadlines.
Study
College courses require more studying and reading than high school courses. Students who breezed by in high school often find themselves struggling their first semester in college because of greater academic demands.
Don’t know how to study? Take our Successful First Year Student course or go see the Learning Lab for assistance. Select a regular study time and place. Form a study group or find a study buddy.
Organize your Time
Carefully consider your work and family life when scheduling classes. Homework and studying outside of class will occupy more time than the class itself. A 3-credit hour class may require and additional 3-5 hours of studying and homework per week.
If you are taking 12 credit hours or more, seriously consider limiting the number of hours you work. For example, working 20 hours or less per week is the most advisable while taking a full course load.
Set Goals
Define your short and long term goals. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Have you ever taken a career assessment or met with a career advisor? Visit our Career Center site.
Thoughtfully Plan Your Schedule
First, register early. Register the first day registration begins if you can. Don’t know when registration starts, check out the academic calendar.
See an academic advisor at least once each semester to discuss your goals. If you are working on a transfer plan, you will want to make sure it hasn’t changed.
When scheduling courses, always allow plenty of time for commuting to and from campus. Classes are offered in locations throughout Benton and Washington counties. Be careful when scheduling to allow for adequate travel time between facilities.
Log in to My NWACC Connection
Log in to My NWACC Connection everyday to read important messages and e-mail. You can also find information about your courses, access your records through EagleNet, and even find news & entertainment information.
Get Involved
Get involved in some campus activity, club, or organization. Click here to find out how to get involved.
Ask for Help
If you have questions, ask! Most answers can be found in the Catalog of Studies. Faculty and staff are also here to assist you.
Get to know your instructors. Let your instructors know you are interested and concerned about your performance in class. Make it your goal to get to know at least one of your instructors very well.
If you are having academic problems in the first few weeks of school, take action immediately.
1. Talk to your instructor.
2. Go the Learning Lab for free tutoring.
3. Talk to an academic advisor
4. Never just stop coming to class. If you feel you cannot continue in the class, it may be in your best interest to drop or withdrawal.
Keep a File
Any important information you receive from staff at NWACC should be kept in a safe place. Keep a file for every class you take. It should include copies of your assignments, papers, returned work, etc. This allows you to keep track of your performance.
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