Personal qualities that support academic success

Students who have the following personal qualities are more likely to succeed in college.

• Self-awareness and self-acceptance
• Proactivity versus reactivity
• Perseverance
• Ability to set short and long term goals.
• Use of effective support systems
• Strong emotional coping strategies

Understand a student’s rights in college

People with special learning needs are guaranteed special supports in elementary and secondary school by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. However, in college, there are no such guaranteed protections. Therefore, students must work in harmony with colleges to obtain reasonable accommodations that facilitate their success.

It is best to have psychological and / or educational tests that were completed less than 3 years before applying to college because colleges generally require recent testing to support a request for accommodations.

Students must inform the university of their educational needs by registering with the campus office that is in charge of reviewing and granting accommodations. This office is known by names as Supportive Services for Students with Disabilities or Office of Special Services.

Typical “reasonable accommodations” that colleges may decide to grant include:

• Additional time for testing
• Provide a note taker
• Taking exams in a separate room
• Test read orally to the student and / or the student’s responses transcribed or typed
• Using a recorder to record readings.
• Tutoring services (some colleges have tutoring geared towards students with special needs, however most colleges have tutoring available to all students – check both sources)
• Taking a reduced class load
• Apply for “full time” status in order to qualify for health insurance by taking a reduced course

Instructors and teachers have the power to make decisions that can help students be more successful. The following are some modifications that a student can negotiate on a case-by-case basis:

• Obtain permission from the instructor to modify an assignment or obtain additional time to complete the assignment.
• Ask for advice on selecting classes or instructors.
• Ask the instructor to give an incomplete grade instead of an “F”, but be aware of the university’s policy regarding “erasing” the “I”

Action steps a student should take to build a strong college support network:

• Think about the type of support you would like to receive from your parents and friends and express your needs before going to college.
• Think about the type of academic support you will need (for example, if you will need tutoring) and make plans to set it up.
• Do not suffer in silence, speak, reach out when you need it
• Get professional, trained help when you need it – tutors, doctors, etc.

Self defense steps

Successful students understand themselves well. They know your strengths and have developed ways to minimize the effects of your weaknesses. They also have a clear idea of ​​their short-term and long-term goals, and are committed to achieving them.

These self-defense steps will help students get the support they need, not just from others, but from themselves as well!

• Have a clear plan to graduate in a certain time frame and set your schedule to realistically achieve this plan
• Logically plan for the kind of support you need to give yourself!
• Meet with your teachers regularly
• Don’t wait until things get bad to see that you need a different approach; if it doesn’t work try another approach
• Pause, think and reflect before diving in, avoid the “Opps! And lament”
• Remember: resistance and avoidance stunt maturity; Face the challenges and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
• Evaluate and think about setbacks – they are the masters of success!
• Success is a constant mindset that says “I can do this, I’ll do this!”
• Everything is better when you get enough sleep and eat healthier foods
• Plan Ahead How To Handle Stress, Loneliness, And Change
• Seek balance in all academics, relationships, pursuit of interests, professional development, spiritual growth
• Look for stabilizing forces (people, classes, work experiences, living arrangements, etc.)
• As soon as you identify a problem that comes up in a class, find out how to get it out of your way
• Make better time estimates; After figuring out how long you think it will take you to do what you need to do, multiply that by at least 150%.
• Keep your long-term personal goals front and center in your mind, guiding you through the tough times!
• Reward yourself for meeting your deadlines and reaching your goals!

Study skills

Students who master study skills and use their strengths to learn are successful in college. Try these tips:

• Set a realistic study schedule and stick to it! Don’t let spontaneity ruin your college completion
• Frequently review and critique your study approaches to find what is working and emphasize that
• Don’t put off “boring” or unpleasant tasks; if you do, you will not be prepared and may destroy your grade; find a way to see the value it brings you as a person or as a professional
• Take short, frequent breaks when your attention wears off
• Keep a calendar and a task book; record all due dates, exam and test dates, etc. and schedule study / work sessions using retrospective planning
• Work with classmates who are solid learners and stay on track
• As you read, stop frequently to retell the main idea and details in your own words.
• As you read, take notes, jot down questions and related ideas, and mentally image the material to increase your understanding and retention.
• Read the material before going to the conference; Bring notes or an outline and complete additional material as you listen
• Ask for clarification in class if you miss details; increase your concentration during difficult listening situations