I know you think Dad doesn’t know anything, but for what it’s worth here’s my advice:
- Go to class. There will be some times that you can’t for various reasons. Try to not miss more than 3 classes due to illness or appointments during a semester.
- Budget your time. If you can’t, learn.
- Use any resources the university has that will help you, time management help, tutoring, etc.
- Make friends. These may be your only lifeline in those classes that you miss. It isn’t like high school. You miss a class, you may still have to turn in the paper or assignment when it is due, no exceptions. This is real life.
- Get to know your instructors before you have problems and don’t be afraid to ask them for help if you need it. Most will have your success in their class as one of their priorities. Showing them you are engaged in the class before there is a problem will go a long way in getting their help when you do need it.
- Don’t believe or think you know it all. You don’t and there will be many instances where that will be brought home to you!
- Don’t be afraid to ask your mother or me for help, a shoulder to cry on or anything else. For money go to your mother, I’ll be paying for your college. LOL
- Plan ahead. Do this as you need to do it and when necessary. See budgeting time and university resources above.
- Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something you wouldn’t normally do. Don’t drink or do drugs as you have never done either and this is a sure way to torpedo your success.
- THIS IS IMPORTANT. Papers, assignments DO NOT have to be perfect. You have a problem with wanting something to be perfect. Perfection is an admirable goal, but you are not perfect. Let that imperfection show. Sometimes an imperfect thing is the best that can be done and may get you the better grade. Being technically perfect is not always best.
- If you decide you need to be in a sorority, make sure it is for you. This can be a plus for you later, but the people in them can be just as cruel as other people, maybe worse. Use your best judgment as to what you want out of college life on this one.
- Finally, do your best. I know what grades you can make if you set your mind to it and don’t let perfection and obsessiveness get in your way.
Well, that’s my advice for what it’s worth. Hope you enjoyed it.
