Back to School 2012- Starting Your Semester Right!!!

Some of you may have started classes days ago; others may have just have a few short moments of freedom left.  Either way the Fall 2012 semester is upon us. Fall behind during the first week and you'll find yourself playing catch up until December.  The GlamNERDS are here to make sure that you start the semester the right way.

1. Show up- Many students make their first mistake by skipping the first class. We’ve heard it (and probably said it) a thousand times  "You never really do anything on the first day of class. “ It’s always a flip of the coin. Sometimes you’ll go in, the professor will introduce him/herself, hand out the syllabi, have you fill out an information index card and send you on your merry way. Other times, the professor will fulfill these tasks in the first 15 minutes of class and then dive right into the first class lecture/discussion. You never know how the coin will fall so, just to go to class. Get out of bed, get dressed and get yourself in the practice of getting to class on time. You can bet,  the tougher the course content, the more likely your professor will want to get started on the first day. Miss the first lecture, when the fundamentals and basics are covered and you run the risk of being completely clueless for the remainder of course.  #jussayin. 
2. Really Read the Syllabus- It’s likely that the Professor will go over it the first day but give your syllabus a thorough read through on your own.  Your syllabus will explain course content, course structure and course requirements.  It will identify what readings are required vs. recommended, when assignments are due and tell you exactly what is necessary for you succeed.  Will you have to write papers weekly? Will there be quizzes, or is your total grade based on a midterm and a final? It's best to know the answers to these questions upfront so that you can plan how to manage you time, energy and efforts.  Also, pay attention to the scheduling of courses and how (and if) your professors grade your attendance and class participation. I’m not one to tell you to skip class but life happens and sometimes you won't be able to make every class.  The syllabus will tell you what classes you need not miss vs when an absence is not that serious.
3. Use Your Syllabus in Planning your Semester- Get your calendar, planner, cell phone, or however you keep track of important dates and make note of deadlines for all major papers/projects/assignments and scheduled exams. This will help you plan and structure your other responsibilities around your coursework. For example, if you know you’ll have a heavy week of exams or papers or a group project, you can cut back on your hours at work, or know not to plan a road trip the weekend before, etc.  You’re in college now.  Don’t rely on you professor to remind you of these things. Usually, they won't.
4. First Impressions are Everything- Remember, first impressions are lasting ones.  If you spend the entire first class tweeting, napping, doodling or just looking, you may have set yourself up. Your professor/TA could very well think you're a slacker and you’ll be working the entire semester to disprove that label. Even in huge lecture classes, professors can spot and remember students. Be prepared for your first day and be remembered for the right reasons. Try to get there on time, don’t sit in the back, pay attention and look engaged (even if you aren’t). You don’t have to be extra in order to make a good first impression. It could be as simple as going up and introducing yourself to the professor before or after class. Set yourself apart, the right way, and it will pay off. Trust me. 
5. The Textbook Hustle- There are several posts about textbooks on TheGlamNERDS.com.  But sharing ways to saving a coin when purchasing school supplies and course materials is information that bears repeating.  In this case, I advise students to take time at the start of the semester to use you syllabus to refine your textbook shopping list.  Don't buy books if you don't have to.  Reading your syllabi will let you know if you’re going to be reading an entire book or just reading certain chapters/sections.  If you will only be reading three to four chapters of a book, see if your campus library has book and take it out and make copies. You could even approach the professor and see if he/she can put those chapters on E-Reserve so you can access the readings online and print them out. Also, check bulletin boards and Facebook to see if others in your network have taken a class and wouldn’t mind letting you borrow the book for a semester or selling it to you for a better price.   If you’re cool with your professor, you could even ask him/her if they have an extra copy of the book that you could use for the semester. Publishers typically send them extra copies and if you play your cards right you can get one.  Think quick, think smart, it may save you a dime or two. SEARCH the GlamNERDS for the Textbook Hustle BlogPost for more information. 

 I hope this helps. Here's too a super successful semester for us all.  

Back to School 2012- The Textbook Hustle Continues- Purchasing/Renting Your Textbooks Online

In the last post I shared tips on traditional means of acquiring your textbooks through campus bookstores/co-ops, classmates, friends , etc. Today, I’m suggesting two of my favorite textbook sale/rental websites to purchase and/or rent your new and used course materials.  Don't miss the bus children. 

 Photo Courtesy of http://www.degreepivot.com/

Photo Courtesy of http://www.unigo.comwww.textbooks.com

Textbooks.com features a list of authorized sellers with competitive prices that can help you find your textbook at the best price.  The site also offers varying prices for the condition of the books. You can purchase books that are new, slightly new, good, or acceptable condition.  Textbooks.com sorts prices from least to greatest and provides a range of shipping options ranging from next day delivery to standard business delivery.  You can also track your orders on their website after they have been shipped and communicate directly with the book seller. Finally, textbooks.com also provides a platform for you to sell your used books to the next student in need.  

*Quick Tip*-  When searching for textbooks online, searching by ISBN number is quicker and much more efficient than searching by book title and author.  There are thousands of the textbooks out there with the same name, publishing house, etc.  Searching by ISBN ensures you receive the right edition/volume of the textbook that you are shopping for.  This number is typically the ten digit number above or below the barcode on the outside cover of the book.  I figured I'd throw that in here for free! READ ON!

www.campusbookrentals.com

Photo Courtesy of http://techpolish.comThis is a new approach to acquiring textbooks. Personally, I'm slightly P.O’d that this service was not available during my undergraduate years especially as I am uber impressed with the services that Campusbookrentals.com provides.  In addition to fast and fabulous customer service, Campus Book Rentals offers a host of other amenities.  You can rent your textbooks and return them at the end of the semester.  There is a 30 day worry free guaranteed that ensures your money back should you drop or change classes.  The site also offers a range of rental periods as well as the option to extend your rental should you need your books a little longer than anticipated.  Campusbookrentals.com even provides a prepaid envelope for free shipping for book returns!!! Yes hunny, FREE!!! The company promises that book delivery is always on time and if there are any problems you can call and speak to an actual HUMAN customer service representative.  Ya'll know I can't take those automated recording and machines and things.   Finally, renting is a great way to save especially for those who buy brand new books at the start of the semester only to get your feelings hurt during buy back season.   The meager penance offered after you've shelled out 2/3 of your summer earnings for textbooks is downright insulting. This company also host monthly scholarships and giveaways on FB and Twitter.  You could  enter to win free rental service and end up with all of your textbook for nothing. For the Flipping Win!!! 

I've already started browsing the net for the best deals on my books this semester and I encourage you all to join me. 

I hope this is a help to someone. Take care and let's make this semester GREAT! Don’t forget to check back for the next post on Friday! 

Back to School 2012- The Textbook Hustle- How to Cut Costs

One can easily spend hundreds of dollars in his/her campus co-op and/or bookstores. An timeless words of cold pop pundit and pop culture sensation, Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got tahm fah dat!” This post will give you some insight on how to get all of your textbooks and still manage to save a few coins.  

 Photo Courtesy of http://union.okstate.edu/bookstore/

Used Books!-  USED books are a ministry.. a gift to the body of believers and I’m so grateful! First check the shelves of your campus bookstore for used edition, but be advised, these typically are the first to sell out. If you can’t get your used books on campus then you should try shopping for them online, For more information on how I approach that.. Click HERE  Also, be sure to search for  the sites with the best deals, start with free shipping but keep your eyes peeled for other coupon codes as well.

Read Your Syllabi and Plan Your Pockets Accordingly-   Reading the syllabus will let you know if you’re going to be reading complete books or just reading certain chapters/sections. This will help you plan your pockets. If you will be reading 3/4 chapters of the book, borrow the book from you campus library and make copies. If you run into trouble finding the book on your campus, look into your interlibrary loan policies and check local public libraries as well. It may take some legwork, but it can also save you a dollar or two. 

There's No Shame in Asking- Approach your professor and request that course readings and book chapters be loaded  onto E-Reserve, Classweb, Blackboard, or any other platform that would allow you to access the readings online and print them out. I also advise students to print online readings at start of the semester and organize them in one binder/folder.

I also encourage students to approach professors privately and ask if they have an extra copy of the book that you could use for the semester.  Publishing houses often send faculty multiple copies of books to review.   You never know, your Prof just might be feeling generous. This is another reason why it pays to be cordial to your professors. 

Use Your Network-  Check campus bulletin boards, online message boards, Facebook etc., to see if others in your network/social circles have taken your class and would be open to letting you borrow their book for a semester or sell it to you a discounted price.   

Share but, do so at your Own Risk-  Some student share textbooks.  (Personally, I like to have my own book, but this ain’t about me). Sharing textbooks can cut cost tremendously. If you took plan to a class this  Fall and your friend plans to take the same course the following Spring, split the cost of a new/used textbook and and save a buck. Professors don’t typically switch editions mid year so if it’s the exact same course, taught by the same professor you should be ok.  But please be advised, sharing textbooks for a class that both parties are taking at the same time can be tough.  You will  have the same assignments due on the same days  and trying to figure out who gets the book when can be a pain.  Having total access to your own textbook at all times is  essential to effective studying. 

Be sure to check back on Wednesday for more information on The Textbook Hustle! We’ll be talking textbooks all week!

Five Things I Wish Someone Would’ve Told Me About Summer Courses

Photo Courtesy of http://www.blogdespros.fr

After high school the stigma of summer school loses its sting. It’s no longer a punishment for missteps taken during the previous academic year.  In college & graduate school, if used strategically, summer courses can be a gift. They can be an opportunity to remedy bad grades & GPAs.  They can ease course loads in subsequent semesters, and even prepare one for graduate school or to graduate early.  However, it is important to remember that summer courses are not typically structured like the courses that you take during fall and spring academic semesters.  These courses are shorter and much more strenuous.  Many students enroll in summer classes unaware of how challenging they can be.  As a result they struggle through the summer sessions and may even withdraw or fail out of their classes. And, ain't nobody got time FAH DAT! (Sweet, Brown, 2012)   I’ve been there and now I’m here to share the five things that I wish someone would have told me about summer classes before I signed up for the worst 6 weeks of my life a few summers ago.   

1. Environmentally Sanctioned Cramming- Summer school is in fact, environmentally sanctioned cramming.  The average summer session lasts between 4-6 weeks. Most fall and spring semesters are typically three to four times longer than that.  During the summer, your professor crams 16 weeks of content and credit hours into a very small block of time.  Course concepts and ideas will be thrown at you at lightening speed with little to no elucidation.   In other words, your professor may or may not have time to walk you through the subject matter to ensure that you really understand the course material before tests/papers.   Be strategic in selecting your summer courses and try taking summer classes in subjects that you are familiar with; where you feel that you can grasp and retain the information easily. 
2. Long Hours - Most summer courses typically meet a minimum of 3 to 4 hours each class session.  This is particularly painful as summer days are longer and nicer.  While your friends are on the beach you will be in a classroom. It sucks but try to remember that this necessary inconvenience is just temporary.  Try your best to stay focused on your course readings and assignments and it will be over before you know it.
3. Quick Turn Around on Assignments- Because the pace of summer courses is accelerated, you will find that assignment due dates are much more frequent than you’re probably accustomed to.  Consider this a warning, you will have to balance large reading assignments, homework, papers and exams.  When you receive your syllabus on the first day of class read it thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the course requirements right away.  Be prepared to devote quite a bit of time outside of class to your assignments and organize yourself to meet your deadlines and due dates.
4. Don’t Miss Class- Remember, missing a day in summer school is like missing a week of class during the fall or spring semester.  Keeping up with your readings and assignments is challenging enough, falling behind can really make it tough to stay a float. Try your best to make every session and if you must miss class do all that you can access class time.  Ask a classmate record the lecture or ask your professor to be skyped in to listen to class discussion remotely. 
5. Financial Aid- Last but certainly not least, please don’t forget that your summer courses are not free.  Most financial aid offices package students for the classes taken during the fall and spring semesters only.  If you know that you are going to be taking summer courses when filing your FAFSA, signing your award letters, etc., please be sure to inform your financial aid officer. He/she can work with you in finding/securing the funding that you’ll need to pay for your summer courses.

I hope this is helps. If you have any questions you know how to reach me.

Till  Next Time,

Comprehensive Skimming- Tips on Preparing For Class! (Updated)

Reading is a fact of academic life.  Many of us are being assigned 200-300 pages of reading a week and honestly sometimes there is just no way to get through it all. On those occasions I employ a little to tool I like to call comprehensive skimming. This is not skimming in the traditional sense of scanning pages.  I’ve learned to skim with a plan that will ensure that I’m bypassing the information that may or not be as relevant while identifying and retaining the core concepts of the reading.

Image Courtesy of http://community.pennfoster.edu

This is not a substitution for reading for class.  Ideally we should all strive to complete our reading as assigned by our professors. However, acquiring the skill of identifying main themes in your reading is one that will serve you throughout your academic career. 

The first thing about comprehensive skimming is reading on purpose.  A lot of times we open our textbooks to our assigned pages/chapters and just start reading. That should not be your first step.  Each class session is connected to the one before so review your class notes and your syllabus to gain an idea of what this week’s class (or the one you are currently preparing for) will be all about.  If your teacher provides discussion points or reading guides that’s even better.  He/she has done some of the work for you.  Be sure to take full advantage.  Use this information to help you hone in on what the key ideas are.

Secondly, read the introduction and conclusion sections of chapters and articles thoroughly.  The introduction sets the stage and usually lays out the main ideas of the reading are.  The conclusion does the same but tends to also include references and examples of the key concepts.   I read these sections first to kind of guide me to the necessary information in the reading. Then I can use this information in sifting through the chapter/article looking for the portions of reading that discuss the main themes at length. 

Lastly, read for understanding.  Make sure that you’re not just reading the information to say you did it. Read with the intention of understanding the text.  You should be trying to connect the reading to the overall class discussion, your own previous understanding/knowledge, etc..  Not just glazing over the words.   I’m speaking directly to my rabid highlighters.  Those who just color every word and line of the paper but couldn’t tell you what the hell the author is actually saying .   To help with this process, I use my margins to paraphrase key concepts and make my own examples/applications of the subject matter.  I also write down questions and identify areas that need further exploration.  Engaging with reading in this way helps  to make sure you’re genuinely digesting, conceptualizing and learning course materials.

This is one of the methods that I use in preparing for class, again I’m no genius and I don’t claim to do everything right. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned so far in hopes that it can benefit someone else.  Happy Studying