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

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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,

The GlamNERDS Guide To Starting The Spring 2012 Semester Right!

Classes are resuming this week or next week for many of my GlamNERDs and, as I’ve done in previous semesters, I’m back to help you all start the Spring 2012 semester right.   In this blog you will find links to posts on cost effective textbook shopping and how to handle your first week of classes.  In short I encourage students to get ahead of the curve by gathering as much information you can as the semester kicks off.  Dont miss the bus children 

Don’t wait until the first day of school to buy your books. Visit bookstores as soon as you can to determine what books you will need for each of your classes. Once you’ve got that information, be resourceful identify the books that you can obtain for nothing  (via libraries, book swaps, etc) and shop around for the best prices (whether purchasing or renting). You can find more information on textbooks by checking out the links below for previous posts and videos on acquiring course materials. 

The Textbook Hustle

The Hustle Continues (More Textbook TIps) 

Check out my Review of Amazon's Textbook Rental Service (Video)

It is also imperative that you attend all of your classes and obtain and review your syllabi. Your professors aren't handing them out as a formality. Consider them a outline of how the semester will with progress.  They will tell you when certain content areas will be covered, how many assignments/exams you will be responsible and when they will be due/given. I encourage my students to read them thoroughly, that way you will know what you're up against.  Additionally, many students believe the myth that showing up for the very first class is nt mandatory. That is a  bold face bald headed big burly lie.  Education is a booming industry; classes are crowded.  Most professors have a lot of information to cover and not much to cover it with.  This is especially the case in the spring semester, with holidays, spring breaks and snow days.   To make sure they get through all of the subject matter most profs jump in on the first day.  So you’ve got to be there.  You can find more information on how to make a great first impression and how get the most of your first week of the school by clicking the link below.  

Starting the Semester Right

There will be lots more Back to School information in upcoming posts.  Keep reading and please tell a friend to come check us out as well.

Starting Your Semester Right- Spring 2012 Edition

At the start of every semester I re-post a blog on starting your semester right. Spring 2012 is no exception.  I know it sounds incredibly cliché and all types freshman orientation, but the fact of the matter is, if you don’t start the semester right, you’re running late and playing catch up from here to May.  Click the link below for a few tips to make sure you start the semester the way you should! Don't miss the bus!

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 usually, is 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 delve right into the first class lecture/discussion complete with readings and a homework assignment  Since you never can tell which way it’s going to be, just to go to class. Usually  the tougher the course content, the more likely  your professor will want to get started ASAP (aka the first day). Miss the first lecture, when the fundamentals and basics are covered and you run the risk of being completely clueless from the jump not a game you want to play in Statistics, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology or your most challenging course.  

2. Really Read the Syllabus- It’s likely that the Professor will go over it the first day but you want to thoroughly read the syllabus for yourself.  It won’t take that long and it’s really worth it. Know what you’re getting into. Your syllabus is a synopsis of the class.  It’s going to explain what you’re going to be learning and how you’re going to be learning it. You’ll find out what readings are required vs. recommended, when the assignments are due and what it’s gonna take for you to get the A.  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 so you'll have an idea of the work and effort necessary for your success.  Also, pay attention to how (and if) your professors grade your attendance and class participation. I’m not one to tell you to skip class but life happens. The syllabus is going to tell you what classes you need to make sure you attend and when it’s not as serious.

3. Use Your Syllabus in Planning your Semester- Get your calendar, planner, cell phone, or however you keep track of important dates and write down when all major papers/projects/assignments are due and when you have your exams. You will then know how to structure your life. 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.  Don’t rely on the professor to remind you of anything. Most of the time, it’s not gonna happen.

4. First Impressions are Everything- Remember that first impressions are lasting ones, so if you spend the entire first class tweeting, half sleep or just looking you’ve set yourself up. Your professor/TA will likely label you a slacker and you’ll be working the entire semester to prove him/her wrong. I know here is usually the part when you’d shrug your shoulders while saying something to express you complete lack of concern about what your professor thinks of you. I get that, but let me just remind you... He/she is responsible for you grade. Don’t sleep on their level of authority and influence.   Even in huge lecture classes, professors remember students. Be prepared for your first day. 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. Set yourself a part, the right way and for the right reasons. It will pay off, trust me.

The Textbook Hustle- Doing your class readings; can determine how much you learn or don’t learn in your classes. As expensive as textbooks are we have all considered just not purchasing  all the books on the course list.  Again reading the syllabus will let you know if you’re going to be reading an entire book or just reading certain chapters/sections. This will help you plan your pockets. If you will be reading 3/4 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. Doing this at that start of the semester, when you have time is typically a lot easier than having to do it the week the reading is due after you’ve realized that you don’t have the book that you need.  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. Think quick, think smart, it may save you a dime or two. SEARCH the GlamNERDS for the Textbook Hustle Post for more information. 

Hope this helps.  I wish you all the best for this semester and as always keep it where you got it for more tips in successfully navigating your academic situations. 

Managing Your Time at the End of Semester- Spring 2011 Edition!

It’s the end of the semester and you know that means that time is my hottest commodity.  I hope you’re all doing well and preparing to end the semester with a bang.  This time of the academic year is always one that’s hectic on college campuses both academically and socially.  Not only must you deal with wrapping up your classes but it seems as though every social organization is having an "end of the semester" function.  As an aspiring social butterfly, I understand the necessity of at least showing your face at these things.  I’ve lived this mayhem time and time again and there are definitely ways to juggle it all.  I’ve given a few time management tips below to help you make it through the last couple of weeks of school. 

 1. Organize- Take some time to make a detailed super list of each and everything that needs to be done.  Include on this list deadlines and an estimated time that will take you to complete each task.  This will take some doing, but it you take the time to do this right you will save your self a lot of time and anxiety in the long run.  It’s important that you be as honest and realistic with yourself as you can.  Lying and fronting would be completely counter intuitive.  Your super list needs to be as detailed as possible. I like to include time allowances as well. This will help you put all of your work into perspective and keep you focused when those inevitable and  ever tempting distractions arise.   For example.  If you have a research paper that’s due in the next week or two, Here is how I'd list it on my super to do list.  

Political Science Research Paper (7-10 pages)- Due December 15th

• Organize outline  - 1 hour 
• Gather information - 2 hours
• Organize detailed outline - 4 hours
• Draft 4 hours
• Revising/Proofreading -3 hours
• Works Cited Page 1 hour   

Warning, this list will be super overwhelming at first but take a deep breath, the next steps will  help  you you manage. Remember you list can and should include your social and work responsibilities as well. 

2.   Prioritize-  After you’ve gotten your list together organize it by deadline and level of urgency.  Once you’ve done that you’ll be able to construct daily to do lists and schedules in order to manage your responsibilities.  This level of scheduling may seem daunting but this type of structure is super helpful in getting through this hectic.  Again in making your schedule by honest and be realistic.  Use your time wisely . Also, utilize opportunities for multitasking.  If you can proofread while you eat lunch, or make a study guide on your down time at work then go for it.    

3.  Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff-  Plan to go campus events... This time is always filled with pot luck dinners, concerts, and parties and you don't necessarily have to miss them all.  Personally if I have work to do, I simply plan to go late and/or leave early.  A slice of the pie is better than none at all.   Show your face, make a plate and BE GONE! I also suggest that students make their desire to attend events work in their favor .   Personally, I love to have a good time so on social event days I  typically try to work harder .  I use the party or whatever as a motivator. For example, I say I’m not going until I finish this draft.  That way when I get there I’ll be able to relax and enjoy.  Fun stuff is necessary but not priority.  Don’t burn yourself out but don’t get carried away either. 

4.  Keep it funky- If you haven’t studied for 8 hours straight through the semester, starting to do so now will probably leave you stressed out, exhausted and cranky.  Schedule adequate time for sleep but don’t go overboard, the final exam season is usually accompanied by some level of sacrifice.  You won't get your normal 6-8 hours but you do need some rest.  I have to say this because finals time is usually when slackers get super ambitious and can often shoot a hole in the bottom of their own boat.  It's been proven that cramming and studying long hours under high pressure is the most ineffective means of studying.  Break it up. Study between classes, on the train, in the morning before work etc.   Be honest with yourself, figure out the conditions necessary for your BEST work  and get'er done. You’ve had all semester to figure out what it takes for you to thrive. Work with and not against yourself.  

I hope these little bits of info are helpful to you. 

Library Etiquette

So it's finals week and students all over the world are preparing to wrap up the Spring 2010 semester. Congratulations, we're almost there.  Libraries across the country will be giving you CRUNK and lookin like all types of free before 11 lines at the club.   We're talking sun up to sun down and all up and in between.  There are some rules of thumb to your over nighters in the library.  Remember, libraries are public places, communal spaces filled with furniture, computers and appliances that are to be shared.. In other words, you ain't at home so keep the following rules of library etiquette in mind. 

1.  Umm You're Loud- Be mindful of the volume of your music while in the library. A little background diddy to keep you focused while you bang out your paper is one thing.  But, now is not the time nor the place for you to be  quotin lyrics and doing video dance choreography.  Your headphones are in your head, hunny I don't want to hear what you listening to.  Take it easy

2. Bus Your Tables- We all know, no study session is complete without a couple rounds of junk food. But have some decency in your snacking.  Discard all wrappers, bags, condiments, etc in the trash and for God sake rid your table, couch, desk, study space of all crumbs and food remnants when you leave. Don't be trifling and yes I'm judging.. SMH

3. Cover YOUR Mouth- Libraries are a breeding ground for all manner of botchulism and disease. People have colds, viruses etc and sit at the same tables and share the same computer keyboards, desks, chairs, mice etc. that we all use.   Please bear this in mind.  If you've got the sniffles, arm yourself with the medications, tissues and hand sanitizers you need to ensure your germs are not spread the next unsuspecting immuno-deficient library patron.  Please and THANKS! 

4.  Be Considerate in Your Napping- Now I'd be a lie if I ever said I've never been man down sleep in the library.  It happens but please try to be as considerate as possible in your sleeping. This means if you are prone to snoring, talking in your sleep, drooling etc. take the proper precautions.  Sleep on your hands or throw a towel, sweatshirt, or something between your face and whatever it is you're laying on to catch your face juice.  Also hoodies or something to cover your face not only muffle snores and heavy breathing but they will limit opportunities for people to photograph you and post all type of black mail folly on the world wide web. Also have a buddy, somebody to tap you if you get loud.  And please, set an alarm.  A nap is a nap, don't be up in the library sleeping for an extended amount of time, Looking all homeless! SMH!

5. Rinse, Lather and Repeat-  Cramming is a state of emergency for most students but the responsibilites of proper hygiene are not to be ignored. Being in the library all night is not, and I repeat NOT, an excuse to not have washed your tail, brushed your teeth and/or changed your clothes for a few days.  BO (Body Odor) in the library is such a distraction.. nothing interrupts your thought process like stank breath and musty pits.  So please, take the half hour it takes to refresh after a long night of studying. It's worth it on so many levels.  An runnin a comb or brush through you crown in glory wouldn't either.. no shade.. #justsaying :-)

Feel free to share these pearls of wisdom and let me know if you've got other things to add to the list.  

Till Next Time, 

Tykeia 

aka

TheGlamNERD