The Essential Skills You’ll Need for College

Why do so many alumni describe their college years as the best of their lives? While some may be referring to the parties, many college grads appreciated the intensity of their studies. For some, it was their first opportunity to choose what they wanted to learn. Their college professors challenged them, encouraged them to explore topics in depth, and required them to do their best. Many who struggled in high school embraced the opportunity to excel in a college environment. What skills do you think allowed them to do that? Here are three skills that will benefit college students no matter their course of study.

Studying Skills

It should come as no surprise that study skills are of paramount importance in college. However, you may be shocked by how easy it is to study effectively. First, find a quiet place to study. Turn off your phone and any other electronic devices that might disturb (or tempt) you during your study session. Set a timer for fifteen minutes. Then, study! How you study depends on what your subject matter is, but try to be creative. For example, you can make a short quiz, create a mnemonic rhyme or acronym, or draw pictures of key concepts. When your timer goes off, take a break and do something else for at least five minutes. If you have short study sessions every day, you’ll find it easier to recall necessary information on test day.

Test-Taking Skills

Many college courses use exam scores to determine grades. Therefore, it’s essential to sharpen your test-taking skills. Different exams call for different strategies. Let’s talk about a few of the most common test types. On multiple-choice tests, eliminate obviously wrong answers to find the one right choice. If you have choices left after the process of elimination, go with your gut. Research indicates that the answer that “feels” right often is! Short-answer and essay tests require you to read the question or directive carefully. Brainstorm keywords that will answer the question. If you are not sure which direction to take, ask the instructor to help you decide between two options. She might give you a clue as to what information she is seeking. Then, craft a concise response that directly addresses the question. If you have an oral exam, rehearse the prompt ahead of time with a friend. If you don’t know the subject in advance, practice quizzing each other with prompts you develop. Don’t forget to relax. Take a breath and organize your thoughts before you begin your answer. Like a short-answer exam, it’s important to stick to the main idea.

Reading and Writing Skills

Reading and writing are linked closely with communication. If you read well and write well, you’ll be able to understand and convey information in written form. It also saves you time. Have you ever found yourself rereading a paragraph several times? Or have you received a puzzled response to one of your emails? Metacognition is a good way to improve your communication skills. When you are reading or writing, ask yourself: What is the message of this text?

Regardless of how you performed in high school, college is a chance to perfect your study regime. Make time for a brief study session every day. Be strategic when you take tests. Reading and writing skills are crucial to college success. Metacognition is a strategy you can practice to get more out of what you read and to make sure you are communicating well. Will you describe your college years as the best years of your life? It may depend on how determined you are to acquire these skills.

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