Tips for Academic Success

Class attendance really does affect your grade. Remember that no one will make you attend class, but you will miss valuable information if you skip. Professors can sometimes make important announcements, give exam tips, or assignments in class!

Also, stay engaged – choose a seat in the front of the room, turn off or mute your cell phone, sit upright, stay awake, come to class prepared and participate in class discussions.

The University of Mary has a Tutoring Center, Writing Center, and offers Tutor.com online tutoring (accessed via Canvas) throughout the semester. Did we mention these are all FREE resources?

Your academic advisor is also a strong resource and can help answer a variety of questions.

Oh, and don’t forget the #1 resource on campus, your professors! Don’t be afraid to talk to your professor if you don’t fully understand something in class.

Early morning classes might be okay for some people, but not all. If you’re not a morning person, that 8 am class might not be the best choice. Schedule your classes for the time of day when you are the most productive. If your brain isn’t fully active until 9 am, make sure you aren’t doing any heavy courses before then.

Plan to spend a minimum of two hours studying outside of class for each hour you spend in class. You can have a social life, but plan your study time properly. Do not begin to study for a test or write a paper the night before either is due. The best studying comes from many (daily) study sessions spread over a long period of time, not from one massively long cramming session! Remember, sleep is also necessary, so budget for that as well!

In addition to taking detailed notes in class, always review them as soon after class as possible! Some students find that recopying their notes is helpful. It can help you fully comprehend the information provided in each class lecture, fix the information firmly in your memory, and help you discover if there are any concepts you don’t fully understand.

You can't work hard only one day a week and earn acceptable grades. Look at collegiate life as your full-time commitment. Focus on good academic habits, social skills, and balancing priorities. Now is the time to develop skills that will be expected after graduation.

Making connections and building a campus support system is essential! Becoming part of the campus community is just as important as going to class, writing papers, and taking exams. Find activities that peak your interest, supplement your academics, and offer balance to your life. Take advantage of the variety of experiences the University of Mary has to offer.

Exercise and eat well to maintain your physical health, and don’t forget to sleep! Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll be more successful academically. 

University Ministry is also available to serve your spiritual needs. It offers a broad range of programs designed to promote an integrated spiritual life and a culture of prayerful discernment, encounter, and evangelization.

Time management is an important part of college life. A calendar or planner can help you create a schedule that clearly outlines your classes, study time, campus activities, and work hours. Read syllabi early and note deadlines for readings, homework, quizzes and tests, as well as other important deadlines, in a calendar or planner. You (and you alone) are responsible for knowing and meeting these deadlines.

You will make errors or mistakes during your collegiate career. Please be assured that you are NOT DOOMED. It happens to the best students and is a normal part of growing up and being in college. When you realize, or even think, you have slipped up, set out to correct it and (if needed) seek help from your professor or advisor as soon as possible.