Academics as the major priority:

• Read and reread a chapter three, four, or five times, until it is understood.
• Write and rewrite a paper three, four, or five times, until it is error-free.
• Work and rework a math problem three, four, or five times, until it checks out.

• Aim at turning in error-free papers.
• Work for and expect an A in a class in your major.
• Be willing to accept a C in a class that is especially hard.
• Be realistic about what can or cannot be accomplished.
• Accept available assistance in areas in which it is needed.

• Develop mnemonic devices for memorizing lists.
• Organize your time and begin studying early so you don't have to cram.
• Spend the evening before a test making a final review, then go to bed.
• Get up half an hour early and review.
• Answer easier questions first.
• Take advantage of the full time allotted.
• Go over any questionable items.
• Change answers only if you have new information; otherwise, leave them alone.
• Request reasonable testing modifications when appropriate.

• Sit in the front row during lectures.
• Use notetakers to augment notes, ideally within 24 hours of the lecture.
• Tape record lectures using a battery powered tape recorder with a counter and a pause button that you can press for discussions. Set the counter to zero at the beginning of the lecture and jot down the number when you get to difficult sections.
• Review your notes within 24 hours of the lecture and periodically thereafter.
• Rewrite your notes to augment and clarify ideas.

• Schedule regular times to study on a weekly basis.
• Carry a copy of the schedule with you.
• Carry a calendar on which you can schedule appointments and meetings. Develop a time line for major assignments and tests.