New college freshmen often struggle to adjust to college-level reading and writing. It’s not necessarily that they struggle with understanding comprehension, mechanical or grammatical principles (although many do); rather, their reading and writing skills lack focus and originality. In order to succeed at a college level, students must learn to write with proper grammar and originality and to read at a level of comprehension and speed equal to or better than that of a college student. The guides below will help any college (or high school) student eager to improve their reading and writing skills.
From High School to College
Basics of Improving Reading Comprehension
Reading Challenging Material
Reading Strategies for ESL/EFL Students
Improving Reading Comprehension Through Summary Writing
SQ3R Strategy
PQ4R Strategy
How to Write A College Essay
Thesis Statements
Writing In-Class Essay Exams
How To Write A College Term Paper
Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing Term Papers
Writing Process for Research Papers
Writing a Personal Statement (for an application to a graduate program)
Expand your study skills, select a section below:
General Study Tips
We’ve gathered lots of helpful resources to aid you in your college studying. Top smartphone apps for studying, tips to improve concentration, ways to be more efficient in study groups and lots more.
Time Management
There often isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done and still maintain some resemblance of a normal life. Effective time management is critical to a students sanity and success in college. Learning valuable time management skills will not only help you succeed in college, but enjoy it too!
Memory Techniques
If ever there was a time when a good memory comes in handy, its during college. College students are required to memorize, process, and recall large amounts of information on a routine basis. Learn memory techniques and processes that will help you rise above your classmates and excel academically.
Test Taking & Preparation
Unlike high school, much of a student’s grade in college is based on test performance. It is not uncommon that a student’s entire grade will be based solely on a midterm and final exam. Learning how to prepare for and perform well on college level tests is imperative to a student’s success.
Subject-specific Study Skills
While the basic principles of effective studying are universal, studying techniques and strategies often vary from subject to subject. For example, learning how to figure out and respond to complex math word problems is substantially different than writing political science essays. To excel academically, it’s important to learn the most effective studying techniques for each individual subject area where you’ll be focusing your college studies.
