U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE


Graduate Study

Logo: educationUSA: Your Guide to U.S. Higher Education


Quick Links


First Days at the University


The Academic Year

The Academic Program

The Academic Adviser

Course Registration

Campus and Department Orientation

Professors

Study Skills

The Honor Code

Related Links


Predeparture Information
Study Skills

It is common for students to think that they already know how to be a successful student, that if they do the readings and study hard, they'll get good grades. But different teaching methods — in some cases a different language, different academic backgrounds, and a different campus culture — can reshape your ability to be successful.

Most colleges and universities will offer a variety of free, short-term classes that will help you be a successful student. Topics may include utilizing your school's library resources to write a research paper, navigating the Internet for academic purposes, developing good study skills, and practicing effective time management. If English is not your first language, your grades may be improved by a visit to the university writing center, by taking an ESL course, or by joining an informal English conversation group. There are also excellent study-skills Web sites on the Internet.

Back to the top