Every Freshman gets bombarded with advice and tips before entering college. There are internet influencers, siblings and friends, and even parents who offer well-meaning but sometimes disconnected advice on how to navigate the first year of college. Academic Coaching Specialists are here to offer our expert pointers, giving you 3 things you should know as a college freshman in Odessa, TX.
COLLEGE
ACADEMIC COACHING
Our college academic coaching program focuses on supporting students through organization, time management, goal setting and accountability.
COLLEGE
TUTORING
Has your student found themselves on academic probation or falling behind in their college coursework? Our expert educators can help!
HIGH SCHOOL
ACADEMIC COACHING
Our high school academic coaches teach students how to organize, prioritize and utilize effective study, note and test taking strategies.
HIGH SCHOOL
TUTORING
If your high school student is stressed with their demanding course load or needs help getting back on top of a challenging subject, give us a call.
1. You are responsible for your learning
Of course you are responsible for learning, after all, that is your job while in college. However, what this means is that professors only present information to you in class. They are not going to follow up with you to make sure you are comprehending material. This is not their job and they do not have to ensure you get a good grade. This is up to you to decide how you will accomplish this. Office hours, in combination with multiple other resources on campus and online are there to provide students who need help with it. No one will offer these to you or ask you to sign up. The responsibility shifts to you, the student, to be aware of what you understand and do not, and to find a way to get help with what you need.
2. You will have a lot of free time
Without the structure of high school bells or teachers to tell you it is time to move to your next class, it can take a bit to get used to going to class on your own. Be sure to set alarms on your phone to alert you when to leave in order to make it to class on time. After class, schedule that time to review notes, start on any assignments or read the text. Simply doing nothing between classes is a waste of time and will quickly build up, causing stress and requiring long sessions or late nights to complete and prepare.
3. There will be tough points in the semester/year to get through
No doubt, you will encounter some stressful and difficult situations that will require some tenacity on your part. When faced with a challenge or disappointment, use that time to think about what could have been done or what can be done to avoid the same thing in the future. This will build resilience and allow you to create habits and thinking patterns that help you to grow.
NJ D.
” The program has geared me up for success not only in the classroom but also in life. Having a dedicated plan day in and day out has helped me achieve so much. With the help and guidance from ACS, I was able to graduate college (which I never thought could happen) and have helped me land my dream job right out of college! Thank you ACS!! “
Joe D.
” I was able to improve my test scores, improve my overall grades and even make dean’s list. I also gained a new mentor, coach, and friend. I am using the skills I learned through ACS daily in my career such as planning, focusing, and prioritizing my tasks each day. “
Carolina B.
” I struggle with time management and I have learned that I need accountability to finish and reach my goals. Having someone who cares about my success, offering tools and strategies to get there, has been crucial for my professional and personal development. I am so grateful for this support from ACS in this journey. “