Studying in college is definitely not like studying in high school.
You're in a different environment and must adapt to it. The material is
a lot harder with much more to process, so you're not going to get much
done if you're reading textbooks during commercial breaks. However,
totally isolating yourself might not be the answer either.Although some people prefer working alone, study groups typically produce greater success. At the University of West Georgia, a program designed specifically to aid young black men in achieving in college indicated that members of the program performed better than black men who did not participate. The program requires members to attend two-hour study sessions twice a week and provides them with positive influences and encouragement. One student's GPA rose from a 2.23 to a 3.78 in one semester due to the program.
This isn't to say that you couldn't be a 4.0 student on your own, but study groups are simply a tool at your disposal. Study groups can reinforce what has been taught in class or learned in the textbooks through impromptu quizzes, Q&A sessions, and discussions. Group members tend to also become a system of support and encouragement for each other.
No matter which method of study you employ, be sure not to overwork yourself. Like your muscles, your brain can be exhausted if you try to do too much at one time - i.e. cramming. You'll do much worse on an exam if you wait until the last minute to review information. Study consistently and make sure to take breaks, perhaps every half hour to one hour, to allow for digestion of what you have reviewed. This will allow you to retain more information for a longer period. It will also prevent test anxiety, so you won't write calculus formulas on your African history test.
Aside from study groups, campuses typically have a variety of educational resources including learning centers or tutoring services which are especially useful to students finding the transition to college difficult. Occasionally, Teaching Assistants (TAs) can aid in the learning process. And if all else fails, don't be afraid to ask questions of your professors. You're paying for your education, so you might as well get as much out of it as you can.
Remember, college is a new experience and you must be prepared. You have the potential to be A and B students. Failure is not always because the material is too difficult, but perhaps a reflection of how you prepared for it. If you're not satisfied with the results you're getting, then you need to change your methods and make use of all resources available to you.
Sources:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution - "University reaches out to black men"
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