Part I: Transitioning to College Getting Started Guides Your First Week in College Your First Month in College Your First Term in College 1. Beginning Your College Journey Why Go to College? More Opportunity Academic, Social, and Personal Growth Navigating a New College Culture Meeting Expectations Visual Walkthrough: Academic Expectations Finding Your Place in College 2. Finding Support on Campus Begin Creating a College Network Mentors Are Invaluable Resources Make Connections with Peers Campus Staff Want to Connect Visual Walkthrough: Find Campus Resources Online Instructors Are Part of Your Network, Too Make the Most of Office Hours Share Your Academic Struggles Ask Questions and Get Help Often Anxiety Is Understandable Seeking Assistance Is Key 3. Motivation and Goal Setting Motivation Matters Types of Motivation What Motivates You Academically? Mindset, Resilience, and Grit Matter, Too Understanding Your Mindset Resilience, Grit, and Achievement Set SMART Goals How to Create SMART Goals Make Your Goals SMART-ER Visual Walkthrough: Creating SMART Goals 4. Using Time Wisely Time Is of the Essence Use a Planner Choose Your Planner Wisely Battling Procrastination Why Do You Procrastinate, and What Can You Do? Use a To-Do List Visual Walkthrough: Incorporate To-Do Lists into Your Planner Finding a Balance Always Start with Academics Your Schedule Will Lead the Way All Work and No Play Isn''t a Good Solution Be Flexible Part II: Study Skills 5. Learning Preferences and Studying What Is VARK? Understanding the VARK I Know My VARK Score: Now What? Visual Walkthrough: Use Your VARK Learning Preference during Study Sessions What Is Myers-Briggs? Personality Type Can Influence College Choices Study with Your Learning Preferences in Mind Create a Study Plan Make Connections with Study Notes Study with Others Take Practice Tests 6. Critical Thinking Critical Thinking in College Five Steps for Critical Thinking Try Not to Inhibit Critical Thinking Where to Use Your Critical Thinking Skills Critical Thinking While Problem Solving Critical Thinking When Making Decisions Visual Walkthrough: Be a Thoughtful Decision Maker Critical Thinking and Creativity 7. Note Taking Take Thoughtful Notes Set the Scene View Lectures as Conversations Note-Taking Styles Instructor Notes Your Personal Style of Note Taking Visual Walkthrough: Using the Table Format, Using the Outline and Cornell Formats, Adding Visuals Review Your Notes Early and Often 8.

Reading Effectively Set Yourself Up for Success Location Matters Break Down Readings Remember Time Management Read Effectively Engage with Your Reading Take Notes Visual Walkthrough: Take Critical Thinking Notes while You Read Engage in Conversations Get Support from Classmates Meet with Instructors 9. Test Taking Before the Test The Night before The Morning of the Test Right before the Test During and after the Test Look Over the Exam Visual Walkthrough: Taking the test Keep Track of Time Focus on You (Not on Your Classmates!) Don''t Let Your Eyes Wander-- Ever Getting the Test Back Managing Test Anxiety Practice, Practice, Practice Reduce Your Stress If You Blank When to Get Help 10. Writing and Information Literacy General Writing Advice Understand the Assignment Write Rough Drafts and Obtain Feedback Apply Critical Thinking Step 1: Ask Questions Step 2: Evaluate Your Reactions Step 3: Write with a "Critical Lens" Step 4: Make Connections Step 5: Bring Your Experiences into the Assignment Getting Started: The Writing Process Before You Start Writing While You''re Writing Avoiding Plagiarism Citing Your Sources Use an Accepted Citation Style Researching and Communicating in a Digital Age Navigating the World of Research Technology Using Electronic Resources at the Library Communicating Effectively Visual Walkthrough: Send Professional E-mails 11. Academic Planning and Choosing Your Degree Make Your Academic Plan Personal Explore Your Interests and Goals Acknowledge Your Skills and Values Reflect on Your Academic Background and Experiences Choose a Program of Study That Is Right for You Balance Your Goals and Interests Be Aware of Degree Requirements and Timing Constraints Consider Your Career Goals Select Your Courses Combine Your Interests with Requirements Map Out Your Academic Plan Visual Walkthrough: Balance Your Course Load Get Help from an Academic Advisor or Mentor Be Smart about Class Exploration 12. Managing Your Money Create and Manage a Budget Visual Walkthrough: Budgeting Understand Your Financial Aid Package Types of Aid Applying for Aid Use Credit Cards Wisely Choosing a Credit Card Control Your Spending Know When to Put the Card Away Get Help Your Credit History 13. Experiencing Difference Acknowledge Differences Keep an Open Mind Challenge Stereotypes Understand and Respect Difference Create Meaningful Connections Find a Community Look for Campus Resources Visual Walkthrough: Learn about Your College''s Diversity Resources Learn from Differences Authentic Communication Mutual Respect 14. Staying Healthy and Reducing Stress Manage Your Stress and Anxiety Eat, Sleep, and Exercise Visual Walkthrough: Making Balanced Food Choices Build a Community Stay Connected Study Strategies to Combat Stress Stay Organized Using Time Management Try New Strategies When Studying, Reading, and Writing Be Safe Socially Substance Abuse Protecting Yourself against Sexual Assault Consider Your Safety Online 15. Starting Your Career Journey Dig into Your Interests Narrow Down Your Career Choices Connect Your Academic Plan to Your Career Get Experience Exploring Your Options Connecting with Others Visual Walkthrough: Résumé Writing, Cover Letter Don''t Hesitate to Get Help Dealing with the Unexpected It''s Your Life Notice What Matters to You Appendix A: Living on Campus Appendix B: Living off Campus.