1. See your advisor.

• Advisors are familiar with the policies of the University and know all the major deadlines and procedures.
• Advisors can help you plan a balanced, realistic schedule.
• Advisors can help you get re-focused if you have difficulty during the quarter.
• Advisors can offer assistance or advice with just about any problem you might face during the quarter. If they don't feel they can help you directly, they will refer you to someone on campus who can.
• If you visit an advisor regularly, you will be less stressed and more in control of your goals and plans.
• Contact your Advisor

• clarify points from their lectures or textbook.
• give you an overview of an upcoming exam.
• offer insights into professional opportunities in their fields.

When you go to an office hour, prepare specific questions and bring all the necessary materials (notes, textbook, returned exams) when you go to an office hour. Don't be afraid to ask your professor about setting up an individual appointment if you can't attend office hours due to a time conflict. Visiting your professor regularly can make the difference between a good grade and an average or poor grade.

• Make a weekly schedule of how you will spend your time. Include time for studying, meals, personal care, recreation, work--everything you are committed to doing to create a well-rounded life.
• Your professors expect you to study 2-3 hours for every hour you spend in class. Study 25-35 hours/week.
• A good study strategy is to study for 45 minutes, then take a 15-minute break.
• Plan what you want to accomplish before you begin.
• If you are having a hard time starting a project, promise yourself to work on it for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes just getting over the initial mental block makes the whole project go more smoothly.
• Keep up with your school work. Don’t cram for exams!
• Before exams, meet with a few classmates to study together.
• If you don't draw up a study schedule, you will end up wasting time. Put your schedule where you will see it every day. This will remind you what you need to do every day. Only you can hold yourself accountable for preparing for your classes!

• Make use of the services offered through the Academic Skills Center, such as Study Skills Workshops and Study Groups.
• Use the University Writing Lab for feedback on writing styles, organization of papers, and grammar.
• If uncertainty about your major or career choice is affecting your grades, visit Career Services for help in clarifying your interests and life goals.
• Using these services can help you become a better student. Since they are free, the only thing it will cost you is your time!
  

• Maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle so you can be alert and receptive in your studying and learning.
• Peer Health Advisors are available to answer your questions.
• For information on helpful remedies to everyday illnesses, refer to the "Self-Care Handbook."

• Have a notebook for each class.
• File exams, returned assignments, topic outlines, supplementary problems, etc., in separate manila folders for each class.
• Keep a calendar so you can organize and remember your assignments, papers, and exams.

Academic Programs
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Phone: 805 756-2246
Email: acadprog@calpoly.edu