how to be a U.S. (not for upperclassmen who have different sorts of major subjects)

Posted by on Jul 20, 2009 in self | 10 comments

I assure you: I’m not the best person to give tips under this category, for I can be such a bad influence, but I think I can use some experiences of friends who are fond of becoming university scholars (equivalent: Dean’s lister of the highest kind) in UP every semester.

I warn you: one’s experiences do not apply to all mankind, ayt?

And there’s a LUCK factor, too, in studies, I believe.

Here are tips on how to become a US/CS/HR, as requested:

1. Come to class ALWAYS and ON TIME.

We teachers mark the head of students who’re always late, always absent. At the back of our head, we remember some students as “always late” and “always absent.” Even though that doesn’t affect your grades in exams, teachers give quizzes/work while some people are not yet around. And some teachers give plus .25 in the final grade for complete attendance. And, you don’t want to miss precious information that might come handy in exams.

2. Take down notes.

Doodle if you want, if that’s how you remember discussions.

3. Ask questions.

I remember myself asking a lot of questions at the right time, I mean, not in an intrusive way. Many readings have loopholes and I was quite sure that the teacher could patch them up.

4. Tambay at the lib!

Some manongs in the main library still know me years after I have graduated because I was a frequent visitor of the lib in college.

During my vacant hours I would read books listed in the syllabi of my courses, or explore books related to my subjects, or scan books with interesting titles. Sometimes I spend the rest of the day reading past issues of Time magazine and other periodicals, until there’s nothing more to read except the latest issues.

5. Prepare for exams, week/s before the test. Draft papers way ahead the deadline.

6. Eat chocolates and be happy.

I always have chocolates to keep me giddy in class and study time. That’s my addiction. I dunno yours.