Scholastic Success

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work."
- Thomas Edison

"... and assist in the acquisition of a sound education..."

With the increased importance of scholastic marks and the difficulty of the dwindling job marker this line from the Preamble of the Constitution of Delta Chi has taken on even more value than ever before. The KEY program may provide you with an informal education, but it is here to complement what you learn in class. Academic performance is paramount to your success. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I go to class?

• The number one reason for academic failure is skipping class! Since you have taken the time to register and have spent the money to pay for it, it would seem logical to take the time to go to class. In order to make best use of this class time, sit near the front of the class and take good notes. Also, take the time before and after class to prepare. Read the text before class and review your notes after. This will give you a better understanding of the lecture and enable you to ask more intelligent questions.

Where do I study?

• If you plan to get anything accomplished when you study, you need to have an atmosphere that promotes effective studying. Although the chapter can have a great influence on the study environment, it is up to the individual to actually do the studying. Set aside a certain place to be used only for studying. It should be quiet and well lit as well as being far from distractions. Make sure you are comfortable, but not too comfortable. You should not study while on a couch or lying on a bed; you will be too relaxed and thus not be able to absorb the material as efficiently as possible.

How do I manage my time?

• With the hectic daily life of a student, as well as all of the extracurricular activities you are involved in, you need to schedule your time. All too often we hear, I don't have enough time. Yet, we see time being wasted everywhere we look. The key to not wasting time is scheduling your day. Although there are several methods of time management and day planning, we need to look no further than our own priorities to see whether or not we have made classes and studying important enough in our life. If we place a value on our education and manage our time accordingly, the results will reward the effort. Set a schedule and stick to it. A schedule is not useful if it is not followed.

Do I plan ahead?

• Meet with some of the men in your chapter. Together, discuss some of the things you wish to accomplish in your life. Then ask for suggestions for a plan which will move you toward these goals. After this discussion construct a timeline which describes where you want to be, on a yearly basis, as you attain what you want in life.