Academic Skills Needed for Success in College

Chapter Outline

6.1. Learning Styles

6.2. Studying

6.3. Memory

6.4. Strengthening Memory Strategies

6.5. Preparing for Reading in College

6.6. Effective Reading Strategies

6.7. Taking Notes

6.8. Test Taking & Test Anxiety

Student Survey

On a scale of 1 (I need significant improvement) to 4 (I’m doing great), reflect on how you’re doing right now on these statements:

1. _______ I am reading at a college level.
2. _______ I take good notes that help me study for exams.
3. _______ I understand how to manage all the reading I need to do for college.
4. _______ I recognize the need for different notetaking strategies for different college subjects.
5. _______ I set aside enough time to prepare for tests.
6. _______ I know what to do to prepare for tests.
7. _______ I know how to manage my test anxiety.

Chapter Outcomes

In this chapter we will explore skills you probably think you already understand—reading, notetaking, effective study practices, and test-taking strategies. The goal is to make sure you have honed these skills well enough to lead you to success in college. By the time you finish this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate the usefulness of strong reading and notetaking for college students.
• Outline the importance of memory when studying and note some opportunities to strengthen memory.
• Discuss specific ways to increase the effectiveness of studying by capitalizing on your strengths.
• Articulate test-taking strategies that minimize anxiety and maximize results.