Prospective Students

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I do to succeed in engineering?

Success in college is not automatic and guaranteed. However, it is possible to avoid the common pitfalls that have plagued so many students especially freshmen over the years. The following are some positive suggestions to help you to execute your educational plan.

(a) Study-Study-Study
The primary responsibility of a student in college is to study. Many students in high school have never really seriously studied and often are unaware of how to study. The rule of thumb in college is to study at least one hour for each lecture hour of classroom instruction. While this may vary with individuals and subject matter, it is imperative that everyone makes specific plans to study each day or evening. Each student must consider where, when, frequency and with whom to study.

First, find a place that suits your particular needs. It should be quiet and reasonably comfortable with very little distractions - no TVs, radios, CDs, etc.

Second, it is important that you do not study when you are tired. Some students find it more convenient to study right after class lectures since they can more easily recall the material covered while others choose to study in the evening after they had their evening meal and have time to relax and reflect on their day's experiences.

Third, to effectively handle your course work the frequency of study sessions should occur each and every day. Be certain to review what was covered in the previous lectures, complete your assignments and make any necessary preparations for the next class meeting.

Remember, psychologists suggest that shorter, more frequent periods of study is better than one prolonged session. Lastly, it is advisable to study alone so that a study session will not become a "bull session". However, sometimes studying with others may help in some instances where a student is having some difficulty with a particular subject.

Discover the study method which is better suited to your particular needs. Remember, make studying an everyday habit. There is no substitute for studying. In college it is almost impossible to be successful if you do not have an effective study plan. Do it daily and don't wait until the end of the semester. Don't cram! It does not have a long lasting effect.

(b) Budget Your Time
Time is very critical to every student attending college. You will soon discover that to be successful you cannot waste time as so many students often do. No one says that you should spend all your time studying, but a leading cause of failure is careless utilization of time.

After you have completed course selection (roster) at orientation then make up a schedule of your daily activities and do not deviate from your schedule. In a typical day you will have 4 to 5 hours of classroom lectures with additional time spent on recitation and laboratory sessions in some instances. In addition be certain to budget in time for studying, preparing for classes, sleeping, eating, social, cultural and recreational activities. Some individuals will have to factor in time for travel, working at part time jobs and other necessary personal commitments.

(c) Reading and Listening
The key to success is to read. Good readers seem to have little trouble learning. In college there are many reading assignments in which certain courses have 2 or 3 textbooks and there is generally outside reading requirements in other books, periodicals and journals. Improving one's reading skills is a distinct advantage that will make it much easier to keep up with the pace of the course.

Listening in class is essential to being successful. Learn to listen. Concentrate on the professor's remarks for the important points that he/she will cover in each lecture. Listen for certain key phrases and remarks that he/she stresses and repeats several times. In general a professor will cover approximately 70 percent of the material required of the course for the semester and he/she will expect you to pick up the rest on your own. Listen and don't talk out of turn.

(d) Notetaking
Many students fail because of inadequate notes. Adequate note taking in high school does not appear to be a common practice. However, in college it is and is a daily occurrence. Listen for the key points in a lecture and do not try to copy every comment made by a professor. Whatever the professor repeats several times and stresses and what he places on the chalk board is usually some major points that are important to remember. Note taking is a technique which takes time to develop and every effort should be made to improve this skill. Get to know your professor and what he/she demands and his/her style of lecturing. Try to maintain a personal relationship with each of your professors.

(e) Test Taking
In every subject for which you registered, you will be evaluated and this means taking tests and examinations. Some students profess that they cannot take tests or find it difficult to do so. Generally, this may be a lack of confidence in one's self. No one really enjoys taking tests, but one cannot escape this technique to evaluate. The prime requisite of good test performance is to know your subject matter. There is no substitute for being prepared to take a test and knowing the subject matter.

Professors may give quizzes quite frequently or a test after each unit of work is completed. Most of them will give a mid-term examination and a final exam after the semester ends. Here are some helpful suggestions. Read your questions carefully, be sure you know what is asked, follow directions, pace yourself and do not spend too much time on unfamiliar material. Be prepared and go in with a positive attitude.