When students get to the University of Detroit Mercy, they quickly realize that surviving college is not just about being smart. It’s about having a system. You have early morning classes then long nights of studying and endless distractions. Staying on track takes more than effort. It takes strategy.
“Success starts with preparation,” said Felicia Hartinger, Student Success Coordinator. “Simple techniques like not staying up all night watching Netflix or playing video games make the difference between just getting through class and actually learning.”
College is a new playing field. Just like Detroit Mercy’s athletes train for game day, students have to train for academic success. This guide pulls from campus experts, a Division I student athlete, and national research to give you the playbook.
Step 1: Show Up Consistently
It sounds obvious, but attendance is one of the strongest predictors of college success. National research even supports this. A meta-analysis from the article “How Student Attendance Can Improve Institutional Outcomes” showed that “attendance positively affects both course grades and GPA and is the single strongest predictor of college grades.”
“There’s so much in class during lecture time that’s going to really help you be successful when it comes to exam time and quiz time,” Hartinger said.
You have to treat class like practice. You would not expect to win a game if you skipped practice after practice. The same goes for academics. Being in class gives you the chance to ask questions, build relationships with professors and engage with the material before it piles up.
Step 2: Manage Your Time Like It Is Money
The number one skill mentioned by all interviewees is time management.
“Time management is probably the biggest thing I would say, to be successful … no matter your major or year,” said Amy Gasahl, Director of Student Athlete Services.
Gasahl breaks it down even further.
“You should be giving a minimum of two hours for every hour you’re in class,” she said.
That means a three-credit course could require six hours of studying weekly outside of lecture.
Student athlete Jared Lary proves it works.
“Do your work early, plan out your whole week … just try to knock out your stuff early,” he said.
His method has helped him pass every class while balancing Division I basketball.
Another great tip is to use digital calendars, color coded planners or the weekly time management sheet offered at the Student Success Center to help be successful in classes.
Step 3: Build a Network of Support
College success is not an individual effort. Detroit Mercy offers a ton of resources that students often overlook.
“I have found … 75 percent of the time it’s because students have questions, they get overwhelmed, so they don’t do the work, when really they need to just ask for help,” Hartinger said.
The Student Success Center provides tutoring not just for students who are struggling but also for those who want validation. It also offers life coaching and academic exploration programs for undecided majors.
Gasahl encourages students to find study environments that match their learning style.
“Some need total quiet, others need background noise,” she said, “some thrive in groups, others solo.”
Professors themselves are powerful allies.
“Number one, successful students have very close relationships with their faculty … going to office hours each week, engaging in class, emailing them,” Hartinger said.
Research from the article “Enhancing Student Success through Faculty Mentorship: A Holistic Approach at Forsyth Tech” states that “faculty guidance can be one of the most transformative aspects of the college experience” while also stating “faculty connections can have a strong, positive impact on student success.”
Step 4: Take Notes Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Forget the idea of going through slides the night before an exam. Research from the article “Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning” found that “students who take handwritten notes retain information significantly better than those who type.”
“When students actually write down the notes … that helps you to really retain and understand information,” Hartinger said.
To be successful, she suggests looking over the notes within 24 hours and creating your own questions from them. By doing this, you are going from casual learning to real memorization.
Step 5: Carry Skills Beyond Campus
Using these skills will not only guarantee success at UDM, but in whatever you choose to do after.
“Communication and having that skill set is very important … when you’re presenting to the board in your company or running meetings,” Hartinger said.
Gasahl sees it too.
“It doesn’t make the material easier … but it allows yourself time to fully comprehend the material,” she said. “True success is when students use these skills after graduation.”
From time management to teamwork, the same skills that carry you through exams will carry you through your career.