by Amber Hilton

Created on: May 27, 2007

Being prepared for class will not only save you the embarrassment of not having your work done or not knowing the correct answer, but it will reduce stress, enhance your learning and hopefully earn you an A in the class.

There are a lot of ways that you can prepare for a college course. Your preparation can begin before you even sign up for the class. Read the course description, email the instructor or ask friends in your major about the class to get an idea of what will be expected of you. Certain classes will require an unusual amount of work outside of the classroom or a significant financial investment. You may find that you would be better off taking the class when you have an easier workload or you may find it beneficial to take other classes first. Maybe the class just isn't right for you at all. If you know the instructor, consider whether their teaching style will compliment your learning style.

Once you have decided upon the class, you can further prepare by getting your textbooks and any other resources as soon as possible. Skimming through your textbook before class even begins can give you a head start. If your class has any online components, make sure that you look them over as well. Many instructors will post a syllabus online as well as a rough outline of the course. Taking a look at this information can help you to get a rough idea of what you schedule may be like for the semester.

Once the class has begun, you can prepare by always doing any assigned readings the night before class. You will be able to follow along with lecture notes more quickly and easily and will be able to make thoughtful contributions to class discussions. Also, you won't look like an idiot if the professor calls on you to answer a question. I have seen students kicked out of a class session because it was obvious that they had not read the textbook.

It is also in your best interest to hand your homework in on time. Slacking on homework assignments can cause you to fall behind and negatively affect your grade. Some teachers will dock you as much as 10 points per each day your homework is late and some simply won't accept late work. Once again, it can also be mortifying to be caught unprepared for class, especially if the instructor chooses to make an example out of you. If you are assigned a project at the beginning of the semester, start on it right away and don't let yourself procrastinate. The due date will sneak up on you before you know it.

If a class requires specific

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