Students new to UF are often surprised that some UF courses seem much tougher than their high school courses (even those who have taken a number of AP/IB/AICE or dual enrollment classes). Below, we describe some of the reasons why this may be the case, how you can assess what you could do to improve, and the resources UF offers to help you:
What are your study strengths?
- I attend and prepare for all my classes.
- I have reviewed the syllabus to see what the instructor recommends for success in each class.
- I have visited my instructor’s or TA’s office hours more than once.
- I use the textbook and compare the information to the lectures.
- I study some of the material in every class at least every other day.
- I plan my week, checking what is coming up this week so I can plan how I to get my work done.
- I spread out exam preparation over a week to give myself plenty of time to review.
- I have a study buddy or study group for the course(s) that is(are) challenging me.
- I set my study schedule for when I am most productive.
- I utilize small amounts of free time, so I have more time in the evenings and weekends to relax.
- I take short breaks during studying when I realize I have lost focus.
- I get a good night’s sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthily.
