How I Prep for a New Semester as a 4.0 Student 👩‍🎓📚

Summary

In this video, Tonya shares her tips for preparing for a new semester, whether in high school or university. She discusses effective strategies such as organizing your schedule, using Google Calendar and Drive for school, setting up a digital note-taking system, and reviewing professors’ ratings ahead of time. Tonya also emphasizes the importance of prepping before classes begin and staying organized throughout the semester. Whether you’re digitally or physically inclined, she provides helpful insights into building a system that sets you up for success in your academic journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Print out your class schedule and keep it easily accessible, whether in a physical planner or on your phone.
• 📅 Sync your class schedule with Google Calendar for automatic updates and color-code your events for better organization.
• 📂 Organize all your school files on Google Drive. Create separate folders for each class and use them to store notes and assignments.
• 📝 Create a dedicated Google Doc for each subject with course information, grading breakdown, and lecture notes. Use clear headings for easy reference.
• 🔍 Review professor reviews on RateMyProf before the semester starts and during the term to mentally prepare for class expectations.
• 📚 Prepare for class ahead of time by reviewing course materials like lecture slides or textbooks, if possible.
• 🧹 Clean out old academic files and photos from your phone or computer to free up space and declutter before starting the new semester.
• 📒 Label physical notebooks or binders for each class if you prefer handwritten notes, making sure everything is organized and easy to find.
• 📆 Set up a system in Google Calendar with separate color-coded calendars for school and personal events to stay organized and on track.
• 💻 Use Google Docs' new tab feature to organize notes within one document, avoiding the hassle of managing multiple documents for each lecture or topic.

Q & A

Why is it important to prepare ahead of time for the semester?

Preparing ahead of time helps to set up an organized system for success, ensuring you're not overwhelmed later in the semester. It allows you to manage your time effectively, stay on top of assignments, and avoid unnecessary stress.

How does using a physical planner help with organization?

A physical planner, like the FiloFax used in the video, helps keep all essential information in one place, such as your class schedule and notes. Writing things down can also aid memory retention and provide a visual reminder of tasks and goals.

What are the benefits of adding your class schedule to Google Calendar?

By adding your class schedule to Google Calendar, you have easy access to your classes, locations, and times in one digital space. It also syncs across your devices, making it convenient to check during your day. Color-coding helps visually organize your schedule.

How can Google Drive be used to organize academic files?

Google Drive allows you to create folders for each class, helping you keep materials organized and easily accessible. By separating old semester materials from new ones, you can avoid clutter and focus on current coursework.

Why is it helpful to read reviews on Rate My Professor before and during the semester?

Reading reviews on Rate My Professor gives you insights into a professor’s teaching style and course expectations. You can learn about class difficulty, assessment methods, and tips for success. This helps you mentally prepare and adjust your approach to the class.

What is the advantage of setting up digital note-taking systems like Google Docs?

Digital note-taking in Google Docs allows for easy access and editing across devices. You can organize notes with headings, include links or screenshots, and search through documents quickly. Setting up consistent formatting in advance helps maintain structure throughout the semester.

How can organizing class notes with headings improve studying?

Using headings and color-coding in class notes helps break down large amounts of information into manageable sections. This improves clarity and makes it easier to find and review specific details later when studying.

What are some tips for students who prefer handwritten notes instead of digital ones?

For handwritten notes, organizing physical notebooks by class and labeling them clearly can be helpful. Using binders or color-coded tabs for each subject can make it easier to locate relevant notes. Additionally, combining handwritten notes with digital summaries may offer a good balance.

How can preparing in advance for individual classes improve academic performance?

Preparing for individual classes by reading materials in advance allows you to engage more effectively during lectures. You'll be more familiar with the content and can ask insightful questions. This approach can lead to better retention and comprehension of the material.

Why is it important to delete unnecessary school-related photos before starting a new semester?

Deleting unnecessary school-related photos helps free up storage space and keeps your digital life organized. It reduces clutter and ensures that only important, relevant materials are kept, making it easier to find what you need when studying.