Extending Learning Within and Beyond the Classroom

Student Engagement

 

Steps to Academic Success in the Sophomore Year

A smart schedule begins with smart advising. Academic advisors are a valuable resource in deciding which classes will maximize the benefits of the sophomore year workload. However, the advising process is an ongoing journey that begins with making the correct decisions and ultimately choosing the path each student wishes to take. The tips and link below serve as stepping stones for smart scheduling and an enjoyable relationship with an academic advisor.

Resources:
  • Academic Center for Excellence
    • Academic Success Coaching to help sophomores with goal setting, time management, test taking skills and MORE!
  • Cross Campus Advising
    • They can help find a major to fit classes, clarify departmental advising, and compare program requirements and more!
  • Supplemental Instruction
    • Peer facilitated study sessions by qualified and trained students. Available for a wide range of courses!
  • Tutoring
    • Available for specific course in many majors. Find out if tutoring is available for a desired class here!
    • Math tutoring is available for private and open sessions for MATH 111, 115, 122, 141, 142, 170, 221, 222, or 241.
    • Writing Center for help with any writing projects at any stage!
The Sophomore Initiative's Top Ten Tips for Academic Success:
1. Take responsibility for your own learning
  • Go to class everyday
  • Read the entire syllabus and finish assignments on time
  • Study often and regularly in a conducive setting
  • Always give your best effort
2. Be a responsible Carolinian
  • Make wise decisions – both personally and academically
  • Represent your university well, no matter where you are
  • Remember that what you do now will follow you into the future
  • Take fiscal responsibility, learn how to manage your money
3. Manage your time effectively
  • Use your planner to keep an updated agenda
  • Make a weekly schedule, allotting time for studying
  • Don’t overload yourself with too ambitious of a class schedule
  • Get enough sleep and exercise
4. Take initiative
  • Create study groups in your classes
  • Meet with your professors to introduce yourself, express concerns and discuss questions
  • Meet with your advisor even before advising time to ask questions about scheduling and degree requirements
5. Expand your horizons
  • Get involved in a club, organization, or community service
  • Try something new or different – you might find a new interest
  • If you can’t find a good fit, create a club or organization of your own
  • Get to know fellow students who seem very different than you
6. Stay healthy
7. Make plans for summer housing, classes, and jobs
  • Visit the Career Center to find a summer job or internship
  • Surf the web and talk to older friends for more ideas of beneficial summer experiences
  • Fill out a housing application through VIP and check out Housing to find a great roommate.
  • Use the Off-Campus Student Services resource page if you are looking at living off-campus
  • Meet summer school deadlines for financial aid and registration
8. Know that you are not alone
9. Enroll in exploratory classes to help find the best major for you
  • Browse the master schedule  to look for interesting classes
  • Meet with someone in the department to get a feel for the classes offered
  • Ask older students what some of their favorite classes were and what professors they especially enjoyed
  • Don’t be afraid to try something new or something that you never considered before
10. Start thinking about graduate or professional schools in the spring
  • Know the requirements including what tests you may need to take
  • Find out what a competitive applicant looks like as far as their GPA, scores, involvement, etc.
  • Plan ahead for application deadlines and financial commitments