Newspapers / Methodist University Student Newspaper / Dec. 1, 1993, edition 1 / Page 6
Part of Methodist University Student Newspaper / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page6 SMALLTALK December, 1993 METHODIST'S TOP TEN TESTING AGGRAVATIONS 10. Tests that take 2-3 hours in a 50-minute class 9. Tests that ask questions about material never covered in class 8. Pulling all-nighters 7. Debatable true-false questions (partly true and partly false) 6. Multiple-choice questions in which all but one answer is true 5. Pigeons in the throes of procreation outside the windows during tests—Buck Naked 4. Writing "pledged" on tests 3. Copying answers from people who know less than you do 2. Professors who never leave the room 1. Cheat sheets that are hard to read Scheming for the Ace ^ by Bryan Harris Preparing for exams is as much a part of college life as asking parents for money, and the techniques used are as unique as the students themselves. The ideal plan for study of every aspiring summa cum laude is one of organized notes, continuous review of those notes, perfect class attendance, and reading regimen. The fact of the matter is that while students start out with good intentions, several fall victim to the alluring chants of those college Sirens: "free wings at halftime," "let's go to Texaco," "we're going to the bowling alley," and "you want some pizza?" After large amounts of time have been sacrificed battling these magnetic forces (and often losing), students find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation; "The big exam is tomorrow and I've already used my drop grade." Definitely not an ESPN moment. Being resourceful college students, they assess the situation and formulate the best study schemes possible to obtain minimal study time and maximum grade achievement, as well as consciousness through it all. "I rely heavily on pre-exam grades since my history with exams has not been a pleasant one. But for those last-minute crunch times, 1 slam the Pepsi for study surges and make a run for IHOP." one student said. "I just revive with Vivaren and study away," said another. Other students don't rely so heavily upon chemical fixation. "1 walk around my room as if I were teaching the class. It helps me to stay focused and keeps my thoughts organized." Another student added, "I take cold showers to stay awake. I also have plenty of candy around for my studying sweet tooth." There are those students, however, who take a much more relaxed approach to preparing for exams. "I recopy my notes, go over them and then go to bed for a good night's sleep," a student stated. Another said, "I don't study at all." So whether preparing ahead of time or cramming in the final hours, students will always "test" their ingenuity preparing for exams. $ Working for a Job by Bryan Harris Undergraduates should prepare for the future today. With technol ogy increasing and competition intensifying, now more than ever college students need to get their employment processs rolling early. Making the transition from college life to the real world is stressful and hectic for most college seniors, but it doesn't have to be. Certain steps should be taken as a freshman and continued throughout the senior year. Paula Miller, director of career planning, has helpful information to guide students with class registration as well as a listing of job opportunities. The freshman year should include some self- and career awareness; learning faculty, administrators, and counselors on campus as well as exploring clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. An im portant step is tentatively to select a major field. Sophomores need to explore and assess their possibilities for the future. This is the time to consider career choices. A self-assessment of values, skills, interests, and goals will help in the investigation of options. This is also a good time to start developing a resume. Juniors should evaluate career options and review their academic plan. Participating in the interview process will give valuable experi ence for later use. Register for electives that will enhance qualifications in other areas as well. The final stretch, the senior year, is a time of realization, of making decisions and preparing for employment. Sending resumes to targeted employers and evaluating career employment options are two very important steps. Check job vacancy announcements to keep informed of openings too. During summers, it is suggested that students seek internships or summer employment in the field they are considering as a career. Attending career days and career seminars are a good means to establish contact with potential employers and learn more about a field. "Students not establishing their goals is a problem that I often encounter at Methodist," says Paula Miller. "Another difficulty that students mn into is not getting resumes out faster. I can not stress how important it is to get resumes in the mail as soon as a job listing comes up. As competitive as the job market is today, the faster the reply, the better the opportunity," Miller adds. "As an undergraduate you aren't locked into a specific area as if you were acquiring a graduate degree. You still have options. A discussion with your advisor, however, would be helpful in order to maintain a steady route to graduation. And always discuss any changes in majors with your advisor," Miller says. Information on graduate programs, helpful resume tips and career interest software packages are a few of the resources at the career planning office. Think of college as preparation for the future. Getting organized and getting started early are the keys to unlocking the promise of a prosperous tomorrow. -S-///.0
Methodist University Student Newspaper
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Dec. 1, 1993, edition 1
6
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75