Be an Effective Engineering Student

An engineering degree is one of the most challenging degrees to pursue. At times it can be overwhelming and seem almost impossible, but it can also be very rewarding if you prepare well and learn how to succeed. These tips and tricks will help you manage your workload and become a successful student.

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   Go to class. Yes, every class. Falling behind in engineering school is almost impossible to recover from, so don’t miss class unless you absolutely have to.

   • Try to never miss a class unless there is a mandatory event you have to go to or you are very sick.
   • Make it a top priority to personalize your class schedule to fit your availability. If you are not a morning person, try not to schedule a lecture at 8 am! This is a key first step to success in engineering or any other major.
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   Be attentive in class. Put away your phone, and don't mess around on your laptop if you use it to take notes. Paying attention to the flow of a lecture allows you to have a firm and smooth understanding of all the course material.

   • In fast-paced classes like calculus and chemistry, losing focus for even a minute can leave you completely lost. Make it a priority to focus for the entire class period, then let yourself unwind when the class concludes.
   • Lecture classes are the easiest to get distracted from, especially those that last a long time, and especially when you're tired. If you can, try to arrive at class well-rested and free from other distractions.
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   Take good notes. It might seem like you'll remember everything later, but after a few lectures it can all become a blur. Good notes can be the key to refreshing your memory, working through problem sets and studying for exams.

   • Don't waste time copying down everything the professor writes if it's already in your textbook. It's easy to become so focused on writing equations that you stop following the content of the lecture! Focus on capturing the professor's insights and examples that you can't find anywhere else.
   • Consider whether to take notes on a laptop or in a notebook, depending on the class. When most of your notes are words, a laptop can be much faster. But when notes are mostly equations and drawings, a good old fashioned notebook and pencil may be easiest. Some people even take notes and make drawings on a tablet. Try different options to see what is fastest and least distracting for you.
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   Read material before class. Most people need to see something at least several times to learn it, so give yourself a head start!

   • Make it a point to read the material that will be covered in lecture the day before. This gives you a foundation for what you'll hear in class and helps you feel more confident during a fast-paced lecture, so you can focus on deepening your understanding instead of trying to keep up with the basics.
   • Prepare questions in advance for parts that confuse you. If the lecture doesn't clarify the concepts for you, ask your questions during class.