Ask HN: How can I succeed in a difficult university?

1 pointsploogla1 comment

I'm soon going to be a freshman at a difficult uni where I'll be studying comp eng. I am still surprised that I managed to get in and am quite certain I am part of the bottom third of my class. What can I do to maximize my productivity? What short term and long term goals should I be trying to achieve?

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I recommend checking out the book "Pragmatic Thinking & Learning". One of the main points is that learning is a skill itself, and that you should practice and learn about learning. You will want to look into study skills classes in addition and I would also recommend practicing meditation. I would meditate before doing difficult assignments and it reduced my fear of failure, my general stress level, and negative thoughts (i.e this is too hard, I'm not smart enough, etc) One aspect of meditation is that it is a method for practicing focus. Focus is also a skill and can be improved. Learning these facts my last year in college made a significant difference in my academic performance.

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