Ace Your First College Paper

Posted on August 16, 2012 by JessicaEquals6

If you’re like me, writing a paper is anything but a piece of cake. English was never my strong point in university, however, in high school it was a different story. I did very well in English class throughout my high school years. English was actually one of my favourite subjects during the time. By the time I hit university however, I was not prepared for the expectations that came with writing a strong paper.

I remember writing my first college paper and much to my surprise, I was not happy with my mark. I worked so hard on the paper and dedicated many hours of my time perfecting it. I was so accustomed to receiving good marks in high school so getting a bad mark in a university class was unacceptable. I wanted grades that I was proud of, that I could show my parents with confidence like I used to in high school. My grades did improve as I advanced throughout university which was the result of a lot of hard work and dedication to my studies.

For all of those freshman students who are entering university for the first time in the fall, be aware that your Professors will expect more from you. They are not there to baby you like your high school teachers were. If you receive a grade that you are not satisfied with, learn from your mistakes, and try harder next time.

Below is a list of tips that will help you to ace your college papers. I had learned these tips throughout my university experience and looking back, I wish I had someone to guide me through my academic struggles.

1. AVOID PROCRASTINATION: If you like to leave things until the last minute, DON’T do this in university. There are so many steps that go into writing a paper – from research to writing your first draft to editing your paper – all of these steps take up a big chunk of your time. If you start early, you can spread these steps over a span of say a month or two, or however long you think you need to write a great paper. The more time you have to write a paper, the less stress you’ll have.

2. WRITE AND RE-WRITE: The easiest way to start a paper is to write anything that comes to mind about your topic. Don’t worry too much about grammar errors – it’s only your first draft. Write it down then come back to your draft in a few days and look for ways to improve it. Don’t be afraid to cut anything out that doesn’t relate to the topic – this is where you should make your major changes.

3. GET A SECOND PAIR OF EYES TO LOOK IT OVER: If you know someone who is an excellent English student, ask them to do you a favour and look over your paper for grammatical errors. I often asked my Mom to edit my papers because she used to be an English teacher. I trusted her opinion and most of the time took her advice on ways to improve my paper.

4. “THE WRITING CENTRE”: I wasn’t even aware that my university had such a service, but I discovered the “Writing Centre” in my second year of university. Their services are free – all you have to do is make an appointment at your convenience. They will review your work, edit it with you, and show you your strengths and weaknesses. I swear that just by visiting them weekly, I improved my writing skills in a month! Most universities have services such as this, though the name may be slightly different.

5. WATCH OUT FOR PLAGIARISM: Copying someone else’s work, whether intentional or not, is not taken lightly in university. At my school if a student was caught plagiarising, they would either receive a grade of 0 on that assignment, fail the class, and/or be kicked out of the university. Yes, the consequences are severe, so don’t do it!

Remember to visit your Professor during office hours if you have any questions about your paper topic. Don’t be afraid to ask your Professor for clarification. They’d rather have you do it right the first time then have you re-write the paper for a second time.

Follow this advice and I know you’ll ace your first college paper. You’ll improve your writing skills, have less stress, and may even start to enjoy writing papers. Make sure you take your time and ask for help if you are unsure about any aspect of the assignment. Good luck!

Get to Know Your Campus

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Hannah Chapple

There is nothing worse than being late on the first day of classes. There is also nothing worse than getting lost and not knowing where your class is. Every year many freshmen figure this out the hard way. Yes, I may have been one of them… but hey, it’s expected! Life at a new school is a big adjustment especially when you are unfamiliar with the campus. It took me a few weeks before I actually figured out where the school library was.

Typically, students from out of town arrive on campus a few days early – this is the time to get exploring! If you are going to school in your hometown pick a day to go explore before classes begin. Some campuses will even offer campus tours with a student tour guide – make sure to check your school’s website to see when tours are available. Trust me, you won’t be sorry! Here is a list of the most important places to explore:

#1) Find your classes
Room #312A… where the heck is that?! This is a question I am sure you would much rather be asking a few days before your classes actually begin. Sometimes as easy as it may sound, it is not that easy to find your classrooms. Therefore, my number one suggestion is to be prepared and scout out where you will be spending many hours over the next few months. Your first day of classes is stressful enough without adding the stress of getting lost!

#2) Visit the library
The thought is painful I know… but you will probably be spending the majority of your time here during the school year. Take a look around the library and see where the best study spots are and if there are any quiet floors. I didn’t discover that the fourth floor was my favorite study spot until the last month I was in school!

#3) Check out the Student Union Building
The Student Union Building is the hub of your campus. The SUB is a place where students gather to study, socialize, and have meetings. Depending on your school, the SUB may even be the home to your campus bar or coffee shop. Over the course of your university career the SUB will probably host a few great events or parties you’ll want to attend. It’s definitely a worthwhile spot to check out on campus!

#4) Find the university offices
These are definitely good to know spots. You never know when you are going to need to meet up with a course counselor, attend office hours, or meet with the university registrar. Knowing where these offices are on campus can definitely come in handy!

Now that you know some hot spots to check out, get exploring! Keep checking Equals6.com for some great back-to-school discussions in our Brainstorm Section. Also, make sure to check our Groups Page to see if your school has already created a group or make it yourself & share your favourite campus hotspots!

How to talk to a Professor

Posted on July 27, 2012 by JessicaEquals6

As a recent University graduate, one piece of advice I always give to first year students is: get to know your Professor. I cannot stress how important this is. It is especially important when a student needs something – such as help with an assignment, a second chance to re-write a paper, or a reference letter. However, many students are intimidated by their Professors so they avoid getting to know them.

Talking to a Professor isn’t as scary as a student may think. The truth is, Professors are people too, just like each and everyone one of us. Treat your Professor how you want to be treated. They deserve the same basic respect that you demand for yourself. If you give them this respect, they’ll probably do the same.

Nevertheless, there are some things to keep in mind when interacting with your Professor:

1. Call them by their right title: Professors with a Ph.D may prefer to be called “Doctor”. Others may prefer to be called “Professor” which is almost always an acceptable title in University. Some of the Professors that I had in University made it clear on the first day of class to call them by their first name. However, not every Professor wants to be called by their first name so I’d stick to “Professor” unless otherwise indicated.

2. Always tell the truth: If you’re late handing in an assignment do not make up an excuse such as “my dog ate it”. Trust me, Professors have heard all the excuses in the world and can always tell when a student is lying. Your Professor will appreciate the truth, even if it’s your lack of time management to blame for your overdue assignment.

3. Be clear and concise: Don’t waste your Professors time! If you’re asking your Professor a question about your term paper, get to the point quickly. The last thing they want is for you to stand there and discuss your social life with them for 30 minutes.

4. Write formal emails: When writing an email to your Professor, try to be as formal as you can. First, make sure you include a meaningful subject line. A good idea is to start with your course name/number and then the topic of your email (e.g. SOC100: Topic for paper). Start the email with “Dear Dr. (last name)” or “Dear Professor (last name)” then politely state the reason you are emailing them. Keep the email short and brief – write only relevant information. When signing the email, always use your first and last name. Note: you should always read your email over a few times, especially if you do not have spell-check on your email. Opening an email full of spelling mistakes is the last thing a Professor wants to look at.

Tip: Try to establish a lasting relationship with your Professor. They will remember who you are when you call them a few years later to ask for a reference letter!

- Jessica Hooper

Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/advice-for-students-how-to-talk-to-professors.html

Do you have anymore tips on how to talk to a Professor?

Summer To-Dos Before University

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Hannah Chapple

Summer vacation is finally here for all of you high school students. Summer means taking the time to sit back, relax, and bask in the sunshine, right? Not entirely – in two short months you will be on a fast track heading straight to University Drive. So what do you need to do between now and then? Here are a few things you will want to check off your list before packing up the car with all of your belongings and heading to your new life.

1. Get Connected Via Social Media
You may not be on campus soil yet but you are still a part of the community! By getting connected to your university or college’s social media pages you will be in the know of all things campus related. Look for a “Class of 2016” Facebook page or Twitter feed. If you are feeling a little ambitious maybe be the first to create one. These outlets are a great platform to meet your fellow classmates and immerse yourself in campus life.

2. Prep Your Room Décor
Living away from home for the first time can be hard and sometimes a big adjustment. The best way to make yourself feel right at home is to decorate your room. Take the time this summer to find the perfect décor for your move in September. Make sure to print off tons of photos of your friends and family, buy some comfy pillows, get some cool posters, and bring your stuffed animals (yes this is acceptable.) The more you feel at home the better.

3. Buy Your School’s Swag
Before you head to school it’s nice to have some school swag: think sweaters, sweatpants, t-shirts, hats. Wear your colours proudly and represent your new home for the next four years! Believe me, you’ll look the part for Welcome Week!

4. Get Your School Supplies Ready
Cue the Staples commercials; after all it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Some students seem to forget that university isn’t just a social experience… you are there to learn and further your education! You’ll need to start making a list of exactly what you’ll need: pens, paper, notebooks, laptop, printer, new backpack… the list goes on. Check online for back-to-school deals and don’t leave school supply shopping until the last minute!

5. Look for an E6 Campus Ambassador
E6 has Campus Ambassadors (CA’s) located at universities across Canada. Look on Equals6.com and check our Brainstorm Boards to see if your school has an E6 Ambassador and get connected. Our Ambassadors are more than happy to help ease the transition from high school to university and can answer questions specific to your university. Start getting connected by following our CA’s on Twitter @Equals6_CAs.

Check these items off your list this summer and you will be more than ready for the year ahead. Good luck future students and keep checking Equals6.com for job opportunities, advice, and networking opportunities!

The 4 P’s to live by in University

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Hannah Chapple

Freedom! This was the first word that came to mind when I moved away from home and was ready to begin my first year of university. No parents to tell me what to do, no curfew, no teachers to tell you to go to class… what more could any teenager want? Let’s face it; university can be a bit of a shock to the system. As a third year student I feel that I can now shed some light on university life. I have created a foolproof system to live by in university, the 4 P’s : Prepare, Present, Prioritize, Play.

My first tip of advice comes before you even step foot on your new campus… prepare! Preparation is key; so please do not wait until August 31st to start preparing for your big move. Scrambling at the last minute is never a good idea. The first thing you need to do is start making a list of what to bring. Bring conventional items such as an alarm clock, banking/health information, bedding, first-aid kit, flip-flops for the shower, bathroom caddy, hangers, air fresheners, entertainment, and décor just to name a few! Oh and earplugs, (yes you will need them.)

Once you are on campus and school mode is in full swing it is important to be present. Go to class! This may seem like a no-brainer but after that Thursday night party a Friday morning class will be the last place you want to go. No matter how tired you are feeling always make an effort to try and get to class. Yes sometimes it may be necessary to miss class but believe me, being there pays off! Each class is vital in university… there are no makeup days. Remember, you are paying for this right?

When you are in university it is important to prioritize. It can be hard to keep up with all of your midterms, assignments, readings, extracurriculars, and also a social life. Learning to prioritize and time manage will put you ahead of the pack in university. Finding a schedule that works for you is essential. I recommend investing in a calendar or making a daily schedule with a list of things you need to accomplish each day.

Lastly, you know the saying work hard, play hard? This is university… live it up a little! These are the best years of your life right? It’s okay to take some study breaks and enjoy campus life. Four years fly by faster than you think. Make the most of your time you have and have a little fun.

By sticking to these 4 P’s you’ll master university life. Good luck to everyone heading to university this year and keep checking Equals6.com or follow our Campus Ambassadors @Equals6_CAs for more tips on university life! Let us know if the 4 P’s worked for you!

The Roommate Guide

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Hannah Chapple

Source: IMDb

For the high school students heading to university in September, it’s that time of year when you will find out what residence you will be living in next year and who your roommate is. Sharing a room at university has its ups and downs. Now don’t worry, we have all heard roommate horror stories (think: the 2011 movie The Roommate) but having a roommate can also make your university experience much more enjoyable!

However, it is important to remember that whether your roommate is a friend or a complete stranger there are a few things you will need to follow in order to smoothly sail through the next year.

Like many other freshman you’ve probably never shared a room before. Speaking as an experienced roommate let me tell you, you may have your work cut out for you. The first few weeks in residence are what I like to call “the roommate honeymoon stage.” Living in a small room and sharing the space with another person has its share of good and bad times but typically during the first few weeks everything will be fine and dandy (note: this is why I call it the honeymoon stage). The first few weeks in residence you are just beginning to settle in: there is limited school work, tons of frosh events, and plenty of time to go out and have fun with your new roomie.

As the weeks wear on the partying will lessen and your school work will begin to pile up – this is where you will need to learn a very important word… compromise.

For example, maybe you like to spend your evenings studying while your hyper-active roommate blasts the Billboard Top 100 from their stereo. You have two choices: you can look at the glass half empty or half full. (Hint: If you are using the half empty approach you are going to have a long year.) Taking the half full approach is otherwise known as compromising. Instead of complaining that “you can’t get work done” remember it’s their room too. Come up with a compromise: maybe you can head down to the library or study hall to get your work done and they can turn their stereo down later in the evening. Unless compromise is met there will be an on-going power struggle (believe me I have seen it happen).

Next, you need to remember that living with another person can make or break a friendship. Having a roommate can be one of the greatest parts of your university experience. You will have the chance to meet a whole new group of friends and have a buddy to stick with. My roommates at university have become some of my closest friends.

But it can also go both ways. Sometimes people aren’t meant to live with each other and that’s okay too! Remember the word “compromise” and you’ll get through the year just fine.

Either way, roommate or no roommate, University can be one of your greatest experiences! Good luck to everyone attending University in the fall and make sure to check out Equals6.com for more useful tips and tricks from other students!

Making The Transition From High School To University

Posted on June 7, 2012 by JessicaEquals6

The first year of University can be very overwhelming for recent high school graduates. To make the transition smoother, knowing the key differences between high school and University is essential. I will outline, through my experience, some of the critical differences between the two.

Attending University your freshman year can be as nerveracking as ever. Stress and anxiety are at an ultimate high as you wonder what this new journey in your life will bring. How will you fit in? What if you find it too academically challenging? What if you become homesick? These are only some of the questions that new students may be asking themselves. It is important that students prepare as best as they can for this new chapter in their lives.

There are several differences between high school and University, both academically and socially:

In high school, classes are long and students are required to attend every class. A high school student is usually at school for 7-8 hours a day. In University however, depending on the day, the hours that a student spends in the classroom will differ. Some days, a student may not even have a scheduled class, while other days they may have a few classes, with breaks in between.
Failing a test in high school typically has little effect on the student’s overall grade. In University, tests and assignments are more than often worth a large percentage of the student’s final grade; so good class attendance and study habits are important for academic success.
The teachers in high school take a pro-active approach in their students lives. They provide a stepping stone for students by making sure deadlines are met, checking homework, and providing one-on-one help after class. In contrast, University Professors expect students to complete their assignments on time, read their textbooks, and visit them during office hours if they require additional help.

As for the social aspect of high school versus University, personal freedom is the largest difference. In University, no one is looking over your shoulder or telling you what to do and how to do it. A student must be mature enough to use their personal freedom to their academic advantage. At times, University can take a toll on students if they are not adequately prepared for this freedom.

The average student attends class in University for about fifteen hours a week, with large gaps in between classes. This leaves students with a lot of free time. Students need to learn how to effectively manage their free time by using this time to catch up on their academics (work hard, play later).
The social life of University is a huge change. It can be overwhelming at first as students meet new friends, classmates and Professors. Students may be introduced to many new temptations such as drugs and alcohol, but they should never lose grasp of their core beliefs and values. It’s important to have a good balance between your social life and acamedics. You are at University to study so remind yourself of this when you are being pressured to go out with friends the night before a big assignment is due. This is not to say that you cannot have fun making new life long friends and relationships. Just keep in mind that you must remained focused on your academics in order to survive the University life.
I recommend that you join any extra-curricular activities that you can, including anything from sports, to volunteer work, to student clubs. It’s a great way to meet new friends and relieve any stress that comes with making the transition from high school to University.

Remember that University is a once and a lifetime experience. Make the most of it while you are there - it goes by too quickly!

Written by: Jessica Hooper

Staying Focused in Class

Posted on May 30, 2012 by JessicaEquals6

Having trouble staying focused in class?

If you’re a University student, sitting in on long, painful lectures are not new to you. Some classroom lectures can last anywhere between forty-five minutes to three hours long, depending on the class. The attention span of a student is very limited so after a certain period of time, a student’s mind will wander off into their own little world.

The Professors who teach the class should work hard to keep their student’s attention. Throughout my University experience, I have had some great Professors who are easy to listen to, who captivated my attention for over two hours. Other times, I have had professors who do not use the whiteboard, do not use PowerPoint; they just simply get up in front of the class and talk in a monotone voice for two hours. In the latter case, the truth is, my mind did wander and I wasn’t taking in any of the material that was being taught. I did not want to fail the class, so I had to figure out a way to avoid any distractions in class.

Below are some of the techniques that I used to stay focused in class:

Instead of sitting in the back of the classroom, try to sit near the front. By doing this, you will be focused on the Professor and what he/she is teaching rather than what is going on around you. Many students who choose not to pay attention in class are either chatting or playing games on their laptop. If you’re sitting behind this person, it can get rather annoying and you are more than likely going to get distracted.

If you find yourself still getting distracted, try notetaking. There is however one rule here; NO doodling is allowed as this is yet another means of distraction. In my early morning classes (I am not a morning person) it was difficult for me to stay alert in class. By forcing myself to take notes, I would not fall asleep in class and I was actually learning the material being discussed. Also, by notetaking you will always have a review of the lecture that day, so around exam time you can easily go back to your notes and study the material.

In my longer classes, the Professor would usually give the class one fifteen minute break about half way through the lecture. This may not be the case with every Professor but if it is take advantage of that break. Go outside and stretch your legs, grab a snack, and talk to friends. Taking your mind and body away from the classroom for even a few minutes helps to refresh your mind. If your Professors do not give breaks during long lectures, talk to your Professor about taking short breaks when the class is getting restless.

Turn off your cellphone. Yes, this will be hard to do but chatting with your friends can wait. Plus, texting while in class will distract your fellow classmates as well as the Professor. There is almost always a cellphone policy in the classroom to not use any mobile device while the Professor is teaching. Even though these rules are set in place, students still tend to ignore them.

Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep (at least 8 hours a night). When you are overtired, it’s almost impossible to learn any new material. Give your body the rests it needs and your brain will be functioning to its full ability.

If all else fails, ask for permission to record your lectures. I know a lot of students who had trouble listening for long periods of time were allowed to bring a digital recorder to class to record the lecture. If you’re lucky, some Professors will actually record their lectures for you; the majority of my Professors did this throughout my years in University. I can tell you, these were the classes I did the best in. It is proven that students forget most of the material they learn after a few hours and the majority of it is lost after a few days, if not reviewed.

Written by: Jessica Hooper

Social Network Equals6 Surpasses 10,000 Members Milestone, Strong Growth Continues

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Findlay

FOR RELEASE MARCH 1, 2012
ATTENTION BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION EDITORS

Social Network Equals6 Surpasses 10,000 Members Milestone, Strong Growth Continues

Membership at Equals6.com, the professional social network for students, up 75% so far in 2012.

Halifax, NS, Canada, March 1, 2012 — Equals6, the professional social network for students, has seen its membership grow dramatically, recently surpassing the 10,000 student-members milestone. The company focuses on helping students achieve their academic and career goals by connecting them with employers and peers, job opportunities and exclusive scholarships.

“We are pleased to see the growth in our Equals6 community,” said Andy Osburn, CEO of Equals6. “Not only are more students joining equals6.com, but they are also becoming involved in the online community, as students connect with each other and with employers and schools. Our members are participating in competitions, winning scholarships and contributing to a wide range of discussion topics and groups.”

According to Osburn, the company has devoted its early efforts primarily to the Canadian market, but is already seeing students join from across the US and overseas.

Recognizing that students everywhere are facing a challenging job market, Equals6 has focused on helping students bridge the academic and professional worlds. For example, Tech Idol, a software development competition taking place through equals6.com, allows employers to post software challenges with cash prizes and potentially job opportunities awaiting the student winners. Equals6 also offers exclusive scholarships to help students pay for post-secondary studies, with more than 30 currently available to be won.

“Based on our rapid growth, our efforts are clearly resonating with students,” said Osburn. “We will continue to enhance Equals6 based on feedback from students, schools and employers. Our members can look forward to more competitions, employment opportunities and scholarships, along with continuous site enhancements, including mobile access and deeper social media integration. For employers and schools, we will continue to refine our recruiting tools to allow them to easily find and connect with top student talent.”

About Equals6
Equals6.com is a social network that helps students achieve their career and academic goals by connecting with employers, schools and scholarship opportunities. Employers and schools partner with Equals6 to identify and recruit top-talent students.

For More Information:
Andy Osburn
CEO, Equals6
info@equals6.com
1-877-647-3356

Depression In University

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Findlay

A recent article at Canadian University Press on binge drinking (http://newswire.cup.ca/articles/51651) inspired me to write this one. The article deals with the level of drinking at a maritime university and comments on the fact that drinking is higher in the Maritimes (a fact I can attest to as that was where I did my undergrad). The article also goes on to talk about the link between drinking and mental health issues, a topic close to home.

I remember a lot of students I knew were on one form of medication or another while in University. I can cite at least one time the topic came up at a study group. Of the 7 people in the group, 6 people admitted to having been or being on an anti depressant during their time of study. I am impressed with UNB for including the idea that mental health is a contributing factor in university students drinking. With mental health awareness becoming more prevalent I hope to see more universities embrace the concept of mental health issues within that community.

In my time at School, I did find that there were a few things that I as a student did to improve my depression:

1. I admitted to myself I had depression. This seems really obvious but
after years of faking happy (to any degree), the shield you have built up can get in the way of your own health.

2. I told someone, for me it was family and a few friends, for you it can be whoever you want but a support structure is hugely important.

3. Take time to work on you. I found that if I worked out, ran, skateboarded, or hung out with friends and watched a movie, these things could really bring my mood up and I tried to do one of them or multiples every day.

I’m not claiming to be a medical or psychological expert but I am saying that I have been there and it affected my studies and my life in general. If you think it is affecting you talk about it.