Deliberative
You are careful. You are vigilant. You are quite a private person. You know that the world is an unpredictable place.
Everything may seem in order, but beneath the surface, you sense the many risks. Rather than denying these risks,
you draw each one out into the open. There each risk can be identified, assessed, and ultimately reduced. Thus, you
are a fairly serious person who approaches life with a certain reserve. For example, you like to plan ahead so as to
anticipate what might go wrong. You select your friends cautiously and keep your own counsel when the
conversation turns to personal matters. You are careful not to give too much praise and recognition, lest it be
misconstrued. If some people don't like you because you are not as effusive as others, then so be it. For you, life is
not a popularity contest. Life is something of a minefield. Others can run through it recklessly if they so choose. But
you take a different approach. You identify the dangers, weigh their relative impact, and then place your feet
deliberately. You walk with care.
Student Strategies:
General
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It is very important to take an active role in molding and shaping your own social atmosphere and academic
environment in college.
Use an activity planner to prioritize your responsibilities.
Seize the day! Don't let your doubts stop you from seizing opportunities that will be instrumental in your
development as a student.
Be sure to set aside some time each day for yourself; it could be just five or ten minutes. This time can be
spent reflecting on the day, events, or anything that may be troubling you.
Allow the amount of time necessary to complete a task.
Avoid potentially discouraging situations, but remember that the greatest successes come from overcoming
these situations.
Be sure you understand the demands and responsibilities of each role you assume.
If you worry a lot, get things done early so you alleviate potential sources of worry.
Always think before you act; apply this principle to all aspects of your life.
Academic Life
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Attend all lectures and class sessions-make sure you don't miss anything.
Prepare thoroughly before visiting a professor during office hours.
Make a photocopy of notes instead of giving your notebook to someone.
Be thorough in your preparation for a class by reading ahead and avoiding being caught off guard.
Schedule regular appointments with your counselors to be well aware of your options and to make sure you
are on track.
When you get the syllabus, write down the due dates of readings, assignments, papers, and tests. You may
want to have everything laid out in front of you so you can see what is required before you act.
Because you don't rely heavily on support systems, it is important that you set aside time to unwind and
clear your mind in order to be able to focus on school.
Never approach a test unprepared. Follow research guidelines in detail.
As you take careful lecture notes, be sure to mark points the professor emphasizes.
It is important to edit papers and have others edit them with you.
Be careful to cover all aspects of questions on essay exams.
Be confident; you won't feel comfortable talking in class unless you are sure of the validity of what you have
to say and the completeness of your thoughts.
Figure out what is expected and do it explicitly.
Every day, perform the tasks and whatever you know it takes to be an effective learner and responsible
college student.
Create your schedule around your classes, and prioritize time accordingly.
When taking a test, don't choose an answer until you are sure of it; if you are not sure, make an educated
guess and always come back to those questions at the end of the test.
Never jump to conclusions about assignments. Always get clear descriptions and instructions.
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When taking finals, try to go through the test slowly and concentrate on the things you know first, then
address the other questions later. Pace yourself.
Review lecture notes before class and soon after each class.
Study Techniques
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When reading assignments, be sure to begin reading with plenty of time to finish; know your own pace. Take
notes on what you read and study your notes for exams.
Be well prepared for an assignment before attempting to complete it.
Become familiar with material in order to be ready for discussions.
Work extra problems just to be sure you really understand the material.
When studying, find peaceful learning environments. Stay away from distractions.
Trust yourself to excel in academic achievement; set goals for yourself before you begin studying.
If you work best alone, study on your own before engaging in group discussions. This will allow you to
reinforce what you have learned with the group, without needing to rely on the group.
Form your own questions as you study and make sure you have answers to them all before taking an exam.
Relationships
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Choose friends who hold academic goals similar to yours, so that friends do not become potential
distractions.
Make frequent visits during office hours in order to develop relationships with your professors and TAs.
When forming study groups, be selective about who you study with; choose responsible people who will
follow through, like yourself.
Class Selection
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Before choosing a class, look at the class syllabus, check the number of books, and learn more about the
professor. Don't be caught off guard on the first day of class.
Understand what is expected in a class before adding it to your schedule.
You are most comfortable in classes that are structured. Get the opinion of peers with similar interests as
yourself and look at the syllabus before you enroll in the class.
Co-curricular Activities
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Don't be hesitant about joining organizations or clubs in order to form support groups with people you can
trust.
Look for job opportunities and internships in which you will be recognized for your dedication and attention
to detail.
Career
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Choose a career in which you and others can benefit from your careful planning and thinking.
You make good decisions when a premium is placed on conservative judgments.
You may want to work in roles that require research and analysis of information to plan wise actions or gain
new understandings.
Work in organizations and roles in which you can be independent.
You will be effective and successful in environments that offer clear roles, expectations, regulations, and
policies.