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Hit the ground learning

Once you’ve committed to getting a degree, you can do a few more things to ensure a successful college experience. Here’s what University of Maryland University College recommends:

Dust off those old skills.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been in school, consider brushing up on study skills, college-level writing, math and online research resources. Refresher courses can be particularly helpful.

Find peace and quiet.

You’ll be more productive — and have a better chance of success — if you can work uninterrupted, so find a nice, clean, quiet place to study.

Read the syllabus.

It’s your road map to the course. You’ll never succeed if you don’t know what’s expected of you. And this way, that 40-page research paper won’t come as a surprise with a week left before finals.

Be brave — ask questions.

That goes for asking instructors or fellow students, either about the coursework or using technology to get it done.

Participate in the discussion.

Many, if not most, online courses require participation in group discussions, and that’s a good thing. It teaches you to explain and defend your views and broadens your perspective.

Think before you hit “Send.”

Consider how your online messages to instructors or fellow students will be perceived — and whether they have the potential to be misperceived. Review messages carefully before you send them.

Realize it’s your responsibility.

You may be tempted to procrastinate without a teacher monitoring your every move, so be careful not to get behind. Create deadlines for yourself, and stay on track.