Start the process early- Take Statistics in your freshman year if possible so you can take Research Methods I and Research Methods II in your sophomore or junior year.

Fulfill your General Ed Requirements with classes that you feel are interesting, or could possibly relate to psychology. Amazingly enough, sometimes classes in different disciplines connect!!

Do Extra Credit if it is offered. Not only do you have extra points, but it usually is easy, and the professors get a good idea of who you are (and that you are hard working).

Take more than 12 credits a semester if you can. 12 credits is considered full time, but it will take you more time to get through college. Fifteen is the recommended amount so you can graduate in four years.

Talk with your classmates. Being outgoing allows you to make new friends, study buddies, and to get an inside scoop on what classes are like.

Winter classes are awesome. Three weeks equals a semester, and you can get ahead. Summer classes are also good (but sometimes its very hot!!)

If you are a commuter, make sure you go to the computer lab on campus. You will need to familiarize yourself with statistical programs when you are in statistics, and the research methods.

The student center is an excellent place to study (where you can purchase food, eat and drink, or even watch television). The "drum" of the student center has three floors, and the top floor is usually very quiet. The student center also has computers so you can check your email or even research.

Don't be afraid of the library. Talk with your buddies from class and go together to work on a project. Having two people researching sometimes can be better than one!

Don't buy copies of papers off the web!!! Not only is it plagiarism (which is illegal), the companies that SELL you the paper are also SELLING the programs to the professors that catch plagiarized papers. YES! They are trying to make money on both sides of the deal. Doing your own work is easier and won't get you in trouble

            If you need help, talk to a professor, but not the night before the paper is due. They have lives too!!

College is different from high school. The demands are different, the work is different, and the situations are different. But, you are still you, and unique. There are many places to go to develop yourself, and its an ongoing process. If you become disinterested with your major, or need help, there is academic advising in Williard Hall that may help you. Changing your major or your goals is not a bad thing, its just a part of developing!