The “two-for-one” rule

Sunday, September 24, 2006

By Jim Van Wingerden

Many bright and talented students attend Calvin College.  I know that this is a gross understatement, but consider that in this new class of first-year students alone more than 60% began their Calvin career being awarded one of the college’s top scholarships (based on high school grades and test scores).  That is an impressive statistic for any college.

In spite of this many first year students, even those who received a scholarship, will experience significant academic adjustments during their first semester.  Many parents report that even though their student received very good grades in high school, Calvin academics require a lot more time and effort to maintain similar grades. 

Because college students are actually in a classroom fewer hours each week than high school students, some arrive at an early (and false) conclusion that there is more “free” time in college.  This is a common mistake. The sooner this misconception is exposed, however, the better. Putting off an assignment for a few days can quickly turn into a week or two. Suddenly it’s the middle of October and there is little time left to turn a ship around that is sailing in the wrong direction.

Parents have asked how to best coach their student as they adjust to this new academic environment.  There are many ways to do this.  Remain positive. Find opportunities to encourage your student. Let them know you believe they can be successful in college. Remind them of good time management strategies.

I also like to mention that students should know and follow the “two-for-one” rule.  Simply stated the rule is this: for every one hour that a student is in class, he/she should be spending at least two hours of work outside of the classroom—reading textbook assignments, participating in study groups, organizing class notes, researching term papers, studying for quizzes or exams, and so on.

Most college students know about this “two-for-one” rule.  If not, many will quickly discover it.  Some will have to learn this rule the hard way through their own experience.  If you feel that this general rule may be a new concept for your first-year student, mention it. Sometimes it is helpful for students to hear a simple rule or maxim that will help them balance their academic work with all that college life also requires of them. 

College is a full time job. Students are in a classroom for 14-16 hours each week. An additional 28-32 hours are expected outside of class.  That’s 40-50 hours a week—indeed a full time job!  But even those who have full time jobs still find time for all that life offers--friends, recreation, worship, athletics, part time employment, and so on. But all of these must never take precedence over the full time job—academic work.

Don’t ever hesitate to encourage your student to ask for academic help if additional study strategies are needed.  The professor of the class in question is always a great first stop.  The office of Student Academic Services is another great resource.  So are RAs and RDs.  Tutors and coaches are available and standing by. 

The Calvin community is invested in the success of all of our students.  As a general rule, however, students have to ask for help when it is needed.  Successful students learn to treat their college career as a full time job.  “Two-for-one” is a simple rule that may help your first-year student remain focused on that task.

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