Want to know the real scoop on finishing your degree? Read tips from recent graduates.

Barry Stratton: bachelor of science in business, management and economics
"I hate to admit to cramming so much of my studying in the last weekend before assignments were due. Fortunately, I'm a quick study. However, I know I could have learned more in some of the subjects if I had followed my own tips." Read Barry's Tips...

Chrys R.D.: bachelor of science in human services
"This is important. There are advantages and disadvantages to pursuing one’s collegiate education online. One of the biggest advantages is that you can do so much research and work on the web. It’s tricky, however, the information may be at your fingertips, but while you’re study-surfing, you might run across a link that is distracting. Getting behind is your number one enemy. Stay ahead by at least a week if at all possible. Try to stay focused and resist the temptation to jump from link to link to link ... if not, you may regret straying when you snap out of it two hours later and realize that nap time is over and you wasted precious time you could’ve spent analyzing journals on PubMed. " Find out what other words of wisdom Chrys has to share...

Shaun Smithson: bachelor of science in business, management and economics
"Only take a course load that will keep your life in balance. While finishing school is very important, taking too many classes can tax the rest of your life and dilute your learning potential." Read more tips from Shaun...

Marianela Rodriguez: bachelor of science in human development
"My advice is to ask lots of questions in class and communicate with your classmates. If you don’t understand - ask questions. Professors may vary in the degree and the way they respond to questions, but they definitely welcome questions. You might be afraid to embarrass yourself in front of your classmates, but chances are your classmates are as lost as you are, and they'll appreciate your courage to ask."

Karen Trombley: bachelor of science in business, management and economics
"The first thing that I did each semester was to print the calendar and syllabus and start a folder for each class with these documents kept in the left-hand pocket, and the work that I did throughout the semester on the right side. This way I could keep on track with the calendar always handy, and I could verify that I completed all assignments with the finished work in my folder." Read Karen's tips...

Dori Shaner: bachelor of science in community and human services
"My tip is to get a teacher planner. Take your syllabus and put in everything that you have to do week by week. That way it is all spelled out and you can see where you're at."

Suzanne Ryan: bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies
"I often go into the student lounge to read what's going on. At the beginning of every term there are messages from new students who need help and I've always responded with my self-discoveries. It's not just study assistance or tips, but organizational tips that save a busy adult learner precious time. Since I was working full time and attending Empire State College online full time or three quarters time, my time was incredibly precious."

Cathy Rodgers: associate of arts in social theory, structure and change
"If I could give any advice it would be related to time management. Develop a study schedule. Set aside time when work and family obligations are put to rest for the day or before those obligations begin. In other words, don't try to study or do school work while dealing with other concerns. This makes study or responding to assignments stressful and discouraging, which decreases the chance of success and diminishes the satisfaction gained through learning."

Shoshana Schachter: bachelor of arts in human development
"My first tip is to not procrastinate. Get your work done immediately and do not push it off because then you will always be trying to catch up. My second tip is to not give up. At times it might seem overwhelming and too much work and just not worth it. Let me tell you it is worth it. There is such a great feeling knowing you overcame hardships and reached your goal."

Pete Watters: bachelor of science in business, management and economics
Find out Pete's meaning for the word "NETWORK."

Ben Sperling: bachelor of arts in human development
"What worked for me was to stay on top of my school work and try to get as much done as quickly as possible. That way I never fell behind. Also, try to make friends with someone in the class - it helps to have someone to bounce ideas off of."

Bonnie Steffens: bachelor of science in business, management and economics
"Plan ahead as much as you can since it is easy to tell yourself that you will do the work later when you have time. Most likely, you won't have enough time if you don't spread the work out. Schedule time for your family and friends when you can since neglecting them can make everyone's life more stressful." Read other tips from Bonnie...

Pricilla Vanzile: bachelor of science in community and human services
"Print out all of the course materials and spend time familiarizing yourself with the course expectations before you even start (sometimes assignments can be overlooked or hard to find)." Get more practical advice from Priscilla on organization...

Amaryllis Santiago: bachelor of science in community and human services
"The experiences that I had as an adult learner ... have definitely superseded any traditional expectations. To be able to come home from work and do my school work and not be tied down to a specific schedule was a wonderful opportunity as well as [helping me become] more grounded with time-management skills." Read more about Amaryllis and her tips for successful online learning...

Deanna Roberts: bachelor of science in community and human services
I attended college starting in 2002 with a summer session at Herkimer County Community College with no prior credits. I finished that degree by December, 2003. I took up to seven classes at a time. I started at Empire State College in January, 2003, and finished my B.S. in community and human services in September, 2005. Start to finish - three years and four months. This is how I got through college while raising three young children and working full time. Read more about Deanna's tips for success...

Cathy Righi: bachelor of arts in cultural studies
The one piece of advice I would give would have to be to relax. The technical issues will be worked out over time, and online course instructors are very patient angels. More importantly, try not to get too behind; it creates unnecessary anxiety.