Knowledge, skills, and preparation : where the future begins -- Set the stage for success : managing goals, time, and stress -- Learning styles, majors, and careers : knowing your talents and finding your direction -- Critical and creative thinking : solving problems and making decisions -- Reading, understanding, and remembering : mastering essential learning skills -- Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and speed : reading faster and understanding more -- Studying textbooks and course materials : mastering content -- Listening and memory : taking in and remembering information -- Notes, writing, and math : building active study skills -- Taking lecture notes : recording concepts and information -- Effective writing : communicating your message -- Quantitative learning : becoming comfortable with math and science -- Becoming a better test taker and creating your future : choosing success -- Test taking : developing a winning strategy -- Taking objective, essay, and oral exams: showing what you know -- Moving ahead : making today's study skills the foundation for tomorrow's success