YCCC: The Student Success Commons at York County Community College: Essential Skills

What are Success Skills?

At the Student Success Commons at York County Community College, we realize that success isn't only a matter of taking tests or writing essays. Success in college—and beyond— also involves building success skills. Success skills are just what they sound like: the skills and abilities generally necessary for achieving success. These commonly include:

■ Time management
■ Prioritizing and planning
■ Problem solving
■ Critical thinking
■ Adaptability
■ Self-awareness
■ Communication

These and similar skills will benefit you both now, as a student, and in the future, as you progress toward your career goals.

You can find dozens of great resources on our site to help strengthen and build your success skills—especially in areas of time management, prioritizing, and planning. You'll also see how problem solving, critical thinking, self-awareness, and communication skills can increase your test-taking abilities and overall academic performance.

Granted, it takes time and effort to build any skill. On top of that, not all brains are wired to learn and adapt in the same way. That's why we offer support all semester long, and help you boost your skills in ways that fit your personal learning style. Please explore the various materials and resources on these pages to help boost your success skills!

Brain Hacks

BE PROACTIVE

Being a proactive student means taking the reins of your educational journey. Proactive college students begin by identifying what's expected of them. You need to determine what is needed to succeed in your courses, and then create plans to make that happen. Being self-disciplined is key. Proactive students must work on managing their time, recognizing when they need help, maintaining good communication, and taking responsibility for their actions and outcomes. Never wait for success to knock on your door; take charge and make it happen!

Being proactive is easier said than done, but like with any skill practice makes progess.

Getting Started
Sometimes the first step is the hardest to take. Why is that and what can you do about it? Check out this infographic for more info!
Self-reflection Worksheet
You can use this worksheet to keep a record of your thoughts and feelings as an aid to self-reflection, and to develop your skills at identifying and challenging negative thoughts.
Cognitive Distortions
This info packet gives a brief overview of cognitive distortions, how they can be an obstacle for many college students, and tips on how to challenge them.

Note-taking Tips

Notes template: the Charting Method
Download and print this template for taking notes using the Charting Note-Taking Method or use it as a guide to create your own!
Notes template: the Cornell Method
Download and print this template for taking notes using the Cornell Note-Taking Method. And be sure to watch the SSC's note-taking workshop to learn more about this technique, as well as other great tips!
Venn Diagram Template (2 sets)

Prioritizing, Problem Solving, Organizing

6 Steps for Problem Solving
5 Kinds of Lists to Make Every Semester
Boost your focus, organization, and motivation with these lists.

Project Breakdown (fillable/printable)
Use this template to break down a large project or assignment into more manageable chunks.

Prioritizing 101
How to Get (and Stay) Organized
Guide to the Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower Matrix is a daily productivity, prioritization, and time-management tool. It’s highly effective, and this guide will show you how easy it is to use.
Blank (fillable) Eisenhower Matrix

Time Management

Time Management FAQs
5 Time Management Essentials
How to Make a Schedule—and Stick to it!
The Pomodoro Technique
Learn why a tomato may improve your time management abilities in this infographic!
To-Do List Dos and Don'ts
Make the most of your to-do list with the simple dos and don'ts in this infographic.
Daily To-Do List (fillable/printable)
Master List template (fillable/printable)
Stay on top of tasks and help create focused daily to-do lists by starting your week with a master list.
Project Tracker (fillable/printable)
Where Does the Time Go?
This interactive tool helps you visualize how you typically spend your time throughout the week, and helps you identify where you may have underutilized time for school work. See the video below for a quick demonstration.