No. 6: Six tips for the academically motivated

Maybe you're here to fumble through classes and live up the weekend. We won't judge. But for those of you who are already looking to graduate school, saying you've been published (and not in the student newspaper), or editing the law review, here are a few ways to milk your education for all its worth.

1) Do something honorable. The University Honors Program offers "an enhanced academic experience for intellectually motivated students," according to its website. Some students are invited into the Honors Program when they are accepted into UNH, while others receive invitations after their first couple of semesters. What's required? Four general education honors courses, that you take only with other honors students (and which are limited in size), as well as three courses that you designate "honors-in-major" and a senior thesis. You have to maintain a 3.4 GPA. It's also possible to do just the honors-in-major part. If you see the benefit of graduating with honors, this is probably for you. Downside? There's no difference in GPA whether or not you take a class as honors, and your grade could suffer as a result.

2) Consider UNH-Manchester. UNH's urban sibling isn't given much attention around UNH. But you can take classes there just as you can take classes here. UNH-Manchester offers a number of programs in the liberal arts as well as pre-professional programs, such as business and computer technology. The courses are different, so you may be able to explore an interest within your major that's been previously untapped. The other upside? Smaller classes, so there's more hands-on learning. The eternal downside is that you're on your own traversing the 40 miles to Manchester, as there is no school-sponsored transportation.

3) You pay the same amount of tuition whether you take 16 or 20 credits. At UNH, most classes are four credits, so a typical four class schedule is 16 credits for the semester. It's worth noting, however, that you don't pay extra until you are taking more than 20 credits per semester. So you can take an extra course for free, essentially (minus any extra fees associated with that course). That may not sound that desirable to some, but it comes in handy if you're trying to double-major, graduate a semester or two early, or figure out a way to fit in that insanely awesome semester abroad program whose credits don't transfer.

4) You need your advisor. This isn't high school anymore. You're on your own. Well, mostly. They do give you an advisor to help you navigate the maze that college can be. An advisor is a faculty member in your area of study (or, if you are undeclared, you'll receive one from the University Advising and Career Center) that you meet with at least before you sign up for classes, basically each November and April. They're there to help you navigate course requirements and get you out of here after a few years. Plus, if you get to know them, they can write good references for jobs and internships.

5) You don't need your advisor. In all honesty, you should be able to navigate college on your own. The required classes for every major are listed online, along with general education requirements, writing intensive requirements, and the like. You're not going to be able to cover all this in a single fifteen minute session with your advisor once a semester. Advisors love students who do the prep work beforehand, and just come in for their signature. It's your education. Be responsible for it.

6) Nothing has more acronyms than college, with the possible exception of the federal government. There's a number that should be on your radar. UROP, IROP, SURF, URA, and REAP all pay you to do research in an area of interest over the summer. REAP, which stands for "Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program" (thank goodness for the acronym) is designed for after your freshman year, so start thinking early.