10 Tips for Getting Good (or Better) Grades
As a college professor, I am often asked for my advice on how students can get better grades. And after a couple of years of refining my ideas, I have developed these 10 tips. And by the way, these tips will work for you — whether you are a first-year student or a senior, whether at a small college or a large university. These tips are universal.
So, if you are struggling with grades and interested in raising your grade point average, take a close look at these 10 tips for getting better grades.
Stay Motivated and Disciplined.
Use motivation to your advantage by reminding yourself that good grades lead to better opportunities. When motivation fades, stay disciplined and push through discomfort or procrastination. Even if you’re tempted to stop, sticking with it is more rewarding in the long run than quitting when it gets tricky.
Remain Engaged in Class.
The classroom is the best place to learn and retain information. Take advantage of the fact that your teacher is available, and you can discuss classwork with your peers. Listen closely to the teacher’s lesson, ask questions and participate in discussions.
Take Notes of Class Discussions.
While your teacher explains the subject, take notes of the main discussion points and jot down any questions that pop into your mind during the lesson. Ask these questions in class, and don’t forget to write the answers in your notebook, computer or tablet.
Don’t Be Scared to Ask for Help.
If you’re struggling to stay focused or having a hard time with a particular class, contact your teachers for help. They can take some extra time to give you more one-on-one instruction or recommend tutoring to help you comprehend the material. School counselors and family members can also help you develop a better study plan and organization.
Focus When Doing Your Homework.
Homework is essential to learning since it forces you to work independently, solve problems independently and memorize information. Block out a few hours in your schedule to focus solely on your homework and try to find a comfortable and quiet place, whether the library or a secluded room in your house.
Take Regular Breaks While Studying.
Studying nonstop for hours won’t give you the best results when getting good grades. Avoid exhausting your brain by taking a 15-minute break every 45 minutes studying. This technique can help your mind rest and retain information without causing you burnout.
Study With Classmates to Improve Your Learning.
It’s a great idea to have a study group session with other students every once in a while. Sharing your ideas with others, defending your arguments and explaining a topic in your own words are some of the best ways to comprehend a subject thoroughly.
Keep a Tidy Workspace.
A messy workspace is a reflection of your mind. When there’s a mess on your desk, your brain will find it difficult to concentrate. Keeping the place where you study clean and organized will make the study session much more effective.
Stay Organized With a Planner.
Students often juggle a heavy workload at school alongside extracurricular activities, a social life and sometimes jobs. Do yourself a favor and invest in a practical agenda or a digital planner, and jot down your to-do list and deadlines so you can plan your studying accordingly and never miss an assignment.
Establish a Study Routine.
It can be easy to postpone studying when things arise: a sports game, an outing with friends or needing a restful nap ASAP. However, creating a routine for studying will help you stay focused and consistent. Try to set some time aside every day to practice and review. Most importantly, come up with a schedule that works for you and stick to it!
Prioritize Your Health.
You’re nourishing your brain when you care for your body by eating healthy meals. Avoid binging on junk food and prioritize varied and balanced meals. Most importantly, never skip meals. Have a nourishing breakfast every morning to feel your best at school.
Get Quality Rest.
A good night’s sleep is crucial so your brain can rest and process all the information obtained during schoolwork and homework. Avoid pulling all-nighters and get adequate sleep each night, and you’ll notice how much better you remember the material.
Take Care of Your Fitness.
It might not seem related, but exercising can improve your grades. A healthy body equals a healthy mind. When you do sports or recreational physical activity, your brain releases chemicals that will enhance your mood and brain functioning, which help you learn better.
Final thoughts on improving your grades
Following these guidelines should help your grades immensely, but here is one other tip. Remember to think of your professors as your allies, not your enemies. And if not your allies, at least your partners. Our goal is for every student to learn and master the materials in the course. And if you master the materials, you should have a good grade in the class. And if you’re struggling with some aspect of the course, just go see the professor. We’re here to help you become the best you can be.
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