How to Get Good Grades
Getting good grades may be a little easier than you expect. Here’s the catch: You have to work on it, a little everyday. You should also remember that the sooner you get started with these tips, the better. While it’s not impossible to raise your grades in the middle of the semester, it does becomes harder. Here’s how to get good grades if you’re last name isn’t Einstein.
Take Notes
It’s the first rule in the book, but many students don’t know the power of having great notes. While having extensive notes is always helpful, remember that half your time and energy should be devoted to actually listening to the lecture. Many students learn their own way of filtering the important details of the notes to be able to listen to the lecture. Diagrams should always be copied and a legible handwriting is a must.
Why are notes important? They don’t just contain the information you need, the act of taking notes also helps you remember the information better. That’s why studying from your own notes is more effective than studying someone else’s notes. So develop your own style of note-taking, and you’ll be rewarded for it.
Listen and Participate in Classes
Listening can be daunting for the sleepy student with the droning teacher. However, this won’t be much of a problem if you approach your classes with a different perspective: By viewing classes as an opportunity to learn something new. Asking questions and being involved in your classes helps jog your memory too. Instead of mindlessly repeating facts in your head, you can have an actual memory to draw upon, during the class when you discussed so-and-so, when your teacher said this-and-that.
Here’s another tip: Being active in class means that your teacher will likely remember you when it comes to grading. This is a good thing, because being perceived as inquisitive and smart will get you plus points, literally.
Prioritize
Some more subjects or courses are just more important than others. Learn to prioritize which activities and academic work to prioritize over the other. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you can slack off with the “minor” subjects. Think of it as putting the homework in a minor subject as last in the list of things to do, but something you must still accomplish within the day.
Time Management
Procrastination is always lurking around the corner. While it may seem that you have all the time in the world, somehow you’ll find that there’s just not enough time at the end of the semester. That’s why you have to get things done while the time is looser at the early and middle part of the semester. This is because most tough academic work like exams and papers take place at the latter part of the year. Here’s how to manage your time:
Do your homework as soon as your classes are over. Homework makes up a surprisingly big portion of your grade is most subjects, and it helps you prepare for the next class. Not only will your homework be done, but you’ll be ready for recitation as well. So do it.
Review your notes nightly. Make it a serious review, like you have a test tomorrow. It will help imprint the information better in your mind, and this means less cramming on a critical time before exams too.
If you have a big project, do it bit by bit over the given time period. A hastily slapped-together project is obvious, so distribute your time doing it.
Stay organized. Keep a calendar, organizer or use your cellphone to get oriented on the things that must be accomplished that day. Scheduling is the very essence of time management, and having a good schedule means there’s little chance of getting off-guard.
Give yourself a break. Students can experience burnout, so have time to relax and enjoy yourself. Just don’t over-prioritize giving yourself breaks.