How to Get Good Grades in College

College seems daunting, but in many ways it is easier to succeed there than in High School, if you know how.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Preparation
• Info about your school
• Books, paper, the internet
• Determination

1. In High School: AP classes are for more than admissions. They will make you prepared for the work level ahead at college. You also get transfer credits for doing well on the AP tests allowing you to skip lame introductory courses.

2. Ease yourself into it. Don't feel pressured to do everything all at once. Your first semester/quarter should contain at least one "fun" class that you will truly enjoy and find easy so that you keep wanting to be in college.

3. If you can't handle it, drop it. If you think a class is going to stress you out wait a while to take it...wait until you are prepared to take on the challenge otherwise you could fail and have to take the class over again anyway. Other options include changing required coursed to Pass/Failing grading standard to protect your GPA (counsult counselor or school webpage for information).

4. Go to class, every single one. And if you can't borrow someone's notes. Also, while lectures may be okay to miss sometimes "discussions" or "sections" are very very important to attend since participation is often part of your grade and the TA's cover extra material, answer questions, and often grade your papers.

5. Sit up front and take notes. This will make you pay attention and give you something to study later. Also - pay attention to the syllabus it offers information on due dates, tests, projects etc.

6. Use the resources: Go to office hours. Even if you have to invent a question - the professor/TA will feel good if you visit them...overt sucking up may work for some professors but not all so be careful.
   Colleges also offer free tutoring and information at Learning Centers (consult school website again for more info).

7. Do the reading...just do it. Use study techniques such as SQ3R and info shrinking (how to's on those to follow).

8. Don't procrastinate. Break projects, reading, etc up into smaller peices so it's not overwhelming...You'll be surprised with how much time you have if you just do a little bit every day. Keep it all organized with a planner.

9. Don't party every night. Try to only party on weekends or when your classes aren't until much later the next day. Be sure to get good sleep and eat well to keep up your health and mental capacity.

[johndedwards]

on 8/31/2009 I could not agree more but to really get good grades at school you must change your thoughts and mindset so that it is entirely focused on success at school and not on your past or current results. Use your mind to create your success. Learn more at www.getgoodgrades.org