What’s not to like about college? You live with your friends, have relatively few responsibilities, and can pretty much do whatever you want. But there's one inconvenient truth about college life: You have to do work, and you have to do it well enough.
Yes, with the fun and independence of college it's easy to forget why we’re there: to study, learn and prepare for a career. Grades are ever-important in deciding your future, whether it be landing a job straight after undergrad or applying for graduate schools and programs. College classes can sometimes seem impossible when you're looking at 20-page papers, four-hour exams, and all the rest that gets thrown at you. It's easy to get discouraged.
There are, however, some tried-and-true ways of upgrading your grades and preparing yourself for whatever comes next. Here are are my favorite tips.
1. Take classes you’re passionate about.
2. Research your professors before deciding to take their class.
Look for answers to questions like: What do other students think of them? Are they engaging? Do they grade fairly? Are they easy to communicate with?
3. Practice self-care. Maintain healthy habits (food, exercise, sleep).
4. Don’t procrastinate! Start your assignments early and work on them a little at a time right up until the due date.
5. Form study groups with your peers. Groups work. Everybody knows something you don't know.
6. Surround yourself with equally motivated friends.
7. Reach out to your professors if you’re struggling.
8. Schedule in “homework time” for everyday.
9. Don't be overwhelmed by free time. You'll have gobs of it, and it's best to schedule in that time the same way you schedule in study time.
10. On that note, get a planner or download google calendar. It will help you to organize your time and to remember important things.
11. Don't be afraid to take study breaks.
15 minutes is ideal to take a walk, talk to some friends, or grab a snack.
