Whether you're an incoming freshman or going into your senior year of college, every year presents new challenges academically and emotionally. One semester you might be swamped with tedious homework and readings, the next semester could be filled with exams and presentations, and then the next semester could consist of the most dreaded of them all, group projects. All the semesters are tough in their own way, and it definitely shows teachers how well a student can adjust to different teaching styles, projects and environments.
Being successful in college is definitely harder than it seems. Every major, class and teacher is different, and there is no perfect rule book for how to handle them all. But there are ways to set yourself up for success that not every college student takes advantage of, sometimes they rely too much on their teachers, advisers and group project members to take care of the work for them. If you've been struggling in the classroom, here are some tips for how to set yourself up for good grades in your college courses.
Prepare your schedule in advance and take care of managing your classes on your own.
If taking 15 credits last semester was too much for you, see if it's possible to only take 12 this semester and maybe get a class out of the way during the summer. If you've scheduled five classes in a row with no break for lunch, recognize that it might not be the best idea and you should make time to have a mental break in between classes. And, while your adviser should be on top of their stuff and know what classes you need to graduate, there's nothing wrong with taking the initiative yourself to know what exactly is left between where you are now and graduation.
Establish a good relationship with your professors.
Speak up in class when no one else will. Even if you didn't do the reading, asking questions shows that you're making an effort and trying to learn the course material. Don't be afraid to talk to them after class or visit them in their office hours if you don't get the homework. Most likely, they will be more than willing to help you,..unless they're a nutjob...or you're a nutjob.
Find a good study buddy in each of your classes.
Having someone you can text if you have questions about the homework or if you accidentally miss a class and need to catch up, is so valuable and necessary to be successful in the classroom. Together, you can build massive study guides on Google Drive or actually meet up and quiz each other on the material. This person doesn't have to be your best friend, but someone that can hold you accountable and help you ace your exams and big assignments.
Find whatever works for you to help you stay organized.
Some people love using the old school planners and insist that they work wonders. Some people hate organizing things and write all the reminders they need on their hands or on scratch pieces of paper that they leave around their room. The point is, you don't have to stick to just one form of organization, but try out a bunch of different ideas and see what works best for you. Whether it's making a Google Calendar with a different color for each of your classes, or it's buying a big white board and writing all your obligations scattered across of it. Chances are, one of them you will like more than the others and it will help you get all of the stuff in your head written out in front of you.
READ THE SYLLABUS.
I know, no one wants to read the syllabus. But, some professors hide information on extra credit in them. Some teachers map out the entire semester with the assignments so you have no surprises. Some classes require a certain grade for you to pass. You never know what makes that professor tick or what makes that class different and reading the syllabus will keep you from any unwanted surprises later on in the semester.
And...last but not least.
Learn how to say "no".
You're in college, there are a TON of temptations lying around to make it so easy to procrastinate on writing a paper or to not study for your final. While going out is always a more fun alternative than studying, sometimes saying "no" will pay better off for you in the long run. There will always be other parties, other nights for you to hang out with friends, but there will only be one O-chem final.
