College is difficult. Being a college student means a whole new schedule, challenging coursework and a variety of deadlines to keep up with. Freshmen usually arrive on their first day with the goal of excelling in all of their classes. However, actually earning those good grades is easier said than done. Follow these seven tips and you'll be one step closer towards that 4.0 GPA.
1. Don't be afraid to talk to your adviser
Students often struggle to navigate college and all its rules. Advisers are more than just people typing away at a computer. They are there to help you and answer any questions you may have. Instead of second guessing something, meet with your adviser. They can assist you with any topic, from general education requirements to elective credits. During my first semester at college, I wasn't aware that I needed a certain amount of credits to be considered a sophomore. My adviser patiently explained the issue and provided me with a list of recommendations for second semester courses. So don't be timid, and be sure to schedule a meeting when you need for help.
2. Find a way to organize your daily assignments
Juggling classes, clubs and essays is guaranteed to make you forget a deadline or two. Don't rely on the syllabus alone. Some professors will make an effort to announce upcoming readings or papers for their class, so take advantage of a planner. Use one to jot down your daily assignments and deadlines. Having your tasks all in one place is beneficial because you can check out what's due or what needs to be completed at any time. If you don't want to buy a planner, you can always take advantage of technology and write down everything on your phone. A concrete place to keep track of assignments is a step towards being an academically sound freshman.
3. Use the available resources at your college
You can always hire a tutor if you have the money, but why not save and use the resources at your college instead? Colleges often have tutors on campus to assist you with coursework on any subject, whether it's chemistry or English. Don't spend long hours looking around for an affordable tutor because your tuition is already paying for the tutoring services at school. Besides tutors, colleges usually provide academic workshops, in which people learn to become better, efficient students. You can only benefit from asking for help, so make sure to take advantage of the services at your school.
4. Talk to your professors
Office hours exist for a reason! Professors will usually put down their email and office hours on the syllabus, so be sure to go to them. If you ever have a question about an assignment or want extra credit, send an email to the professor and politely ask for a meeting. Be sure to suggest a time in advance, so you know early on if the professor can accommodate you. Establishing a meeting shows your professor that you're serious about the class. I have emailed three out of five of my professors this academic year, and they were all easy to talk to. Don't struggle with coursework when you can ask your professor to explain it.
5. Have your own study space
Being a college student means you will devote quite a lot of time preparing for exams. You don't want to ruin your studying process by not having your own space. I like to study at home in my bedroom, where it's quiet and I have all my books available. Some students can study anywhere while others need a specific area. If you require lots of silence to effectively study, don't head out to a park bench. Be aware of your own personal tastes, then figure out where you want to study. Having a good study space is just as essential as studying itself.
6. Reach out to other students
Your classes will have a mix of students from all years and ages. Get connected with other people in your class to ensure better academic results. Start talking to other students and ask to exchange contact information. Having another student's email will be incredibly helpful when you need to ask someone what you missed in class that day. Connecting with other students has mutual benefits. You can help them out when they're struggling and they can do the same in return. Study groups can also develop from having relationships with other students. Avoid sitting in silence in the classroom and converse with your fellow classmates.
7. Explore different styles of note-taking
This may sound silly, but there is more than one way of writing down notes for class. I often jot down whatever is on the board, then organize my notes later. However, there are different styles of note-taking that agree with different types of students. For example, the outline method of organizing your notes can be beneficial to someone who likes neatness. You can always stick to your style of note-taking, but take the time to look up other methods online. You may figure out a better way of arranging your notes, and this can lead you to excel in your classes. College is supposed to point you to your future career, so take academic tips seriously and apply them to yourself!
