Wow. That was quick. Straight onto academic probation after one semester… How did this happen? If there’s anything I learned about being on academic probation- it’s how to make a comeback. Here are my top 8 tips on how I turned around my freshman year.

1. It is impossible to get through college like you did in high school.

The amount of work and expectations placed on you in college is an entirely different experience. It took me a whole semester to realize that you cannot just scrape by like you may have done before. Personally, I didn’t do a lot of work and had never really studied properly in my life before college, which was a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

2. You cannot underestimate your abilities.

One of the most important lessons that I learnt is that you are capable of whatever you put your mind to. When I was trying to motivate myself, one of the best ways was to simply realize that with effort comes results, and that I am capable of being in college. Mentally, it was incredibly hard to get back on track and continue my second semester, but understanding and believing that I was capable was helpful in itself, and led to success.

3. Learning to listen- really listen.

There is a difference between listening, and active listening. As much as we all wished we were actively listening and absorbing content while watching Netflix or playing games during our lectures, it just isn’t true. It was important for me to learn that everything has a place- and lecture is not always that time. Trust me, I know lectures can be boring and tedious, or maybe you’ve even heard it all before, but the act of taking notes or reading the slides turns regular listening into active listening, and allows you to absorb the content better. Not only do you need to listen in lectures, but listen to those around you- your professors, and your academic advisors, needless to say they probably know more than you do.

4. There are people paid to help you excel- find them and utilize them.

Academic advisors, counsellors, professors, deans, success and help centers, and even your assistant professors or teaching assistants- universities do everything in their power to help you succeed. Take advantage of the opportunities and people set in place to help; it will be the key to your grades.

5. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

It’s the old adage that is easy to forget- you need to remember what is worth stressing over, and what is worth your time. I had to learn to spend my time on more efficient things, like homework and studying, rather than worrying about having a booming social life and hundreds of friends.

6. Balance.

To the same extent, I had to learn balance. In my first semester, I was very caught up in having a social life and getting the typical college experience. In my second semester, I did the complete opposite in an attempt to improve my grades. After many Friday and Saturday nights of sitting in my dorm room watching "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," I discovered that the key to a great semester is balance. Both academics and social, both going out and staying in.

7. Do what you love.

When applying for colleges and orientations, I picked a major that I thought I would enjoy. As time went on, and class choices, I realized during my first semester that I was not doing something that I would enjoy for the rest of my life. Not only was I left feeling trapped, but felt unmotivated to study or work hard on the subjects that I didn’t want to be doing. For my second semester, I changed things around and tried something new, and something completely different, which is reflective of my complete success. It is incredible how much easier it is to succeed when you enjoy what you are doing, so do what you love. There’s something for everyone in college, don’t waste time doing anything you’re not crazy about.

8. Do it for yourself.

By far the most important lesson that I learned in improving my grades over the last two semesters is that the only person who you can work hard for is yourself. Don't do it for your family, your high school math teacher, or because it is what is expected of you. You have to do it for yourself, as it is your personal achievement, not somebody else's.