For some of us college students, starting college is not the easiest in terms of grades, GPA, and studying. Fortunately enough, its okay to have a bad semester...seriously!
You have to learn how to effectively work somehow even though it might take time and a try or two. With a new semester around the corner, and a new year ahead, why not make it a resolution to get on Dean's List or even slightly boost your GPA? In order to get there, consider the following:
1. The balance of your social life and your student life
This is a huge deal. Of course you only go to college once and you want to go out as much as you can (I do too believe me.) The unfortunate thing is for a lot of people, studying just does not come first when it comes to a Thursday or Friday night. It stinks but this is simply put: stay in. There are endless days and nights to go out.
2. The length of studying
When compared to high school, studying in college is a complete different ball game. Studying a day or two max before a test in high school usually kept you by. Depending on your course load in college, you may have to study a week (or even two) in advance. This is the true key to success. By studying longer, not only do you have multiple chances to effectively learn the material, you also store it in your long-term memory compared to your short-term memory used primarily in high school.
3. The effectiveness of your studying
Skimming notes a few times just doesn't cut it anymore. In the last year and a half of my college career I have destroyed books with highlight marks and sticky notes, made outlines, notecards, and rewrote facts numerously until I remembered them. This is purely a trial and error process. You have to learn how you specifically learn. Through pictures, verbal discussions, or endless practice problems, you may be surprised to see which best suits you.
4. Your unapparent lack of effort
Even though you may be studying a lot more than you used to, something may still be off. College provides you with numerous free tools that you most definitely should utilize. Reviews, timed practice exams, tutors, and guided study groups are some of the best places to ask questions and find other students to study with. GO! It may seem intimidating, but these are led by people who have either taken your class already. They may have already seen your exam, too.
5. Going to class
I get it. There's only so much time in a single day. There may be a class you just cannot focus in and you may just not go (I've been there). Seriously though, going to class is so easy and the best way to learn. If you simply just do not want to go, you're wasting your money. Like I said, though, I've been there. If you don't go make sure you put the work in outside of the classroom.
6. Utilizing your textbooks
I had to take my own advice here. I did not even open some of my textbooks last year. These books cost money, whether you rent them or buy them. Textbooks are a great way to get into complete depth on topics you just do not understand. Outlining textbooks with sticky notes was one of the best things I did this year.
Believe in yourself. Hard work goes a long way!
