2 answers
Nneoma
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
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What are some strategies and tools I can use in order to maintain a high GPA in college?
I will be entering college next year and I would like to know some ways in which I can maintain a high GPA. This is important for me because I would like to enter medical school after getting my Bachelor's degree.
#july20
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Nneoma everyone wants to succeed. It’s an innate human desire, and we often find ourselves upset or disappointed if we fall short of goals we set for ourselves. Having good grades is a common goal most high schoolers set to determine their success.
1.) DO YOUR HOMEWORK
That’s right—do your homework! For many classes, homework is the majority of your grade. It can pile up fast, so it’s crucial to stay on top of all your assignments. There are many benefits to completing your homework on time. First, you'll have an opportunity to put into practice what you learned. Second, you'll get an idea of what concepts you don't fully understand, and you can seek additional help. Third, you'll be on the same page as your professor and won't fall behind. Lastly, you'll earn the points you need to maintain good grades.
2.) DON'T SKIP CLASS
Most college classes meet once or twice a week, which means that missing one class can drastically affect you. It will be up to you to make sure you're regularly attending class and only taking off when it's absolutely necessary. Missing class could not mean not learning essential material or not taking an in-class quiz, and there's a good chance you'll fall behind. A class-participation grade is given in some classes as well, so skipping a lecture could mean losing points. If you’re completely lost and have no idea what’s going on, don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers and classmates. Teachers are there to help you, so asking for a tutoring session or to speak with them after class is completely normal and acceptable (even encouraged!).
3.) MEET EXPECTATIONS
When it comes to projects, essays, and any big assignments, it’s crucial to make sure you understand exactly what you have to do. When you have a topic or prompt for an essay, make sure you fully understand the expectations your teacher has. Make sure you attend all required meetings even if they are outside of class, such as field trips scheduled by your professors or group study sessions. It's your responsibility to contact your professor and explain if you're unable to attend a scheduled class component. It doesn't hurt to find out if you can make up for missing an event, either by attending on another date or by completing an extra assignment.
4.) JOIN A STUDY GROUP
Studying with other people can help with motivation and improve your understanding of your material. It is often quite hard to understand every detail of the lecture when doing self study. However, some colleagues of yours might have paid more attention to the parts you missed, and so, you can all help tofill in each other’s gaps. And in my experience, the best way to really learn and understand something is through explaining it to others. However, not all study groups are made equally. Be sure to team up with smart, dedicated students who will have a positive influence on you.
5.) BE DISCIPLINED & STAY ORGANIZED
You can get organized by jotting down important due dates in a physical or digital calendar. Make sure not to procrastinate - allow ample time for studying and completing assignments, rather than cramming the night before their due. You'll need to show up to class on time, complete all assigned readings before class, and take good notes during your professors' lectures. These positive study habits can help you earn the good grades you desire. Feel free to talk to your teacher if you’re confused by anything on the rubric. Stay on topic, do your research, prep in any way possible, and try your best. Don’t put things off until the last minute. Try to work little by little so you don’t get worn out, and plan according to your schedule.
Nneoma everything you do, do it to the best of your ability. You can want good grades, but nothing happens until you start doing the work. It’s important to stay diligent with your work and continue to do your best in and out of school. After all, we all want to succeed.
Hope this was Helpful Nneoma
1.) DO YOUR HOMEWORK
That’s right—do your homework! For many classes, homework is the majority of your grade. It can pile up fast, so it’s crucial to stay on top of all your assignments. There are many benefits to completing your homework on time. First, you'll have an opportunity to put into practice what you learned. Second, you'll get an idea of what concepts you don't fully understand, and you can seek additional help. Third, you'll be on the same page as your professor and won't fall behind. Lastly, you'll earn the points you need to maintain good grades.
2.) DON'T SKIP CLASS
Most college classes meet once or twice a week, which means that missing one class can drastically affect you. It will be up to you to make sure you're regularly attending class and only taking off when it's absolutely necessary. Missing class could not mean not learning essential material or not taking an in-class quiz, and there's a good chance you'll fall behind. A class-participation grade is given in some classes as well, so skipping a lecture could mean losing points. If you’re completely lost and have no idea what’s going on, don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers and classmates. Teachers are there to help you, so asking for a tutoring session or to speak with them after class is completely normal and acceptable (even encouraged!).
3.) MEET EXPECTATIONS
When it comes to projects, essays, and any big assignments, it’s crucial to make sure you understand exactly what you have to do. When you have a topic or prompt for an essay, make sure you fully understand the expectations your teacher has. Make sure you attend all required meetings even if they are outside of class, such as field trips scheduled by your professors or group study sessions. It's your responsibility to contact your professor and explain if you're unable to attend a scheduled class component. It doesn't hurt to find out if you can make up for missing an event, either by attending on another date or by completing an extra assignment.
4.) JOIN A STUDY GROUP
Studying with other people can help with motivation and improve your understanding of your material. It is often quite hard to understand every detail of the lecture when doing self study. However, some colleagues of yours might have paid more attention to the parts you missed, and so, you can all help tofill in each other’s gaps. And in my experience, the best way to really learn and understand something is through explaining it to others. However, not all study groups are made equally. Be sure to team up with smart, dedicated students who will have a positive influence on you.
5.) BE DISCIPLINED & STAY ORGANIZED
You can get organized by jotting down important due dates in a physical or digital calendar. Make sure not to procrastinate - allow ample time for studying and completing assignments, rather than cramming the night before their due. You'll need to show up to class on time, complete all assigned readings before class, and take good notes during your professors' lectures. These positive study habits can help you earn the good grades you desire. Feel free to talk to your teacher if you’re confused by anything on the rubric. Stay on topic, do your research, prep in any way possible, and try your best. Don’t put things off until the last minute. Try to work little by little so you don’t get worn out, and plan according to your schedule.
Nneoma everything you do, do it to the best of your ability. You can want good grades, but nothing happens until you start doing the work. It’s important to stay diligent with your work and continue to do your best in and out of school. After all, we all want to succeed.
Hope this was Helpful Nneoma
Thank You Dexter for your continued Support. Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
Doc Frick
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Nneoma,
I would do everything John stated as that answer was pretty complete.
I would, however, like to add a few more items. :)
1. Make friends with similar GPA goals. Who you spend time with are going to be people you become more like, so spend time with friends who also want that high GPA like you. If you don't, they'll lead you astray, even if they don't mean you harm.
2. Take care of your body. Of course, you need to study and to make sure that you're feeding your brain all the things it needs to learn, but don't skimp on your physical state. Try to stay disciplined and make exercise (even if it's walking a certain amount of steps/distance) a regular part of your life. When you look at the "successful" people in life (however you want to measure), I'm going to bet most, if not all, take care of their body.
3. Similar to the previous one, eat well. By eating a good diet, you'll have the confidence to achieve your goals, but also the steady energy that'll help get you there. By staying relatively fit eating a good diet, you'll get less sick, be less distracted, which will give you the time advantage over your peers (assuming you're graded on a curve).
4. Understand the fundamentals. Most classes are taught in a way where any new materials build on something that was taught in a previous class. So, don't skip a week of understanding what you're taught. If you have any questions or nagging desire to clarify any points, do so, that week (if possible). If you don't, you may build a learning debt that may come back to bite you at a later point.
5. Lastly, sleep well. Don't sacrifice your sleep. A good sleep habit will help your brain function smoothly, even when the stresses of life come your way.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
I would do everything John stated as that answer was pretty complete.
I would, however, like to add a few more items. :)
1. Make friends with similar GPA goals. Who you spend time with are going to be people you become more like, so spend time with friends who also want that high GPA like you. If you don't, they'll lead you astray, even if they don't mean you harm.
2. Take care of your body. Of course, you need to study and to make sure that you're feeding your brain all the things it needs to learn, but don't skimp on your physical state. Try to stay disciplined and make exercise (even if it's walking a certain amount of steps/distance) a regular part of your life. When you look at the "successful" people in life (however you want to measure), I'm going to bet most, if not all, take care of their body.
3. Similar to the previous one, eat well. By eating a good diet, you'll have the confidence to achieve your goals, but also the steady energy that'll help get you there. By staying relatively fit eating a good diet, you'll get less sick, be less distracted, which will give you the time advantage over your peers (assuming you're graded on a curve).
4. Understand the fundamentals. Most classes are taught in a way where any new materials build on something that was taught in a previous class. So, don't skip a week of understanding what you're taught. If you have any questions or nagging desire to clarify any points, do so, that week (if possible). If you don't, you may build a learning debt that may come back to bite you at a later point.
5. Lastly, sleep well. Don't sacrifice your sleep. A good sleep habit will help your brain function smoothly, even when the stresses of life come your way.
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter