Are you ready for College? College life can become a great challenge because students have to balance your grades, your social life, and sometimes your job as well. Since college students are still “the students”, your grades are one of the most important measures for the knowledge and skills you acquired and talent you have. In order to achieve Success In College, achieving academically in college is crucial. The following six tips could help college students to receive better grades in the mean time have a balanced college life.

1. Attend All Your Classes and Be a Active Listener

Although, College has more freedom comparing with high school for class attendance policies, you should not skip classes. If you want good grades, there are several reasons why you should attend all your classes and be a active listener.

• Absorb and master course content efficiently and effectively. College professors are the mentors who are knowledgeable as experts in each academic area. In classroom, listening to the lectures and involving the discussion actively, is the best way to learn from professors.
• Take good notes in class. Get the most important details down so that you can refer back to them for reviewing and preparing exams.
• Build a good relationship with professors. Attending the classes and asking questions gives the best opportunity to network with your professors, which will benefit you for life.
• Many classes have in class assignments and pop quizzes that only could be taken and receive points in class.
• Earn attendance points and participation points. Many professors have attendance policies, so you can have a direct impact on your grade simply by attending and involving.
Usually it is easier to stay focused when sitting up front. If you miss one day of your classes, try to catch up as soon as possible by asking the teacher what material you missed and study it. Otherwise, you will fall behind more and more. Try to show up to every class.

2. Improve Your Study Method

Every professor has a different teaching style, find the best way for you to master the course.

• Understand course requirements and expectations. Most professors hand out a class syllabus during the first week of classes, and it is students’ responsibility to know deadlines and all the requirements for the course.
• Communicate with professors when you have a problem. If you are having problems with the course work or the tests, schedule an appointment to meet with the professor and get the help you need.
• Consider studying in places that are productive for you. For example, consider studying every day at a desk in a library.
• Take notes and review them regularly. Try to pick out from your notes what you are unfamiliar with.
• To prepare an exam, objectively evaluate what your weaknesses are and try to quickly improve those areas that may be on the exam.

3. Be Organized

College is all about multitasking. Planners can really help you to balance homework, project due dates and tests.

• Use a planner. make to-do lists daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Try to get your work done early, then you will have less stress and better outcome.
• Keep homework, tests, and class papers in folders or e-folder for e files. Don’t just throw away old homework assignments or tests. You’ll need them for studying for future tests.

4. Use the Textbook and Related Reference Books

Textbooks and reference books are supplements for the lectures and discussions from class. They are necessary for you to master the course contents and for preparing exams as well.

• Read all assigned material and do the related exercise questions.
• Do preview and review

5. Study Early and Often

“Time is money.” Time is life.” “Time is good grades”. You need to spend as much time as you can on your study to get good grades. The basic rule is you should be spending at least three hours outside of class for every hour in the class.

• Study early and often. This way gives your mind enough time to absorb the material and understand better before moving on.
• Develop good study habits. Make studying as a habit for you and it will become a nature to you, you will enjoy studying more and feel more fulfillment.
• Make sure your study work is done before doing other stuff like entertaining, socializing. Studying is critical to learning, which is critical to better grades.

6. Be a Good Test-Taker

All college classes have exams, and often the exams are the major portion of your final grade. Prepare the exams well and be a good test-taker.

• Prepare the exams well by starting reviewing early and finding out your weakness. Know what’s the important parts and the types of questions that the exams are going to test. Every professor has a style of test development, so obtain old copies or ask the professor directly are good ideas.
• Read questions carefully. Scan quickly all the instructions and make a plan of attack at the beginning of the test.
• Pace yourself so you have plenty of time to complete all parts as accurate as possible you can.
• Clarify when you need to. If you are not sure about the question being asked, ask the professor.

Always remember you are a college student, “study” is your business. Try to keep a positive attitude and have confidence. Your goal in college is to learn and master the knowledge and skill in the course. And if you master them, a good grade will come along. Be sure to take care of your health, just like the old saying “a healthy mind in a healthy body”.

Wish you Success In College and have a balanced college life!