How to Get Good Grades in College

So, you've successfully gained a place at college, and are all set to begin studying your chosen degree course. Suddenly, it hits you that college is a completely different ball game than high school. If you want to succeed in gaining a valued degree, you will have to perform well and get good grades. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you along the way.

The number one tip for getting good grades is simply to not miss any classes. Whilst your newfound freedom will no doubt get to your head at some point, you should always remember the value of going to a lecture. No, there won't be a roll-call at the beginning of the lesson. But there will be an examination at the end of the year. It's surprising how much missing just a few days of class can affect your final grade. In addition to that, you will have the added pressure of catching up what you've missed.

So - you're at the lecture. Great start. But simply being there isn't going to take care of everything: you need to be vigilant, take notes and listen to everything the lecturer is saying, picking out the key points to jot down. It's very easy to let your attention wander if the class isn't particularly interesting. But surely, as you've gone the effort of getting there, it's worth paying attention and getting the most out of it.

If your class includes student participation or discussion, get yourself involved. By interacting with your teacher and fellow students, you are immersing yourself in the subject of the class, and will therefore learn the most about it. As well as this, you will gain a reputation with your professors for being enthusiastic and active - they really like this in a student. Don't worry about being classed as a 'geek'. In the end, you'll be the one coming out with top marks on results day. Being at college makes it tempting to go out partying every night and sleep in till mid-afternoon. Obviously, this kind of behavior will have a negative impact on your grades.

Be sure to strike a healthy balance in your routine. Of course, it's fine for you to party at the weekend, and socialize during the week, but make sure you have time for study too. Remember, the whole point of being at college is to get a degree, not to become a seasoned party animal (you wouldn't be sat here reading this if you didn't care about your degree).

It is important not to take on too much work at once. Doing this will make you stressed out, as you won't have enough time to study all of your work properly. Fulfill your potential in a sensible way by taking no more than five courses per semester. It is better to have quality in your degree rather than quantity.

When it comes to the exams, start preparing well in advance. Most colleges have examinations all together at the end of the year, which is likely to differ from the system you had in high school. It is advisable to start revising around ten to fifteen weeks before your exams start, depending on how many you have. In the exams themselves, don't forget to take a bottle of water to keep your brain hydrated.

If you stick to these simple guidelines, you are sure to do brilliantly at college and get the good grades you deserve. This should hopefully pave the way to a fantastic career, doing something you are truly passionate about.