Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

The time was 5:30 a.m. -- ugh! Chemistry class would start at seven. I rolled over in bed and punched the alarm off. As long as I don't miss class again after this, I thought, I should be OK, right? Wrong!

I failed that class and it was only my first semester. For a year and a half I struggled to redeem my GPA and failed miserably. I blamed it on too many priorities and too little direction.

After some time off and some newfound pointers I came back from the brink, raising my GPA in the process. My first semester back I allowed only one B to slip into an otherwise perfect GPA. The second semester? All As. Yeah yeah, I studied a little harder and went to class more, but through a tough experience, I learned how to make the most of my study and class time. "If only I knew then what I know now..." I think over and over again. That's why I'd like to share these tips. Learn from my errors - and avoid making your own.

"Shop Around..."
When I first began college, I decided how many classes I wanted to take, arranged my class schedule, and whether or not I was satisfied with my professor, I stuck it out for the entire semester. I should have taken advantage of add/drop opportunities and "shopped" for my professors with the help of my school's advisors.

Most colleges and universities allow time to change your classes without financial penalty for at least a week or two. Typically there are several sections of the same class, each taught by a different instructor (particularly for lower-level and core-curriculum courses.) It's up to you to embrace the choices you have, and make the right ones. Fellow students are good sources of information, too. Upperclassmen or students who have been there a semester or two can advise you on professors and help you narrow down your choices.

With a list of instructors in hand, choose the sections that correspond with your schedule and attend each one. Collect the syllabi and decide which professor you are most compatible with. If it happens to be the class you originally enrolled in, great; if not, look into dropping that class and adding a new one.

The best instructors have a true passion for their field of study and a genuine interest in their students. It's worth it to wait a semester to get into a class that has a truly good professor.

"Getting To Know You..."
Once you have decided on your courses, get to know the professor. Here is how to befriend them. Attend classes faithfully and study often. Then, ask educated questions during class. Even if you think you could probably find out on your own, making first contact is important. Go see your instructor during office hours. Since most professors are required to set aside a time to be accessible, don't make them waste it. Go to them to clarify assignments or expand on class discussions.

There is an added benefit to personally knowing your professor: grades. I don't mean to brown-nose your way to an A. Many professors truly respect and recognize your extra effort to do well in the class. I can vouch for it. I took a botany class during my first semester back in college. Besides a bi-weekly lecture and weekly lab, the professor also offered an optional open lab for anyone who wanted extra help. Then, just before a test, he held a study session to crunch in those last minute questions. I never missed one. At the end of the semester I had an 88 average, but the extra effort earned me an A in my professor's grade book.


"Pass The Test..."
I sat in an anxiety-induced trance as the first test of the semester was passed around, wondering, "How well did I study?" If I had only known in my first year that I could have accessed one of the best study guides available -- an old test -- I would have done so, happily!

Many professors provide access to their past exams. The actual questions may change, but the format and types of questions frequently do not. This does not take the place of quality study time with notes and a textbook, of course, but seeing the test arrangement and content can boost your efficiency.

Organization of "test files" vary with each college or university. For example, the University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) maintains a test file room in the upper level of the student union where previously administered exams are filed according to class section and professor. Students can request the most recent tests for their class and have copies made.

The University of California (Berkeley, CA) uses a "course reserve" system. Students can go on-line to access the Doe Library catalogue for their professor and find where tests are kept. Sometimes it takes a little more research. The University of New Mexico, (Albuquerque, NM) holds tests in their Zimmerman Library, but student resources recommend you ask individual professors.

"In the know..."
Remember, nothing takes the place of diligent study habits and a clean attendance record. But, to take your grades over the top here are a few more tips:

• Will, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, says, "It's important to get involved with your professional student organizations." After two years at school, Will joined the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers,) meeting upperclassmen and professors, and became involved in what he calls an "inner-circle." The next semester he received his first scholarship. He credits his success to contacts within that
  organization.
• Cheryl, who graduated from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) with a double major in arts and dance, puts it simply: "Follow your heart." She entered college knowing her true passion and never looked back. Pursuing what you enjoy will in turn help you to enjoy learning, she says. If you like what you are doing, chances are, you will be successful.
• Most importantly, don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by this new phase in your life. If you stay focused and take advantage of these resourceful ideas, your grades will thank you for it.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments