Academic success is now more important than ever. Many students are also very busy with jobs as well as classes. It takes a great deal of focus to succeed as a student nowadays, between financial challenges and all of the distractions. The following seven tips, however, can help you excel in your academic career.
1. Choose Your Classes Strategically
While certain classes are required for your degree, many are electives. Not only that, but you often have choices regarding required classes. For example, you can take one class this semester and another one next semester. You may also have a choice between two or more professors. Do some research and find out which classes and professors are more in synch with your preferences and personality. This can help you enjoy the class more and get a better grade.
2. Sign Up For Extra Classes
One sneaky trick to doing well academically is to sign up for more credits than you really want. Of course, if you are already planning to sign up for the maximum number of credits allowed, this won’t work. However, if you are planning to take 15 credits, you could sign up for 18. This gives you a chance to experience all of these classes and then drop one. You should drop the class that seems like it will give you the most trouble, provided that it’s not mandatory.
3. Join a Study Group
Study groups can be very useful for helping you succeed in challenging classes. If a study group does not already exist, you can organize one. These groups allow students to share research and pool their brainpower. When you are pursuing a difficult program such as a physics, legal or radiology bachelor degree, study groups can help you survive and even thrive.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Many college students sacrifice sleep in their attempt to juggle classes, jobs and socializing. This is a mistake that can be harmful to your health as well as your academic career. Your mind cannot work at its full capacity when you’re sleep deprived, so make time to get at least seven hours of sleep on average.
5. Study Consistently -Don’t Cram
Cramming is a common practice in college, but not one that’s conducive to learning and high grades. Cramming is not really a viable strategy and is usually the result of not keeping up with the material consistently. One problem with cramming is that you can only do so much of it. So when you cram for one subject, you end up neglecting others. It’s far more efficient to space your reading and studying out evenly.
6. Identify Your Best Study Location
Some people study best in a quiet room. Others absorb material more efficiently in the library or a crowded cafe. Pay attention to how different environments affect you. You may even find that it’s best to alternate your study locations from time to time.
7. Don’t Multitask When Studying
Set aside time to study and don’t let yourself get distracted by phone calls, the internet or in-person conversations with friends. You can’t always avoid distractions, but you can keep them to a minimum. When you focus entirely on studying, you get more out of it.
These recommendations can help you succeed academically in college. College takes a certain amount of focus and commitment. When you get distracted or feel frustrated, remember to think about your goals.
