How did you earn A's while attending college? ?

Question

My first semester in college begins on Monday. I'm taking Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, and Philosophy. I have been contemplating possible ways to earn A's in my classes. I'm starting college with a 3.2 because I paid for some high school college credit classes and didn't receive A's in them. I want to raise my 3.2 to at least a 3.5 by the end of my freshman year.

I'm thinking I should read the chapters before class; take notes during class; then review my notes after class. I will probably have to make note cards for my classes like Biology and Chemistry because of the extensive vocabulary.

Anyone have any other suggestions??? I'm a fairly slow reader and poor note taker. = (

Answer 1

Sounds like you have the right idea. The most important part will be staying on top of reading and what not. In my experience, the high school college courses were WAAAAAAAAAY more difficult than actual college courses, so hopefully that will happen for you too.

Other suggestions: You should plan on studying 3 hours for every class hour you take per week. Example: If you have a 3 hour Philosphy class, you should be studying at least 9 hours outside of class, or at least until you have a good grip on the subject material.

Good luck!

Answer 2

do "A" work

the teachers dont really walk around and stare at your notes and see if your paying attention, the work that you turn in is mainly what they judge on

Answer 3

As a former college student and a current college instructor, I have to say that getting A's is not as hard as everyone thinks it is. Here are the basics:

1. Do everything that the instructor requires of you. No exceptions. Read every assigned page, do every writing assignment, go to every class if attendance is required (NEVER miss more classes than those allotted). Simple.

2. Make sure you know the important dates (paper due dates, exams, study sessions). Plan accordingly.

3. Find a good place to study. You should find somewhere quiet, with no distractions. You should also make sure you're comfortable there. Especially if you have trouble reading, this will really help you focus. Take notes, underline, make note cards as you go.

4. After each class/assignment/chapter, ask yourself: do I understand everything I just covered. Remember, this is not just about memorizing, but about actual understanding. Do concepts make sense? Can you put them into practice? Can you explain them to a friend? If you can't, read it again. If you still can't, contact the instructor or T.A. Set up a meeting. Ask questions. Instructors are almost always more than happy to help!

5. If you get an assignment back on which you receive a bad grade, go to talk to the instructor about it (especially if this is a paper). Politely ask him/her to explain where you went wrong and what you could do better. They will be more than happy to help you out.

6. Participate in class and look involved. Don't sleep. Don't stare into space.

If you do all these things, there is no reason why you couldn't acheive an A! Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Never miss a day of class.

Ask questions (take advantage of the professor's office hours especially)

Go to study session held by TAs or the professors.

Budget plenty of time for papers and get feedback on rough drafts before you turn the final versions in.

Study with classmates whom you believe are grasping the material.

Take advantage of the professor's office hours.

Ask if you may tape lectures so that you can review them at your pace and take better notes.