Study tips and how to keep up my GPA in college?

Question

I'm starting my freshman year in a few weeks and I have to keep a 3.7 GPA to keep my scholarship. Is this going to be ridiculously hard? I had a 3.9 GPA in high school, but I also procrastinated a lot! I'm taking a general philosophy class, english 2010, chem 1050, and math 1050. If I study well, don't procrastinate, and concentrate will I be fine? Any tips or advice would be great, thanks!

Answer 1

I was in the EXACT same situation when I started college 5 years ago.  Trust me, it is a good thing!  Knowing that my funds would be cut if I slacked off motivated me to stay on top of my studies.

My tips:  I setup my schedule to have only morning and afternoon classes, with some breaks in between.  Treat college like an 8 to 5 job.  Use your breaks to study and do homework.  Use the time in the afternoon to finish your studies.  Try to bust your butt every day and get done before dinner.  Then you have the whole night to catch a flick, watch your shows, have a drink, just relax!  It really helped me get thru each day, knowing I had the evening to myself.

Also, keep in communication with all of your professors once every couple of weeks.  If you are missing work, or have a low test grade, some will be willing to help your grade out if you show that you are willing to put forth the effort.

Finally, choose good friends.  If you hang out with a bunch of late night partying slackers, you will turn into one.  Find students who have similar goals as you, and make friends with them.

Ok, finally for real this time, find a couple of smart people within each class, exchange numbers, and study with them.  I cannot tell you how many times I had a "smarter" student carry me through a difficult class.  This does NOT mean cheating.  It means having someone who can help you study.

I kept my scholarship all 4 years.  Never paid a dime for college.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like a good plan! Don't party, and try to find friends who study, too.

Find a way to stay in shape - you'll have more energy, and you'll be healthier.

Good luck!