by Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
An “A” can speak for itself: it means good grades, hard work, determination, drive, passion and the list could go on and on.
However, it can be easier said than done. A person can have the mindset and the goals to obtain good grades, but you also need to apply yourself. In doing so, it gives you the chance to land a spot on the Dean’s or Chancellor’s List.
We are not talking about cramming in assignments the night before a big project is due – we are talking about planning in advance and using the sources and tools that are available to you. Being placed on the Dean’s List is not just anything, it is a milestone and honorable mention that students have to put in countless hours of studying for.
You may be thinking: How? That part is easy, but you may have to stop by Target for the essentials. First, you’ll need to make sure that you have a planner, highlighters, flashcards, colored pens, sticky notes and anything else you think will help you to perform your best work.
Now you will want to familiarize yourself with the Dean’s List and all the requirements to get on it. Make sure you are enrolled in twelve credit hours and hold a grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 for Dean’s List and a 3.80 for Chancellor’s List.
Pass in every assignment on time and complete it to the best of your ability. Do not look at homework as mindless busy work, but rather use it as an aid to boost your grade. If you didn’t do so well on a quiz, little things like homework and class participation will help you to pick up lost points.
Likewise, be sure to participate in your classes. We are all in college for a reason, don’t be afraid to answer questions or ask questions during class. There is no such thing as a stupid question! By conversing, you are showing to professors that you care! Of course, you’re also helping yourself better understand the course material.
Take advantage of extra credit assignments, even if you already have good grades.
Extra credit allows you to gain extra points towards an assignment you may not score so high in. Ask your professor if they offer extra credit, because 99.9 percent of the time, your professors will allow you to do some sort of extra work.
You also want to make sure you unplug. Put away your phone and stop looking at the clock. Take your time while doing classwork and homework. Make sure you understand all of the readings you’re given, and complete all components of any assignments that you have.
If you do not understand something, make an appointment with your professor or one of the tutoring centers on campus.
You can also find a buddy in each of your classes, that way the two of you can discuss your classwork together. It is always better when you can bounce ideas back and forth with someone else. You may know the saying, “we learn from each other,” and it’s honestly true!
Making weekly trips to the library will allow you to space out and budget your time for assignments. The library is a quiet place, which is perfect for those who need peace while doing homework.
If you want to achieve good grades, you’ll want to make sure your working environment is ideal. Going to the library will create an organized atmosphere which will help keep you on track.
Everyday, be sure to eat a good breakfast and have balanced meals. Keeping a routine exercise schedule (while giving your brain a break from schoolwork) is also ideal. Don’t forget to give yourself time to recharge and sleep, as your “internal battery” will be full to conquer the next day!
At the end of each school day, regroup and look back at what you learned in your classes, refer back to notes, charts, textbooks and any other tools that reflect the lesson and subject you have just learned. Read it to yourself – that way when it comes time for the test you will be ready to rock it.
By incorporating these study habits and ways of life, you will be able to achieve those A’s and land a spot on Dean’s list this semester and semesters to come. Good luck!