10 Tips To Succeed in Class
10 Tips To Succeed in Class
10 Tips To Succeed in Class
• Understand course expectations. Most professors give out a class syllabus during the first week
of classes -- and it is your responsibility to know deadlines and all the requirements for the
course.
• Understand professors on personal level. Rather than viewing the professor as some figurehead
at the front of the class who decides your fate in some abstract way, get to know your professor
as a person. Visit him or her during office hours, or stay after class.
• Communicate with professors when you are struggling.
3. Get/Stay Organized
5. Become "Noteworthy"
• Be an active listener in class. Don't read the newspaper, gossips with friends, or text your
roommate during class. Instead, listen attentively and actively -- and ask for clarification when you
need it.
• Take good notes in class.
• Rewrite or organize notes on your computer outside of class.
• Study early and often. Breaking your studying into shorter periods of time will make less of a
chore -- and give your mind time to absorb the material before moving on.
• Develop and practice good study habits. Make it a habit and studying will become second nature
to you.
• Know how you best study, learn material. Some people need complete silence to concentrate
while others like a little noise. Find what works for you and stick with it.
• Study with friends to gain support, but… don't turn it into a social event.
• Make sure work is done before socializing. Studying is critical to learning, which is critical to
better grades -- so do the work before heading out to have fun.
9. Be a Good Test-Taker
• Know what to expect on exams. Every professor has a style of test development, so obtain old
copies or ask the professor directly. Know the types of questions that will be asked -- as well as
the content that will be covered.
• Read questions carefully and plan answers. Take your time at the beginning of the test to read
through all the instructions and make a plan of attack.
• Pace yourself so you have plenty of time to complete all parts. And know the point v alues of
questions, so you can be sure to complete the most important ones first in case time does run
out.
• Ask questions. If you don't understand something, or need clarification of the question, ask the
professor. Don't wait to get the exam back and find you answered a question the wrong way.
Final Thoughts
Following these guidelines should help your grades immensely, but here is one other tip. Remember to
think of your professors as your allies, not your enemies. And if not your allies, at least your partners.The
goal is for every student to learn and master the materials in the course. And if you master the materials,
you should have a good grade in the class. And if you're struggling with some aspect of the course, just
go see the professor. They are there to help you become the best you can be.
Adapted from 10 Tips for Getting Good (or Better) Grades by Dr. Randall Hansen.