The new year and the start of the winter term brings with it a clean slate, as far as your grades are concerned.
If you didn’t do as well as you would have liked to in the fall term, now is your chance to start fresh and get the grade you really want. If, on the other hand, you absolutely crushed it in the fall term, don’t get overconfident — because we’re starting from zero again.
Getting the grade you want can be tough, but it’s definitely possible. Alma College staff and faculty are here to help you ace your classes this winter term. Here are some tips:
- Alma College Blog: Three Questions to Ask on Your College Visit
1. Get a tutor
If you know that the class you’re taking isn’t your strongest subject, you can reach out for help even before you need it.
2. Think about how you have been successful before
Seriously. Think about a time from your past when you set a goal and accomplished it. What did you do that enabled you to accomplish your goal? How can those actions you took transfer over to your current situation?
3. Share your successes
Take some pride in getting good grades! Call your family, meet up with friends or post about it on social media. You deserve a pat on the back, so give yourself one.
4. Get involved in activities on campus …
… even if they have nothing to do with academics! Simply being involved in clubs, organizations, teams and jobs will give you a support group that benefits you in the classroom.
5. Ask a question
Whether it’s before, during or after class, raising your hand and making your voice heard will help keep you focused.
6. Set a schedule
It has been shown that students who sleep, eat and study at regular times throughout the week tend to do better academically than students who make up their schedules as they go.
7. Take care of yourself
Whatever your pleasure is — talking to friends, going for a run, or playing video games — don’t forget to put some of it in your schedule.
8. Go to office hours
Nobody knows the subject matter of your classes better than the faculty member who is leading your class. They schedule office hours for a reason, so go talk to them! If having a 1-on-1 meeting seems intimidating, bring a classmate.
9. Go to class
I know it’s hard to get out from under your warm blankets when it’s winter outside, but going to class is important. Even if you’re not 100-percent focused, being there in-person is better than being in your dorm room.
10. Ask for help — and be willing to accept it
You are never alone when you’re on campus. Faculty and staff want to see you succeed. Even if they don’t know the answer to the question you’re asking, more than likely, they can help you get to where you need to be.
