Starting the Semester Right

As the holidays end school semesters and quarters are starting again, and we all have trouble starting another run at grabbing A’s or just passing the class. I’ve learned from experience that getting a strong start often helps you make the grade you want. By starting well, most students can end well since what you do in the beginning can turn into habit and get you started on your way to good grades in not just this quarter but the rest of your academic career.

 

Tip 1: Do Things Early

Before school even starts find out where your classes are so that you are not late. Professors like to hand out syllabi right from the beginning of class and if you arrive late, odds are, you’ll have to come up and ask him for intro materials later.  I’ve learned that professors really get peeved by that, and if you want a letter of recommendation, you’ve might have killed your chance. Also buy your books early since many books get sold out the first week and then you’ll have to wait to do homework. If you really want a letter of recommendation, talk to the professor right from the start to leave a first impression.

 

Tip 2: Make Study Buddies

Usually people do better if they have peers to provide support and share questions with. When you go into a class, you should know at least a few people, especially if you share a major you should be taking similar classes to people of your same major so your study buddies should be able to share many of your classes. Other benefits of study buddies are buying books off them as well as sharing notes off them and old tests for classes you need to take and they have taken.

 

Tip 3: Stick to a Schedule

 Being time efficient is important especially in the later years. A good schedule should not only include school events and homework assignments, but outside activities such as going to parties or grocery shopping. A schedule should not only help you manage your time, but help you visualize if you’re being fully efficient with your time. A key thing students have trouble with when dealing with schedules is adhering to them so remember to do that.

 

Tip 4: Save Everything

This sounds like a weird tip, but most students I know who get high grades save everything. The reason this helps is you need to keep your old tests and midterms during that semester review concepts and get good grades. Also, classes often repeat concepts from previous ideas and having material from old classes is a good way to review.

 

Tip 5: Don’t Burnout

Cramming and studying hard is important, but you need to relax so that you don’t get so tired. By balancing your work and recreation, you can find a good balance to get good grades and still have time to enjoy yourself.

What are some of the things that you do to start the semester off right?

Have a good semester everyone!
-Dan

Comments

[Edward Halim]

Hey Dan!

Thanks for the great post. I'm glad that you're a part of FOBlog now!

-Ed

[d. rob]

Good stuff.