Okay now, we all want good grades for many reasons: grad school, annoying parents, honor roll, whatever it may be. Maybe you’re taking 21 credits and balancing two jobs and an internship (like me) or you just think college is going to be the hardest thing ever and you’re so stressed. Don’t worry, it isn’t too bad! Here is a list of 11 things you need to do to achieve a 4.0 your freshman year:

1. Email your professor constantly. This is especially important when you find out you didn’t do so well on an exam. What I like to do is make sure I am apologetic and stress the importance of grades. If you play your cards right, most professors will give you an extra assignment to make it up
2. Actually attend your professors’ office hours. I would say going two to three times a semester will show your professor you care about the class without it seeming too over the top.
3. Your planner is your life. Everyone has their own way of staying organized. For me, it's my planner. Make sure to not only write down dates when things are due but also make sure you break up larger projects into mini due dates. It’ll cause you to not freak out
4. Find out where and how you like to study, and take advantage of it. Whether it’s the library, your dorm, or the student center, try to find a place and designate that as your study space.
5. Join clubs! It’s proven that those who are also involved in a club or organization while in school perform better academically.
6. Be smart. Don’t go out the night before a huge exam and then regret it a week later. Just remember, as soon as you’re done with that exam you can have all the fun you want (and I mean all the fun, you earned it!)
7. Send assignments to your professors in advance for revision. Most professors don’t even talk about this but it's not only a great way to make sure you are on the right track, it's also a good chance to get to know your professor.
8. Ask your professor a question about the lecture that day at the end of class. Professors LOVE when students are engaged about their course material because they’ve been studying it their whole life. Make sure to show interest in the course material (even if you don’t care) because your professor will remember this once grades are due
9. Study with someone you aren’t close friends with. That way you won’t have time to gossip about what someone is wearing and you’ll focus more on the course material.
10. It’s all about impressing your professor. Got some free time? Try reading a chapter ahead in your textbook or learn a new phrase for a language course. Professors love when they see their students going the extra mile.
11. Reward yourself. Make sure to constantly treat yourself after getting that A on a quiz or exam. You’ll train yourself! By working hard, you deserve a reward in return.