We all want an amazing GPA, but maybe we aren't getting it because we are studying inefficiently. Sometimes just changing slight things in your normal (maybe ineffective) way of studying can help you do better in your classes and get that 4.0.
1. Start EARLY
Start studying early! Being a freshman myself, this is something I realized while taking my first college exam. In high school, I could start studying a couple days before or the night before and still do well on tests and quizzes. This won't fly in college: you have to start studying weeks in advance to get a grade that you will be satisfied with. Starting a couple weeks early and just constantly reviewing material will ensure that you know all the information by the time you have to take the test. Not to mention, you won't have to experience as much stress or as many mental breakdowns than if you had started studying the week of the exam.
2. Change up your environment
Constantly sitting in the same area to study will bore you. We as people are very used to change, so changing up where you study will ensure that you stay focused and finish your tasks as you are supposed to. If you are always in your dorm, going to the student center, a classroom, a café, or anything of that sort to study will help you feel refreshed and therefore you will study more.
3. Make use of any university resources
You will be surprised by how many willing and helping resources there are at your university. Free tutoring sessions, study groups, office hours, etc. There are so many people that are out there to help you succeed and get a good GPA throughout your time in college. You are paying for these resources through tuition so why not take advantage of these resources and boost your GPA?
4. Turn off your phone
This is easier said than done, but you can do it. Your phone causes so many distractions because you are constantly bombarded with messages or any other app notifications, and you are likely tempted to respond right away. If you turn your phone off and put it away, you are likely to be more focused on your work and will grind through your studying a lot harder than if you had your phone at easy access.
5. Have some snacks near you
Having snacks with you while you are studying will make sure that when you get hungry, you are not tempted to get up and go get food and get distracted. Eating while studying will keep you going and will make sure that you don't get hungry at times that you should be studying.
6. Sit around people that are also studying
Sitting around people that are also doing work and studying will force you to do the same. Just being in an environment where everyone is studying will make you feel as if you should also be doing the same. So going to the library or a small café on campus will help you focus on your work because everyone around you will be doing the same thing. Not to mention, if you are having trouble with understand something, you have other people that you can ask. Teaching and explaining information to someone else is a great way to understand the material yourself as well.
7. See, Listen, Do
If you feel like your studying habits are not helping you understand information, change up HOW you are studying. Some people study by reading information and highlighting important things. Some people study better by watching videos or writing it out multiple times. Other people listen to information given to them by their professor and immediately catch onto what is being said. It all depends on you: you have to experiment until you find out what helps you the most. When studying, say one chapter, go to class and listen to your professor iterate the content, read the information from the textbook, watch videos on it, and write and re-write notes while highlighting important information. Doing this will not only help you understand the information as a whole, but will help you realize which of the strategies works the best for you.
These tips will go a long way if you are looking for a way to boost your GPA and get better grades overall. However, grades are not the most important thing in the world, and as long as you are trying your best and putting in as much effort as you can, that is all that matters.
