I remember a time not long ago when my yearly resolution was to stop biting my nails (I have yet to do so). If only life was that simple and worries were as trivial as they were then… Unfortunately as college students (being constantly reminded how this is “the beginning of the rest of our lives”), we are often consumed with homework and endless studying. This was probably forgotten over the month-long break and getting back into a routine at school can be a challenge. So if you vowed at midnight of January 1, 2014 to make straight A’s this semester, here are a few tips to help you achieve your new resolution:
- First things first, set your priorities.
If you are aiming for a perfect GPA, school should be at the top of your list. Tweak your perspective. Remember, you or someone in your family is paying for your education, so take advantage of it! If this means less of a social life for the time being, then so be it. Â It may take forgoing a few parties, but when you ace that test it will be worth it! When your studying pays off and you got that A you were aiming for, why not reward yourself? Another great way to get motivated is to treat yourself after doing well on a test or major assignment… As if us gals needed another reason to shop anyway?
- Stop procrastinating!
Some students justify their procrastination habits by claiming that they perform better under pressure. You and me both know that’s not true; it’s what we have become accustomed to, so we use it as an excuse. I know from personal experience that there is nothing good to come from waiting until the last minute. It can result in late assignments, oversleeping for your 8 AM the next morning, exhaustion, and receiving a grade lower than you hoped for. Fight the urge to procrastinate and start planning! Setting aside time each day or week for a certain subject can help you stay on top of each class and better manage your time. It’s easy to put Gen Ed courses on the back burner, but be sure to allot a fair amount of time to each class. Stay organized by reading through each syllabus and jotting down important dates in your planner. Manage your time well while making commitments you can keep, and you should be on your way to success!
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- Create a schedule that works for you.
- If you’re scattered:Perhaps you are the type that can deal with a few classes every day of the week, and you learn better this way (even if they have awkward gaps). If so, make every break count! Though it may be inconvenient, get one thing done at a time in between each class, so that when you are done for the day you have much less to do or are already finished!Â
- If you’re an early bird:Maybe you have a bunch of 8 AM’s throughout the week, but you are done by noon. You can allow yourself a nap and still have the entire rest of the day to work.Â
- If you want Fridays off:If you are the type that likes to cram all of your schedule into Tuesdays and Thursdays, you may be lucky enough to sleep in but your day could then feel never-ending. You most likely have classes back to back until late afternoon and you often find yourself running on zero energy all because you sacrificed your sanity for Fridays off. Use those 3 free days to your fullest advantage and get most of your work done, so that you’re not crunching 4 classes worth of learning into one night.
Just be sure to follow the old standby: work hard, play hard… In that order!
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- Befriend your professor.
Introduce yourself! Otherwise you will be just another student, a pupil, even a speck in the classroom through a lecturer’s eyes. Make sure your name and personality are known, and demonstrate how much you are willing to work for that A. Participate in class discussions and show interest by going to your professor’s office hours. Just remember, no one is going to guarantee you an exceptional grade except for you! What do you have to lose? If you go beyond the bare minimum and make time for your instructor, your instructor will most likely set aside time for you (and we both know time is valuable). If teaching is your professor’s passion or simply his specialty, then you will only benefit from his expertise!
- Figure out what study tactics work best for you.
Find your peace when it comes to studying. Your environment has a much stronger impact than you would think on whether or not information will sink in or how quickly you will accomplish something. Find a quiet place where you can have your personal space with no distractions or interruptions. Keep your phone on silent and out of reach while focusing. Have a durable, comfortable desk chair and maintain good posture for long periods of studying. Also, make sure you are in a well-lit room. Some people find this in the secluded rooms in the Plemmons Student Union or on the third and silent floor of the library. Others prefer their dorm rooms or hall lobbies or even open areas in the academic buildings. When the weather is warmer for Boone (we can dream, right?), there is nothing better than doing schoolwork outdoors while soaking up the sun in your eno or on the green grass of Sanford. If all else fails and you need to get away from campus, there is an abundance of quaint coffee shops, eateries, parks, and mountains. Whether local or on campus, there is a study spot just for you here in Boone.
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- Other tips:
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Your sleeping schedule should be logical and a regular pattern. Some people can function off of six hours while others need nine or ten.
- Stay energized with healthy foods rather than filler snacks. Try to maintain a balanced diet to prevent fatigue.
- Being active can also increase you energy level. It can also help you achieve some of those other New Year’s resolutions you may have!
Well, words are meaningless if you don’t stick to them but resolutions don’t happen overnight. My advice is to take it slow or you will get discouraged and burnt out on college. Make a few changes here and there, and soon you will find your inner “bookworm.”  Strive for that 4.0 scholars!