How to Maintain a High GPA in

College
Edited by Rob S, Glutted, Brandywine, Maniac and 14 others
College can be tough. But you want to have impressive grades so you can
get a good job or go to graduate school. Here is how to maintain a 4.0 in
college.
EditSteps
1.
1
You have to want it. This is the most important step. If a 4.0 is your
number one priority, you will get it. This means you will be ready to sacrifice
things such as going out with friends, keeping up with your favorite
television shows, and sometimes sleep.
2.
2
Always show up for class. If attendance is part of the grade always show
up. You should attend class regularly regardless if attendance is required.
3.
3
Remember that studying is similar to working out--it's done best in
shorter periods regularly. This means study consistently (it may be daily)
and don't crash study. Learning to study for long periods of time is an
important skill as well. It may be hard or impossible at first, but it can be
mastered.
4.
4
Make college your priority. Only go out when you don't have work to do.
5.
5
Get organized-make sure that you know when tests are and exactly
what you have to study.
6.
6
Having a full-time job may keep you on track and make sure NO time
is wasted. However, if you are at a point where you are not sleeping
regularly, a job may be a good thing to cut out. I recommend finding a job
where you can study like university library or secretary position.
7.
7
Take a full course load but level it out. Take a hard class or two with two
easy classes. Don't take chemistry, calculus, zoology and trig all in the
same semester. Be careful of the tricky 1 or 2 credit courses. They can be
very time consuming, even more so than a 3 or 4 credit class. Sometimes,
you will have to take a full course (generally after higher level major classes
have started and gen eds have ended), and a study schedule becomes
critical.
8.
8
And lastly remember why you are in college. You are there to learn so
don't moan about going to class -- see it as an opportunity to improve
yourself. Take pride in your commitment to your studies. However, do not
neglect the fact that you will become depressed and have no friends if all
you ever do is study. Staying sane is half the battle, and having friends
should remain a priority.

EditTips
Pay attention in class.
Keep an eye on your grades.
See a counselor if you find yourself becoming depressed.
Stay on track with your amount of absences. Those also count against your
grade!
Pick a major that plays to your strengths. For example, a chemistry major
who loves that field of study may work a lot less and be more successful
than other students who chose the major for different reasons.
Learn to work with perfectionism.
Make sure your professors stick with the grading terms they gave on the
syllabus. Contact the appropriate authorities if they don't follow the terms
they set. However, if it is not the end of the year do not alienate your
professor.
Join a study group.
Balance fun and studying! Being stressed out all the time is not healthy.
Utilize the school library. Study rooms will isolate you from the world's
distractions and allow you to better focus on your assignments. One hour of
work completed in the library is the equivalent of three hours in the dorm
room.
EditWarnings
Don't overwork. If you are stressed it will make it more difficult to study.
DO NOT pull an all nighter. Know that you will be able to critically think
better and be more productive the day of if you sleep.
Don't push one class off to the side for too long.



How to Maintain a 4.0 GPA
Edited by Cheese319, Teresa, Maluniu, Lillian May and 47 others
Want to get good grades in middle school and high school? It isn't as hard
as you think it is. Just follow along with these steps,and through hard work
and dedication you'll be on your way!
EditSteps
1.
1
Decide to do what is necessary to bring your grades up to a possible
A+, if you have not already done that. Don't worry, you don't have to
memorize your textbooks, but:

Put the subject matter in your own words by making an outline or
flashcards;

Draw and learn the timeline/history of topical events, such as how and
when knowledge increased, learn maps, tables and charts;

Turn in your homework, essays and term research paper on time;

Pay attention in class, and try to know and totally understand material
that may be on tests.
2.
2
Get organized. Stay current. Get a binder and notebook for each subject.
Get rid of old papers or assignments unless you think you'll refer back to
them. Stay ahead, being informed. Scan and then read ahead. Get a
notebook or planner to write your daily assignments, such as homework.
3.
3
Take solid notes, and don't forget to revise them. Use the notes you take
in class as rough drafts, and rewrite them when you get home. Ask your
teacher, if you have any doubts or questions about lectures, extra readings
and assigned work (don't be too shy or afraid).
4.
4
Do all your homework and read the pages for the next session. Studying
and practicing skills beyond the homework is an easy way to keep your
grade up. Homework generally covers material you've already been taught
and should then learn, so if you pay attention, it should be pretty easy.
5.
5
Burn the midnight oil, on weekends, holidays and vacations for
advanced school and college courses such as calculus and beyond
(understand and derive the math proofs), math and theory of physics,
in-depth history timeline.

Assimilate and use the intricate terminology in biology, complex formulas
and theories such as in chemistry, or music theory, develop techniques of
arts and contrast and compare genres of literature. Such topics
are not learned until you do the advanced readings, inculcate the love of
learning and exhaustive practice, learn detailed processes, learn the labs
and understand the derivations of concepts and how the terminology
developed (the flow of the timeline of advances in knowledge and
applications in each subject). Avid learners can choose the "harder"
teachers and challenging subjects, insisting on having their studies
validated in their lives, imbued with virtues including the love of knowledge
and being well-grounded, not getting-by on rote memory and drill, or by
taking easy (give-me a grade) courses.
6.
6
Study your subjects. Next to homework, it's the most important thing you
can do out of class. Make sure you devote enough time to each subject that
you can have a good grasp on what you're learning.
7.
7
Do extra credit. It's not as bad as you might think. It's just a bit more work
for a boost in your grade. After all, it's not like your grade can go down after
doing it, right?
8.
8
Don't ditch. You can't get 100%, if you don't show up and don't do the
work. If you absolutely have to miss class, bring in a note so you get
excused for the absence.
9.
9
Be persistent. Once you have an A, keep studying and doing your
assignments. Repetition is key.
10.
10
Improve your work habit at school, remembering that these steps are
not guaranteed to get you a 4.0 grade point average, but rather to
achieve your best.
11.
11
Get a good night's sleep. Don't be sleepy at school. It has been proven
that sleeping helps the mind relax and go through your problems, so that
you can understand them on your tests.
12.
12
Eat a plentiful, healthy breakfast. Studies show that breakfast stimulates
the brain.
13.
13
Remember why you're trying to get a high GPA, all the way through
your studies. Think about what it means to you, why it's important to excel
at school and how this could benefit you with financial scholarships in
attending the college of your choice -- and getting into law school or
medical school beyond the college, bachelor's degree.
EditTips
Study a week before a test, not just at the last minute.
Don't wait until the last moment to finish an assignment! The quality of the
assignment will go down, if you are rushing it. Likewise, don't procrastinate
while telling yourself that you'll "do it later". Start sooner, and take as much
time as you need.
Stay healthy. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Also, drink lots of water.
Study using flash cards, which are easy to organize, add more, and set
aside cards that are well understood, or use outlines that have all the key
issues and even check footnotes and do some advanced exercises in math
and such.
If you are having trouble with the class material, ask the teacher, professor
or teaching assistant for clarification of difficult concepts. This seems like a
no brainer, but many students feel embarrassed and never get the help
they need. This simple tip will save you precious study time, and show the
professor how determined you are in doing well in his/her course.
Make sure that you keep a positive attitude.
Finish homework early so you aren't stressed out.
Try to avoid getting in trouble. Follow rules. Be respectful and honorable.
Be prompt to class (never tardy).
Refer back to your work when studying for assessments.
If your parents are available to help, ask them!
Show 1 more tip
EditWarnings
Don't overwork yourself. Take breaks, and get plenty of sleep.
EditThings You'll Need

Pencils/Pens

Notebooks

A Binder for each subject

High-lighters

Index cards for taking notes

Dividers and paper for binder

A planner

Whiteout