20 Tips From A+ College Students
Are you looking to boost your grades and achieve academic success? Look no further than the advice of A+ students who have been there and done that. Here are some of the best study tips straight from the mouths of high-achieving students:
1. Get Enough Sleep
Many students underestimate the importance of sleep. However, sleep-deprivation can affect your concentration and ability to stay awake in class. Make sure to prioritize getting enough sleep so that you can perform at your best.
2. Attend Class Regularly
Going to class is what you're paying for, so make the most of it! Be awake, alert, and pay attention. Take notes even though you have the slides, and avoid checking your phone or social media during class.
3. Read the Syllabus and Write Down Due Dates
Read the syllabus carefully and make sure to write down all of your exams and due dates on a calendar. This will help you plan ahead and stay on top of your workload.
4. Test yourself all the time
Reading is great, but you need that active recall to retain information in the long-term. We made Testudy exactly for that - it's an AI tool that allows you to generate tests from any reading and for any subject.
5. Drink Water and Avoid Stimulants
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, which will help keep you alert and focused. Save stimulants, such as coffee, for when you really need an extra boost of focus.
6. Visit Your Professor's Office Hours
Visit your professor's office hours regularly to make a connection and use them as a resource to deepen your understanding of the material.
7. Sit Near the Front of the Class
Sitting in the front row can help you avoid distractions and stay engaged in the material. However, if that's not your preference, aim for the second or third row.
8. Treat Studying Like a Job
Treat studying like a job and create a schedule for yourself. Work on your assignments and study during set hours in the library or another designated study space. By creating a routine, you'll avoid cramming and reduce stress.
9. Be passionate about the subject
Choose courses that interest you. When you are interested in something, you are more likely to invest the time and effort needed to excel.
10. Invest time in memorizing facts
Make mind-maps or lists to help you memorize important facts. Remember not to overload yourself with too much information. Stick to a maximum of 6 items per list
11. Have a crush on a teacher
While this might sound strange, having a teacher you admire and respect can be highly motivating. When you want to impress someone, you are more likely to put in the effort
12. Know the basics really well
The basics are the foundation of any subject. Mastering them will make it easier to understand more complex topics.
13. Read a lot and learn to read fast
Reading quickly will help you develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Also, learn to read fast and efficiently, so you can cover more material in less time
14. Don't procrastinate
When you set aside time for learning, use it effectively. Don't procrastinate, as it will only lead to unnecessary stress.
15. Listen to professors and other students
Pay attention during lectures and discussions. Write down the main points of what they discuss to help you remember important details.
16. Organize your notes
Organize your notes in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you find the information you need quickly and easily.
17. Don't shy away from a challenge
Embrace challenges, as they provide an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't be afraid to take on difficult assignments or ask questions.
18. Find the right people
Seek out the smartest people in your class and learn from them. Ask questions and try to understand their thought processes.
19. Be creative and innovative
Professors love students who bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the table. Be creative, critical, and bold in your approach to learning.
20. Stand out
Prepare for discussions and be ready to answer the hardest questions. Show your professor that you are engaged and committed to the subject.
21. Find a stress release
Studying can be stressful, so find a healthy outlet to release stress. Exercise, meditate, or do something else that helps you relax and recharge.
22. Sit in the 2nd or 3rd row, middle seat
Sitting in the 2nd or 3rd row, middle seat during lectures can help you stay focused and engaged. Being in the middle of the classroom reduces the distractions from other students, and sitting in the front rows allows you to be closer to the professor, which makes it easier to hear and understand the lecture.
23. Type flawless notes
Taking good notes is crucial for effective studying. Some great students I know swear by typing almost everything the professor says word for word during the lecture. This ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the lecture and can easily refer back to your notes when studying for tests.
24. Use ratemyprofessor.com to find good professors
Choosing the right professor can make a significant difference in your learning experience. Using sites like ratemyprofessor.com to find good professors. This website provides valuable insights from previous students on the quality of teaching and the difficulty level of the course. Choosing a good professor can enhance your learning experience and help you achieve better grades.
25. Minimal, highly focused studying
A+ students emphasize the importance of minimal, highly focused studying. Rather than spending long hours studying, they recommend studying in short, focused bursts. This allows your brain to stay sharp and engaged, making it easier to retain information.
26. Write notes when reading
When reading a textbook or any other material, be always writing notes. This helps to reinforce the information in your brain and makes it easier to remember the material later on. Writing notes takes longer, but it is an effective way to study.
27. Study in the AM before tests
The morning is often the best time to study as your brain is fresh and alert. A+ students recommend waking up early and studying in the morning before tests. This ensures that you have ample time to review your notes and feel confident going into the test.
28. Do not talk to anyone before or after tests
This is an interesting point but have you tried not talking to anyone before or after tests? For many students, this works wonders. Talking to others can increase your anxiety and distract you from focusing on the test. Instead, stay calm and confident by focusing on your well-prepared materials.
Summing up
Chances are, even if you try 25% of these tips, you'll be getting a lot better results. Just don't give up on yourself and don't let negative results affect your self-esteem. Instead, dedicate your time and effort to creating better study systems - and hopefully, these tips will help you get a strong foundation.
