how to get good grades in college essay

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How to Achieve Higher Essay Grades (In Just Ten Minutes)

Achieving higher essay grades may seem like a bit of a mystery.

You need to: -   understand the topic/question -   plan a coherent answer -   conduct great research -   write clear logical arguments -   apply good examples -   write in an academic, professional style -   think critically -   create powerful introductions and conclusions -   demonstrate good editing and proofreading skills -   reference/cite accurately…

It IS possible to learn and master all of these skills, but just not at once, and not all in one blog post or training.

What I can teach you is ONE thing you can do right now, that only takes ten minutes, to start yourself on the road to higher essay grades. If you know you want to achieve better marks, but you’re not sure how, this is your best starting point.

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Learn my method and repeat it with every essay and you should see your marks rise with every essay  (to a point obviously!).

You should always be aiming to improve in your studies. Whether that’s indirectly by enhancing your study skills, or by making direct increases in your marks and grades. The way to do this is through continuous improvement.

‘Practice the philosophy of continuous improvement. Get a little better every single  day’ - Brian Tracy

Learning from feedback is the first step and is a vital skill all students need to develop.

I study with the Open University where essays are returned with tutor feedback. This feedback normally includes comments on what I did right, remarks on what I didn’t do so well, and suggestions for how I can improve.

Some critiques I’ve had in the past are: ‘Your referencing is incorrect. Look at the module handbook for the rules’ ‘You seem to lose your focus here and end up adding in some irrelevant points’ ‘You wasted words on details and could have gone deeper’ ‘You didn’t refer back to the module material enough. Try to back up all of your points with theory and evidence.’

Now, some of those make for uncomfortable reading right? It’s never easy to receive negative feedback. Even if you know it’s good for you. It can feel like a slap in the face to read negative comments when you were actually pretty happy with what you submitted.

But here’s the difference between a low grade and high grades student. A low grade student will glance at feedback and put it aside, or read it, feel upset or angry and ignore it. A low grade student will miss easy opportunities to achieve higher essay grades and will end up making the same silly mistakes multiple times.

On the other hand, a high grade student uses their feedback as an opportunity to learn. They see the potential for higher essay grades in those comments and they pay attention to them – even if they don’t want to. With every essay they fix errors and make tweaks here and there; their study skills develop and their marks start to climb.

Receiving negative comments can make you feel like a failure. But remember this. A mistake is not a failure. A mistake is part of being human. But making the same mistake over and over when you have the capacity to change is a failure.

In one of my modules I was told early on that my referencing was incorrect. That was my mistake. But I didn’t want to hear the feedback so I ignored it. For the next three essays I lost marks every single time for my referencing. That was a failure. I finally took responsibility for my grades and spent a little time reading my feedback and learning how to reference properly. My next essay I got it right and my marks increased.

I hope you can now see the value in learning from feedback. But what if the feedback you get isn’t enough?

If your university doesn’t provide much feedback – ask for it.

Email or visit your tutor and tell them that you want to improve your grades with their help. Ask them for specific, tangible examples of where you lost marks and brainstorm with them some ideas for improving in those areas.

The worst thing that can happen is they say no when you ask for help, but I can’t imagine that would happen as it’s their job to support you. They probably don’t have time to help you develop those weaker areas, but they can point you in the right direction so you can do the work yourself.

Ok, so now I‘m going to share with you my method for learning from feedback to achieve higher essay grades.

7 steps to higher essay grades using your tutor feedback

1.  Grab your marked essay and all tutor feedback.

2. Scan your feedback for positive comments from your tutor. Look for things you did RIGHT and note them down as a reminder to continue doing those things.

3. Next, look at your feedback and note down where you lost marks – what you didn’t do so well.

4. Then I want you to reflect on your own performance. First think of the things you did right in your essay e.g. ‘I spent time planning my essay before I started writing’ or, ‘I took really good notes so my essay writing was easier’. Next think of the negative points e.g. ‘I started writing too late so I didn’t have time to review my answer’ or ‘I misread part of the question so went off on a tangent and lost marks’. Note down these elements alongside your positive and negative tutor feedback.

5. For your negative points – think of action you can take improve these areas in preparation for higher essay grades next time.

6. File this sheet with your marked essay and guidance and use it as a checklist when you’re working on your next essay. You want to make sure you’re still doing the good things, and that you’ve taken action to resolve or improve the not-so-good things.

7. Pat yourself on the back and get the wine in in anticipation of higher essay grades in the future.

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How to Get Good Grades on Your Essay: 15 Ways to Get Over Bad Scores

Get Good Grades on Your Essay

Struggling with low essay grades? Been there. Let’s explore 15 game-changing ways to turn those bad scores around.

I’ve got you covered, from unlocking your creativity to mastering the art of editing. Together, we’ll unravel the secrets to crafting top-notch essays and securing the grades you deserve.

Are you ready to transform your essay game? Let’s dive in!

1. Understand the Essay Grading Criteria

I always delve into the intricacies of grading criteria to boost your essay grades. I start by comprehending the rubric and unraveling the specific expectations set forth.

I dive into the components crucial for evaluation—content, structure, and style—gaining insights into what makes a stellar essay.

Equally significant is adhering to the requirements—mind the word count, adhere to prescribed formats, and employ meticulous citation methods.

This understanding serves as the compass guiding your essay toward excellence, ensuring it aligns with the standards outlined by grading rubrics.

Through this awareness, you pave the way for a well-crafted, top-tier essay that resonates with academic excellence.

2. Choose the Right Essay Topic

Embarking on an essay journey begins with choosing the right topic, a process that demands thoughtful consideration.

I opt for a subject that not only intrigues you but also holds relevance to the context of your assignment.

I align your topic with your strengths, leveraging areas where your knowledge and passion converge. I take into account my audience and meticulously adhere to assignment guidelines.

After selecting a compelling and fitting topic, you set the stage for an engaging and well-executed essay , showcasing your prowess and ensuring resonance with both your interests and the requirements of the task at hand.

3. Research and Gather Information

The research phase of my essay journey involves employing effective strategies for gathering information .

I use both online and offline sources, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of your chosen topic.

I evaluate sources meticulously, considering their credibility and relevance to my essay’s context.

As I delve into the wealth of information available, I take thorough notes and employ effective organizational methods.

Normally, this meticulous approach to research lays the foundation for a well-informed and substantiated essay, providing the necessary depth and authority to my written work.

4. Craft a Strong Thesis Statement

Formulating a robust thesis statement is pivotal to essay success. I articulate a clear and focused argument that serves as the guiding beacon throughout your essay.

I ensure the thesis encapsulates the essence of my entire piece, providing direction to my narrative.

I elevate its impact by making the statement provocative or thoughtful, inviting readers to delve deeper into your essay’s exploration.

Typically, this intentional crafting of the thesis lays the groundwork for a compelling and purposeful essay that resonates with readers and fulfills the objective of your writing.

I prefer composing a compelling introduction by employing engaging hooks or anecdotes that captivate your audience from the outset.

I clearly articulate the essay’s purpose and thesis, setting a strong foundation for my narrative.

I offer necessary context and background information to orient readers and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the essay’s subject matter.

Such an introduction not only grabs attention but also establishes a framework for the ensuing exploration, ensuring readers are invested and prepared for the journey ahead in my well-crafted essay.

5. Develop Coherent Body Paragraphs

Constructing coherent body paragraphs involves implementing clear topic sentences that act as guiding beacons for each paragraph.

I support my arguments with well-chosen evidence and examples, fostering a robust foundation for my essay.

I go beyond mere presentation and delve into the analysis and interpretation of evidence, providing depth and nuance to your assertions.

I ensure that each paragraph contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative, enhancing the cohesion and persuasiveness of your essay.

6. Mastering the Art of Analysis and Critical Thinking

Mastering the art of analysis and critical thinking transcends mere description, delving into the realms of “why” and “how.”

I elevate your essay by showcasing a profound understanding through critical analysis, unraveling layers of meaning.

I integrate diverse perspectives and, when appropriate, counterarguments to demonstrate a nuanced grasp of the subject. This depth of thought not only enriches your essay but also positions you as a thoughtful and discerning writer.

I embrace the complexity inherent in your topic, inviting readers to engage with my ideas at a profound level.

7. Effective Use of Evidence and Examples

I thoughtfully selected pertinent and persuasive evidence that aligns with your thesis. I ensure meticulous citation, encompassing quotes, statistics, and examples, adhering to the appropriate referencing style.

The art lies not just in presenting evidence but in seamlessly connecting it back to my thesis, reinforcing the overarching narrative.

Still, such measures ensure a cohesive and compelling structure, reinforcing your essay’s central message with robust supporting materials.

8. Craft a Strong Conclusion

I summarize key points judiciously, avoiding mere repetition. Reinforce your thesis and main arguments, emphasizing their significance.

I elevate your conclusion with a thoughtful or provocative closing statement that resonates with the essay’s essence. This final paragraph should leave a lasting impression, providing closure while inviting reflection.

After synthesizing the essay’s core elements, your conclusion seals the narrative with impact, ensuring your reader departs with a sense of fulfillment and insight.

9. Refining Your Writing Style

Here is the thing: I employ clear and concise language to enhance readability. I vary sentence structures for a smooth, engaging flow.

I weed out wordiness and redundancy to maintain precision and impact.  A judicious blend of simplicity and sophistication in my expression elevates your writing.

I strive for a balance that ensures your ideas shine without unnecessary complexity. Remember, a polished writing style enhances the overall quality of your essay, captivating readers and allowing my content to shine through with clarity and eloquence.

10. Keen Editing and Proofreading of your Essay

Meticulous editing and proofreading are paramount to elevating your essay. I scrutinize for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, ensuring precision.

I read my essay aloud, which enhances clarity and coherence, identifying nuances otherwise overlooked.

I solicit constructive feedback from peers or mentors, incorporating valuable insights. The iterative process of revision refines your work, cultivating a polished, error-free final draft.

I embrace this crucial step to present an impeccable essay where each word contributes to the overall impact, fostering a favorable impression of your writing prowess.

11. Structural and Formatting Considerations

I consider structural and formatting aspects to enhance my essay. I maintain consistency in formatting, including font and margins, fostering a professional appearance.

I stick to the prescribed citation style, whether APA, MLA, or others, reinforcing academic integrity.

I finalize the title thoughtfully, ensuring it encapsulates the essence of my essay. These details, often underestimated, contribute significantly to the overall presentation and coherence of my work, showcasing my commitment to precision and attention to detail.

I pay heed to these nuances elevates the quality of my essay, reflecting a conscientious approach to academic writing.

12. Time Management and Revision Strategies

I embrace the power of multiple drafts; revisions refine and elevate my work. I recognize when external input is beneficial, seeking feedback for a fresh perspective.

Efficient time utilization, coupled with a commitment to revision and openness to feedback, contributes significantly to essay excellence.

I balance these elements fosters a comprehensive approach to essay crafting, demonstrating diligence and a desire for continuous improvement in your writing endeavors.

13. Handling Essay Critique and Feedback

I view feedback as a tool for improvement, not as a critique. Implement suggestions effectively, addressing weaknesses and enhancing strengths.

I learn from mistakes and evolve my writing style, which contributes to continuous improvement. It’s a dynamic process—each critique is an opportunity to refine my skills.

A positive approach to feedback fosters resilience and a commitment to growth in your essay-writing endeavors.

14. Staying Motivated and Focused

I set realistic goals and expectations to sustain motivation in essay writing. I break down tasks into manageable steps, aligning them with my capabilities and deadlines.

Finding inspiration can involve exploring diverse sources, discussing ideas, or seeking creative stimuli.

Managing stress and procrastination requires effective time management strategies and recognizing personal triggers.

I implement self-care practices, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle contributes to a focused mindset.

Finally, I navigate challenges with a proactive approach, I foster a sustainable motivation that propels my essay writing journey.

15. Celebrating Success and Improvement

I take time to acknowledge my achievements and progress in essay writing. I celebrate milestones, whether they’re completing a challenging assignment or refining my writing style.

I recognize personal growth in writing skills, identifying areas where I’ve improved. I use feedback as a valuable tool to fuel future success, turning constructive criticism into opportunities for enhancement.

After celebrating success and embracing a growth mindset, you will foster a positive relationship with your writing journey, motivating continued improvement and excellence.

Lastly, overcoming bad scores and achieving excellence in essay writing involves understanding grading criteria, choosing engaging topics, and refining your writing skills. Embrace critique, stay focused, and celebrate progress.

You will not only elevate your grades but also cultivate a fulfilling and successful writing journey by incorporating these strategies.

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

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• Writing Tips

How to Boost Your Grades: 6 Superb Essay Writing Tips

3-minute read

• 23rd August 2020

If you put everything you have into your essays yet still fall short of the grades you want, it might simply be a matter of refining your essay-writing technique . Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to earn a few extra marks. If you want to boost your grades, then, give these tips a try.

1. Master Time Management

If you start writing your essay the night before the deadline, it’s unlikely to end well. Make sure to set aside time for researching, writing a first draft, re-writing and editing. If you start planning as soon as the assignment is set, you should be able to write a great essay without having to rush!

2. Read Widely

When researching your essay, look beyond the set texts. It might be possible to write your whole essay based upon the course materials and lecture notes. However, if you want to ensure a good grade, you need to demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.

3. Check the Marking Criteria

Marking criteria are issued by colleges as guidelines for academic staff when marking work. As such, they provide a breakdown of how marks are awarded. Checking the marking criteria for your course or school can therefore help you hone your essays.

4. Write Concisely

Less is often more in academic writing, as overly wordy essays can be difficult to follow. Being concise , on the other hand, will boost the clarity of your written work and make your arguments more persuasive.

5. Always Edit!

Finishing the first draft of an essay is not the same as finishing your essay, as you still need to edit what you’ve written.

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Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

The first step here is to read everything back carefully, correcting typos and other errors. But editing is also an opportunity to look for passages that you could phrase more clearly or improve your arguments.

From a clarity point of view, things to keep an eye out for while editing include redundancy , convoluted sentences , and anything not strictly relevant to the point you’re making in your essay.

6. Double Check Everything!

Once you’ve written a first draft and edited ruthlessly, there’s still one thing to do before submitting your work: double check everything!

Having your work proofread professionally is obviously helpful, but even if you don’t you should print out your essay and read it through to look for any remaining issues. It’s vital to check your referencing at this point, because clearly citing sources can win you the last few marks required!

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How to Get Good Grades in College: 16 Best Tips

Updated: February 16, 2023

Published: April 11, 2020

Have you been wondering how to get good grades? Here is a list of 16 hints and tips to help you improve your high school or college grades. Truthfully, the ultimate secret to getting good grades is to develop super study skills .

Top Tips on How to Get Good Grades

1. attend all your classes.

Try your absolute best to attend all of your classes. Sometimes missing a class is unavoidable, but there are enormous benefits to making sure that you never miss a class:

• You will be more likely to keep ahead of your subject
• You will avoid knowledge gaps due to missing out on important material
• You will have the opportunity to make your presence known, by answering questions, participating, and contributing your ideas, thoughts, and opinions.
• Some colleges give attendance points, so if this is the case, make sure that you benefit from them.

2. Master Your Professors

• Get to know your professors and make sure that they get to know you. They will have a better opportunity to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
• Let them know when you are struggling. They are there to help you.
• Understand your course expectations. If there is anything that you are unsure of, don’t hesitate to ask your professor to clarify.

3. Stay Organized

If you want to know how to get even better grades, organization is really key.

• Use a planner or calendar and make sure that you are up to date with all of your deadlines
• Create a designated workspace with good lighting and a comfortable chair
• Declutter your desk
• Schedule blocks of time for learning
• Organize your digital files in named folders for ease of access
• Keep stationery on hand. Make sure that you have pens, highlighters, eraser, sharpener, notebooks, flashcards, and colored markers

Photo by  Bram Naus  on  Unsplash

4. time management.

Balancing work, study, and family responsibilities can be challenging if your time is not managed carefully . Time is a valuable commodity.

• Make a To Do list: Once everything that you need to do is written down, it not only helps you to remember it, but it gives you some relief from worrying about it.
• Use a planner/calendar: Record assignment deadlines and schedule your learning.
• Set goals: Decide on your daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Once you know where you need to get to, you will already be half way there. Setting goals gives you clarity and motivates you to take action.
• Utilize your “dead time”: Such as time in a doctor’s waiting room or time travelling on buses or trains. This time can be used for reading, researching, or typing up your thoughts, ideas, and notes.
• Clear your workspace: Our physical environment has a major effect on the way we work. A tidy space creates a tidy mind. Keep your workspace tidy and remove all clutter. A tidy workspace helps you to have a clearer mind. Marie Kondo, a decluttering expert and author of the book “Spark Joy” has some excellent hints and tips on how to keep your workspace tidy .

5. Taking Notes

Taking notes will help you at the revision and exam stage. The use of abbreviations is the best way to speed up your note taking . Your abbreviated notes should then be written out fully after class.

According to a research study on the correlation between writing and memory at Princeton University, there is a direct correlation between writing and memory. Writing involves a thinking process, resulting in greater retention of information, while typing on a keyboard can be done verbatim, without processing and reframing information, resulting in a lower rate of retention.

In order to get better grades, close your laptop and go back to old-fashioned pen and paper!

6. Become An Active Listener

• Concentrate on the words and messages. Avoid being distracted by a lecturer’s accent, clothes, speech, or mannerisms.
• Try to identify the most important points and take notes on them.
• Avoid getting distracted by your smartphone. Turn it off completely in class.

7. Participate In Class

• If you ask questions , you are more likely to remember the material, as the answers to your questions relate to your thoughts on the subject. If you make a habit out of asking questions, it has the additional advantage of encouraging you to listen well.
• Listen to the opinions and thoughts of your classmates. Listening will help you to process and remember information. Conversations tend to be remembered more than written information.
• Contribute to the discussion — by developing a regular habit of making contributions to discussions on the subject, it encourages you to listen, focus, and process. You will want to make a good impression by making educated and intelligent contributions.

8. Develop Good Writing Study Habits

During lectures, it’s generally a good idea to write down points, which can act as memory joggers. Then, after class, you can write out these notes in full.

Another popular method is to draw out mind maps during the lecture and expand on them later on. A mind map is a visual, usually colored diagram designed to be a hierarchy of information in which main points can be expanded on in note form later on.

How to Mind Map with Tony Buzan

Another tip on writing notes well is to draft, rewrite, and proofread your work. The more comprehensive your notes are, the easier it will be to review and study them at the exam stage.

9. Learn In Groups And Learn From Each Other

• Studying in small groups can break up the monotony of revision.
• You will have the opportunity to learn from each other.
• Make sure that when you are learning in a group, it doesn’t turn into a social event and you don’t get too distracted by unrelated conversations.

10. Know Your Learning Style

In order to become a better learner, you need to define and categorize the method by which you learn best. Once you have done this, you will have a much clearer idea of how to help yourself to process, absorb, and memorize information.

The VARK model of learning styles, developed by Neil Flemming — an educational theorist — identifies 4 distinctive categories of learners:

• V – Visual – Visual learners learn through seeing, therefore respond well to visual aids such as maps, charts, graphs, presentations, images, and videos.
• A – Auditory – Auditory learners learn through hearing and best absorb information that they hear such as lectures, discussions, and listening to audio books.
• R – Reading and Writing – Reading and writing learners learn through the input and output of words. This includes writing assignments, essays, reading books, manuals, and websites.
• K – Kinesthetic – Kinesthetic learners learn through touching, interacting, and doing. They learn best when they are physically engaged or active during the learning process. They remember and process knowledge best by interacting hands-on with their environment.

Assess yourself! Once you know how you learn best, you will be a far better learner.

11. Use Learning Aids And Study Resources

There are plenty of online tools and resources for flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, record keeping, scheduling, and memorizing that can be highly beneficial to learning.

To save you time, we have compiled a list of excellent study resource websites. Check out the following:

• Hippocampus
• StudyBlue (Chegg)
• Studystack .

12. Manage Interruptions And Distractions

• Find a quiet place to study. It can be a designated space at home or a library.
• Turn off your smartphone during your study sessions. Checking your phone every time you receive a notification is distracting and will take your mind off your learning and hinder your concentration.

13. Eat healthily and exercise

• Make sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. It doesn’t need to be a full workout or an expensive gym membership. Go for walks, jog, run, or take a regular exercise class.
• Exercise improves concentration and memory .
• Drink plenty of water.

Photo by  Mae Mu  on  Unsplash

14. ask for help.

Many students see asking for help as a weakness. But asking for help is a strength! It shows that you have maturity, self-awareness, and that you are able to recognise a problem before it develops. If you are struggling with your schoolwork or have a personal problem, speak to your professors about it. They are there to help you with all your needs.

15. Take Regular Breaks

In order to get the most out of your study, you need to take breaks regularly.

Set an alarm every 30 to 60 minutes and get up, close your laptop and books, and get some fresh air for 5 to 10 minutes. Do any activity that will take your mind off studying so that when you come back to it, you are feeling refreshed and energized.

Everybody knows that lack of sleep is detrimental to your health. It produces lethargy, lack of concentration and “brain fog,” a form of mental clouding.

However, research has shown that a good night’s sleep is not only vital for health and general well-being, but extremely beneficial for learning and memory. During sleep, our brain is not resting as is commonly believed. Findings reveal that our brain mechanisms are at work during sleep, solidifying our memories by transferring them to more permanent regions of the brain.

The Bottom Line

If you follow these 16 tips on how to get good grades, you will surely see a marked improvement on your next test scores.

If you are still undecided on your choice of study and need to balance studying for a degree with work or family commitments, University of the People is a tuition-free, American accredited university that provides world-class bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

To learn more about us, see our informative and inspirational TED talk by Shai Reshef , founder of UoPeople.

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How to Get Good Grades in College

Students who earn good grades do all the basics: go to class, do the homework and ask for help.

Getty Images

One key for maintaining good grades in college is leaning on the tutoring services offered on your campus if you need help.

Good grades can open many doors in college : scholarships, acceptance into certain majors and better chances of getting into graduate school.

Likewise, bad grades can close those same doors, possibly requiring students to repeat classes to reopen them. But what defines a good or bad grade largely depends on the goals students set for their collegiate career, academic experts say.

"We really want our students to work with us to define what they think good grades are for them to be successful. At a bare minimum, it's going to be a 2.0 (grade point average)," says Chris Jensen, assistant vice president for student success at Western Kentucky University . "That's what they need to graduate, but we want our students to strive for more than that."

Broken down by letter grade, a student with all A's earns a 4.0, all B's gets a 3.0 and all C's hits the 2.0 mark. GPA is calculated over a student's college career by averaging all of their class grades.

While a 2.0 may be enough to graduate from many college programs, it may fall short depending on major requirements. Some programs – particularly those with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math – require a 3.0 or better. Similarly, admission to graduate school typically requires a GPA higher than a 2.0, especially for competitive programs .

Falling below a 2.0 can come with consequences as dire as academic probation , suspension or even expulsion. Poor grades may also disqualify students from scholarships or financial aid and cost students more time and money when pursuing a degree.

Don't Make These College Freshman Mistakes

Sarah Wood June 27, 2022

GPA also matters for students looking to transfer to a more competitive program or another college. Students who struggle prior to transferring can have a tougher time getting admitted to certain colleges. Others who need to retake classes they failed may have to "play catch up" to avoid staying in school longer than planned, says Yvette Walker, assistant dean of student affairs at Oklahoma University ’s college of journalism and mass communication.

Here are some tips from experts on how to earn high marks.

Go to Class

In college, attendance policies vary by professor, and it can be tempting to skip class. But experts emphasize the importance of being present and on time. If you must miss class, make sure to notify the professor.

"Classes are where professors provide information that shows up on exams," Jennifer LeBeau, executive director for student success initiatives at the University of Idaho, wrote in an email. "Classes provide an opportunity to interact with other students, to have questions answered, and to apply the material being taught and learned."

Read the Syllabus

A typical syllabus includes a class description, a calendar, the grading rubric, attendance policies and required materials. Students will also find details on deadlines, assigned readings, extra credit opportunities and more. Knowing what's in the syllabus can give you an idea of what to expect over the course of a semester.

"Students should keep the syllabus with them every day and refer to it often throughout the semester," LeBeau says.

It's particularly important for freshmen to review the syllabus for each class, Walker says, to ensure they understand class policies and expectations, which can often be more rigorous than what students were used to in high school. She sees the syllabus as an opportunity to emphasize attendance and plagiarism policies, which she says are important foundational concepts for new college students to grasp.

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With the syllabus serving as the class road map, attentive students know what assignment is around the bend. Online materials can also help.

"Today content is offered in these hybrid models where your information is online ahead of time. And it's also delivered in the classroom. So what can you be doing to work ahead?" says Stephanie Bannister, assistant vice provost for student success at Kansas State University . Students should use the information to get a jump on class reading assignments, she says.

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Go to Tutoring

Walker says students often ask about doing extra credit – which is good – but "the extra credit is not going to help them unless they get their grade as high as they can possibly get it,” she says.

Stay on top of homework, and reach out to on-campus tutoring services if you need help.

It's important to normalize the fact that students will struggle in college, says Thomas Stearns, manager of the university tutoring center at the University of Missouri—St. Louis .

“Sometimes we need to hear something a couple times," he says. "Sometimes we need to practice something multiple times before we get it down. Just developing a culture where that is normalized can really help to take some of the stigma away from that label of tutoring.”

Some colleges offer group tutoring, while others have one-on-one sessions. Likewise, some schools offer tutoring through each academic department, while others provide it at a learning center.

Meet With Faculty and Advisers

Faculty office hours exist for a reason, and experts encourage students to take advantage of that time.

Students should seek out academic advisers to connect with campus resources and decide on classes. Advisers can help students stay on track for graduation by helping them set reasonable course loads and expectations, Jensen says.

"During COVID, it became even more evident how important connections and communication between students and their faculty are for student success," Jensen wrote in an email. "Faculty are understanding when students go through challenging life circumstances; however, they cannot help if they are not aware of the situation."

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Find a Balance

For many students, a job is necessary to help pay for college. As of 2020, 25% of full-time students and 66% of part-time students worked at least 20 hours per week while in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .

While that may be unavoidable for some students – particularly adult learners – experts caution against working too much, especially at the beginning. A 2021 study from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton College of Business found students who worked had lower grade point averages.

Jensen recommends students don't work more than 20 hours a week during their first semester, while Bannister suggests students start out with a campus job of 10 to 15 hours a week and add more hours if they feel capable.

And whether it's a job or something fun, LeBeau encourages students to pursue what they're passionate about.

"Academic and personal success are closely related," she says. "Students will be most successful when they find a balance between the two."

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• Getting Good Grades

How to Get Good Grades at University

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 176,559 times.

Getting solid grades can help you land internships, get accepted to grad school, and even land job opportunities in the future. If you’re just starting university, getting good grades can feel like an uphill battle—but it doesn’t have to be! Keep these tips and tricks in mind during your university years so you can get good grades and continue on to the career path of your dreams.

Attend every class.

• If you do have to miss a class, text a friend or classmate and ask them to send you the notes. That way, you’ll still get the material.

Ask and answer questions.

• While it’s not super common, some university classes actually grade you on participation. If your professor does, asking and answering questions is even more important.

Take notes.

• If you have trouble taking legible notes, try using the Cornell notes style.
• If your handwriting is a little messy, try typing your notes instead of writing them.

Look into supplemental reading.

• You can also find supplemental reading online or at your library if you're not understanding something. An alternative text on the work may help you better grasp the material.

Check the syllabus regularly.

• Some professors will remind you when a due date is coming up, but others won’t. In most university classes, it’s up to you to keep your deadlines in mind throughout the semester.

Make a weekly to-do list.

• Decide when to study, do homework, socialize, and so on. Have a daily routine you follow that works with your class schedule.
• Stick to general rules that work for you. For example, maybe you need a couple of weeks to write a solid paper. Make sure to always start papers a week before they're due.

Study a little bit every day.

• Find a time when you can most easily study. Look for gaps in your schedule. Maybe you could study a bit in the morning on days you have a late class. Maybe you could study after lunch and before a class around 5 at night.

Start on assignments early.

• This is super important for final projects that might take the entire term or semester. It can seem like a long time, but the deadline will approach faster than you think.

Go to office hours.

• Don’t be afraid of asking “silly” questions—your professor is there to help! Usually, they’ll be happy to go over concepts with you until you feel confident.

Reach out to the TA.

• Usually, TAs are students too, so they’ll understand exactly where you’re coming from. However, this also means they might be slightly busy, so be prepared to work around their schedule if they need to get to class or do homework.

Form a study group.

• It’s okay to work on homework and assignments together, but make sure you aren’t plagiarizing someone else’s work.

Drop the class if you can’t pass it.

• If it’s past the drop-date for a class, it will be marked with a Late Withdrawal. However, that won’t affect your GPA, so it’s still a better option than failing.
• If you’re unsure whether or not to drop the class, check in with your academic advisor.

Get plenty of sleep every night.

• Stick to a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
• Avoid electronic screens before bed, as these can stimulate brain activity and make sleep difficult.

Stick to a balanced diet.

• Splurging on a dessert or a treat every now and then is totally fine, but it shouldn’t be an everyday occurrence.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

• If you’re struggling in one particular class, consider getting a tutor. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-get-good-grades-in-college
• ↑ https://www.umassd.edu/dss/resources/students/classroom-strategies/how-to-get-good-grades/
• ↑ https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ccds/getting-good-grades
• ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/improve-underperforming-grades/
• ↑ https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/2018/10/how-to-get-straight-a-in-college
• ↑ https://www.clarke.edu/campus-life/health-wellness/counseling/articles-advice/10-healthy-eating-tips-for-the-busy-college-student/

About This Article

To get good grades at university, be sure to show up to each class with the required materials and spend 10-15 minutes reviewing your notes before class begins. Next, create a daily schedule for yourself and try to study a little bit each day rather than cramming right before a big test. If you need help understanding any of your course materials, don't hesitate to reach out to your professor, the professor's TA, or a private tutor to ensure your academic success! For tips on focusing in class and taking better notes, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• 14 Ways to Improve Your Grades if You’re Underperforming

Even the brightest students can sometimes find themselves academically underperforming, often through no fault of their own. When students find themselves in this situation, it’s often because they’re stuck in a rut and are not sure what to do to improve. If this sounds like you, the first step is to work out the reasons why you may be underperforming, and the next step is to work out how to tackle the problem. If you’re not sure how to go about it, this article shows you what you can do to form an improvement plan to help you achieve the grades you know you’re capable of achieving.

1. Adopt a positive mental attitude

In the face of lower-than-expected grades, it’s only human to react by feeling disappointed with oneself. When you’re frequently receiving lower grades than you’d hoped for, you may start to feel depressed or defeated, and feel like giving up. The first step on the road to improving your grades is to turn this negativity on its head. You need to be positive about the situation if you’re to stand a chance of improving it. Acknowledge that your grades aren’t what you’re aiming for, but believe that you can do something about it. Start by mentally taking control of the situation: instead of thinking “I’m a failure”, think “I can and will do better than this.” Don’t give up – take positive steps towards achieving the improvement you’re more than capable of achieving.

2. Work out where you’re falling short

You need to work out which areas need targeting before you can draw up a plan of action, so the next step is to figure out the areas in which you’re underperforming, and why. Are your grades consistently lower than you’d like them to be across all your subjects, or is there one particular area you’re struggling with that’s bringing down your overall performance in a particular subject? Take a look at your grades over the last few months and look for patterns. Has there been a general decline in academic achievement, or have your grades in certain areas always been lower than you’d hoped? Are your grades always low in the same areas, such as one problem subject? You’ll probably already have a vague idea of the answers to these questions, but seeing your grades written down on paper – perhaps even in graph format – can help you see things more clearly. Next, think about the reasons why you’re not performing to your full academic potential in the areas you’ve identified. Are there external factors that may be negatively affecting your grades, such as a family problem or worrying about a social situation at school? Are you struggling with any particular academic skills that might be dragging you down, such as essay-writing or note-taking? And are you studying in a way that works for you? These are all factors that could be affecting your academic performance, so once you’ve isolated what the problem is – it could be a combination of more than one of these issues – you’ll be able to start tackling it. If the problems are external, you’ll need to take steps towards getting them to a point at which they no longer adversely affect your studies; seeing a counsellor might help, for instance. If they’re academic, read the rest of this article for some suggestions on how you can improve.

3. Talk to your teachers

Your teachers know you best, so it’s worth talking to them when you’re drawing up a plan of action for improving your grades. Ask them where they think you need to improve, and they’ll probably have some advice on how you can go about it. Coupled with the advice in the rest of this article, this should allow you to tailor an action plan to your personal situation.

4. Pay more attention in class – and ask questions

If you’re prone to daydreaming in class, it’s time to start focusing on the here and now. Listen to what the teacher is saying rather than talking with friends or allowing your mind to wander. Don’t simply copy down what’s on the board without thinking about it; make sure you’ve understood it, make neat notes so that you can understand them when you come back to them (more on that later), and don’t be afraid to speak up if there’s something you don’t understand or want clarifying. It’s much easier to ask a teacher to explain something differently than it is to trawl through books trying to find a clearer explanation for yourself, and they won’t think less of you for asking.

5. Start organising your life

Clutter of any kind inhibits our ability to operate efficiently, so another way of improving your academic performance is to get organised. Keep your workspace tidy and all your notes and textbooks organised in such a way that you know where everything is. Start thinking more about your time management, too, as this will allow you to prioritise your time effectively, freeing time for problem subjects. Write yourself a daily timetable that incorporates your school schedule, dividing your day into slots of time and fitting in plenty of time for studying. Allocate extra time to subjects or topics you’ve identified as being ones you’re struggling with; it could be that the reason for your underperformance in these subjects is that you’re simply not devoting enough time to them.

6. Improve your note-taking skills

One of the reasons you may have identified for underperforming is that you’re not taking good enough notes. Hurriedly scrawled notes from class can be difficult to make sense of when you come to revise from them, or even to write an essay based on them. It’s all too easy to misunderstand your own notes and fail to get a strong enough grasp of the topic. It’s imperative, therefore, that you produce good notes from each of your classes and from the books you use – notes that you can read, that are useful, and that are logically organised. If you make notes by hand – in class, for example – try to type them up at the end of the day, while they’re still fresh in your mind.

7. Improve your essay-writing skills

Another common reason for academic underperformance is that the student’s essay-writing skills aren’t sufficient for the level required to achieve top grades. This is fairly easily fixed by improving your essay-writing technique. Good essay technique covers all aspects of essay-writing, from the research phase to the final proofread, and even how you respond to the feedback you get for your essays. Responding in the right way to feedback – and not taking criticism personally – will be particularly useful if you feel you’re underperforming, as this should give you the guidance you need to be able to improve.

8. Find the right learning style for you

If you’re academically underperforming, another possible reason could be that you haven’t found the right learning style for you. We’re all different, and each of us has our own way of studying that yields the best results. Perhaps you just haven’t found your most effective studying style yet. If you’ve been trying to work on your own, for example, you might find it easier to work with a friend or two, so that you have someone else there to motivate you.

9. Improve your memory

Many students struggle to remember all the information they need for exams, and this brings their grades down. With so much to learn across many subjects, remembering facts, figures and arguments is a pretty monumental task, and you need to arm yourself with some effective memory aids to help you. You’ll find more tips on improving your memory in our article on memory techniques for exam preparation.

10. Stop procrastinating

One of the reasons why you’re underperforming could be that you’re spending too much time procrastinating – that is, putting off work by distracting yourself with other things, such as social media. This is a common response to a big workload; when you have so much to do that you don’t know where to start, the temptation is simply not to start. The problem is that in doing so, you’re delaying the inevitable, as well as making your task worse by eating into the time when you could be productive. If you’re guilty of procrastination – and we all are at some point or another – take a look at our article on five reasons we procrastinate and how to stop it.

11. Allow plenty of time for revision

If you’re achieving lower scores than you’d hoped for on timed tests or mock exams, it could be because you’re not allowing enough time for revising for them. This may be because you know it’s not ‘the real thing’, but practice exams are just as important as real ones. They show you which areas you need to spend more time on, and achieving good grades in them will give you a confidence boost. Treat them as seriously as you would a real exam, allowing yourself plenty of time to revising for them. Better still, revise everything you learn as you go along, so that you learn it properly first time round and have less need for revision. Also, be sure to read our articles on effective revision techniques for science students and humanities students.

12. Make learning more fun

Sometimes students underperform because they have simply lost the motivation to learn. It’s not surprising, when the pressure of exams and doing well at school takes away the enjoyment of learning. It’s easy to get so focused on achieving top grades that you forget that learning can actually be fun – and not only that, but it’s much easier to do well when you’re enjoying it. If studying has become a chore for you, it’s time to put the fun back into learning. You could do this by gamifying your studies, or by trying some of the ideas in our article on 15 ways to make studying less stressful.

13. Hire a private tutor

As a last resort, if the ideas in this article haven’t worked for you, you might consider hiring a private tutor to help you improve your grades for a particularly tricky subject. Some extra tuition may be just what you need to help bring your grade up, as you’ll benefit from one-to-one tuition in an environment in which you might feel more able to ask questions without the fear of speaking up in front of your peers. If you think this would help you, speak to your parents and suggest that they place an advert in the local paper if they’re willing to cover the cost of private tuition for you.

14. Go on a summer school

A final option – best taken alongside the other advice in this article, rather than instead of it – is to book yourself onto an academic summer school. Taking part in a summer school would allow you to learn away from the pressures of the classroom and exams, reinvigorating your love of learning and inspiring you to take a more determined approach to your studies. What’s more, summer schools are great for helping you get to grips with trickier subjects, so this could be a good solution to your underperforming subjects as well. Take a look at our Oxford summer school courses to find one to help you start improving your grades. It’s not just an option in the summer – ever-popular Easter revision courses are a great way to get a boost shortly before your exams.

Image credits: desk

Daniel Wong

How to Get Good Grades: 10 Useful Strategies for Students

Updated on January 18, 2023 By Daniel Wong 20 Comments

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

I’ve spoken to thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:

“I study hard but I still get bad grades.”

Here’s the thing…

Those successful students that you know? They aren’t necessarily any more intelligent than the rest of the class.

They’ve simply developed study strategies that help them perform better in school.

You can get good grades, too. Your academic goals can be achieved by studying more effectively, not by studying “harder”.

In this article, I’ll cover the winning habits I used to be a straight-A student throughout my academic career — no all-nighters required.

Ready to stop stressing about grades and start doing better in school? Then let’s explore the useful strategies that will help you do just that.

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Why is it important to get good grades?

The first step to doing better in school isn’t cracking open a textbook — it’s understanding why good grades matter.

Now, let me say this…

Your grades do not define your intelligence or self-worth.

Your academic record is only one part of your education, and you can lead a successful life with or without straight A’s.

That being said, there are real benefits to getting good grades.

For example, a solid academic record provides more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment. Academic excellence may be the bridge to your dream career.

More significant, though, are the life-changing skills you’ll gain as you work toward becoming a top student — traits like focus, determination, discipline, and confidence. These values are crucial to achieving any of your goals, inside or outside the classroom.

A good grade is more than just a letter on a page. Achieving academic success after learning how to focus when studying is a rewarding experience that offers long-lasting benefits.

10 ways to do better in school

Now that you know the value of good grades, let’s dive into the habits that will help you get them.

1. Know why good grades matter to you

We already covered why academic success is generally important.

But if you really want to know how to get good grades, it’s essential to understand why academic success matters to you .

What difference will good grades make in your life, now and in the future?

Do you have dreams of attending a specific university or following a particular career path?

Maybe you want to develop your grit and persistence — to have the confidence that comes with knowing you gave school your best effort. Or perhaps you want financial security and the ability to provide for your family in the future.

There’s no right or wrong here. Just ensure that your motivation for pursuing academic excellence is a compelling one.

Even with the best study habits, it isn’t easy to consistently put in the work required to get good grades.

Sometimes, you’ll want to quit. When you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, come back to your why . It will put all those study sessions in perspective — and make the journey to becoming a successful and resilient student a more rewarding one, too.

2. Write down all important deadlines and dates

Upcoming exams. Project assignments. Events and extra-curricular activities.

You’re a busy student with a lot of dates to remember.

It’s normal to think that you can keep track of all your deadlines in your head. The only problem is, relying on memory (and memory alone) doesn’t work for anyone.

Instead, it leads to forgotten assignments, last-minute panic, and low-quality work.

There’s a simple way never to forget another assignment again. Write down every due date. Use Google Calendar or Google Keep. You can even jot it down in an old-fashioned notebook.

Choose the medium that works for you.

The less you stress about deadlines, the more energy you’ll have for completing your assignments. You’ll become a more effective student and you’ll free up valuable mental capacity for the things that matter.

3. Don’t forget to schedule your downtime

In your calendar, take a moment and block out time for relaxation.

That’s right. Not only am I permitting you to schedule downtime, I’m encouraging you to do so.

Relaxation is necessary for mental and physical well-being. You’re not a robot — no one expects you to study like one.

Pursue the activities you love. Allow your mind to be at play. Your overall health and happiness will improve, and you’ll become a better student in the process.

That’s because exercise improves concentration and creativity. Relaxation promotes memory and retention.

Free time to pursue the activities you love outside of academics develops a school-life balance — a lifelong pursuit that brings more meaning to your goals and joy to your life.

Even small blocks of relaxation are helpful. Most students can only maintain deep focus for 30 to 45 minutes at a go. Scheduling short intervals of downtime after longer chunks of work is a strategic and fun way to approach assignments.

And try not to use your phone or computer during your quick study breaks. As studies have shown , your brain won’t fully relax, and the distraction often makes it more challenging to go back to the task at hand.

4. Find a seat at the front

Can you choose where you sit in class? Then grab a seat at the front of the room.

Studies show that students who sit in the first few rows tend to get significantly higher exam scores than their peers.

Why does sitting at the front of the class make such a big difference in test scores?

One reason is focus. If you’re at the back of the room, it’s easy to become distracted by your classmates. If you sit at the front, your attention will be on the teacher — not what is happening around you.

Then there’s the issue of accountability. If you’re tucked away in a corner, it’s easy to get away with passing notes, dozing off, or doodling.

Set yourself up for success by controlling as much of your environment as possible, and you’ll stop fretting about how to get good grades.

5. Take more effective notes

Now that you’re sitting at the front of the class, you’re ready to take notes as you actively listen to your teacher.

You’ve got your notebook open and your pen in hand. What more do you need to know?

For one, there’s how to take notes effectively.

There’s a structure to note-taking that works . Otherwise, you risk jotting down ideas that make little sense later on.

Here are some tips for note-taking success:

Handwrite your notes

Handwriting your notes helps you to process and frame the information in a way that works for you.

You’ll think more deeply about what you’re writing and, as a result, remember more from the lesson during your study sessions later.

Organise your notes

Whichever note-taking method you use, keep your notes neat and organised.

Group together similar ideas. Copy your notes after class if your handwriting is messy and hard to read. Clear, easy-to-navigate notes are crucial for anyone struggling with how to get good grades.

6. Understand the topic (don’t just memorise the information)

Many students think that studying is all about memorisation.

So they make heaps of notecards for dates, facts and names, then hope they can retain enough information for the exam day.

The problem with memorising information is that it only works for the short term.

Have you ever taken an exam, only to forget most of the material a few weeks later? That’s because memorisation is not an effective way to categorise and recall information — skills that become increasingly important as you progress in your studies.

You’ll learn more and become more successful in school when you actually understand the topic at hand.

Note-taking is an excellent first step towards processing information. From your notes, summarise the material. Find connections with other topics, and draw your own conclusions.

When you realise that getting good grades is less about memorising the material and more about understanding the topic, you’ll find it much easier to perform well academically.

7. Create a consistent study routine

The students who do the best know they can’t wait for inspiration to study.

Instead, they consistently show up and do the work, even when they don’t feel like it.

You’ll become a more efficient student when you make your study routine a habit. Soon, you won’t have the mental debate over whether or not you should study. You’ll just do it.

And that’s when the magic happens — better grades and more time for the other activities you enjoy.

The first step to creating a study routine is to set up a schedule. Plan out your week in advance with set blocks of time for your studies. Faithfully stick to your plan.

It typically takes a few weeks to form a new habit, so don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult at the start to follow your routine. With time and dedication, your study schedule will become second nature.

8. Use smart test-taking strategies

There’s no sugar-coating it: If you’re asking how to get better grades, you’ll need to perform well on exams.

But what if you’re not good at taking tests ?

Many students get test-taking anxiety or struggle with exam pressure. But you can still perform well on exams, even if you’re not a confident test taker. Here’s how:

Manage your time wisely

When you see the exam paper, note the total number of questions. Calculate how much time you can allocate to each question to finish within the testing period.

If you come to a question you’re unsure about, move on when you reach your self-imposed time limit. Then, you won’t miss answering the questions you do know how to do.

Avoid common mistakes

One of my top tips for how to get good grades is to avoid small errors. Always read questions twice to prevent misreading. If you’re shading your multiple-choice answers, check that you’re shading the answer that corresponds with the correct question.

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to make silly mistakes. Come equipped with the right tools and test-taking practices to stop anxiety in its tracks.

Stay focused for the entire exam

Staying focused is easier said than done. If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand, take a break!

Put your pencil down. Take a sip of water. Breathe deeply. It’s better to pause for a moment to regain clarity than speed through the rest of your exam.

Want to improve your grades by 20-30% right away? Check out my ultimate guide to acing tests and get 58 pages of my best exam-taking tips.

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Your teachers and parents want to help you in your pursuit of academic success. If you need support, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that students who ask for help are more likely to get straight A’s.

That’s not surprising.

But what if I told you the same study found that only 1 in 5 students take the time to ask their instructors for support?

Be one of the few who asks for help when they need it. You’ll likely discover that you no longer worry about how to do better in school.

10. Reward yourself for making progress

You’ve worked hard to get good grades. When you’ve made progress in terms of your habits and attitude, it’s time to celebrate!

Rewarding yourself now will help you continue to get good grades in the future.

The key is to connect the increased effort to a positive feeling or outcome. You’ll stay motivated to continue working hard — and it’ll make studying more fun too!

Remember, learning how to get good grades is just as important as finding school-life balance. Rewarding yourself when you make progress is an excellent way to do that.

The bottom line

You’re already capable of getting good grades.

All you need are the right strategies to help you become a more effective student.

I guarantee that the tips in this article will help, so try them out today!

June 30, 2021 at 6:19 pm

I have my test the day after tomorrow. Thank you for posting this.

June 30, 2021 at 6:29 pm

You’re welcome. All the best for your test!

June 30, 2021 at 6:40 pm

This is a very well written article! Thank you

June 30, 2021 at 6:44 pm

Glad you like it!

June 30, 2021 at 10:07 pm

Thanks a lot for writing this article…It’s really very helpful..😊

July 1, 2021 at 7:27 am

You’re welcome 🙂

July 1, 2021 at 1:36 am

Just received this email as I am about to do three papers tomorrow. Well written article nevertheless.

May your three papers go well!

July 2, 2021 at 12:00 am

Fast Forward to a day later…the papers really went well! Thanks once again.

July 2, 2021 at 7:23 am

That’s great!

July 1, 2021 at 1:14 pm

Just read this as I am trying to understand concepts in Math. This article definitely is helping.

July 1, 2021 at 1:43 pm

Great to know that.

October 3, 2021 at 3:50 pm

This article was really helpful. I was struggling to get good grades but did not how. This one helped me to figure out. Thank you for writing this article.

October 5, 2022 at 4:13 am

really helped me write an essay. Thanks.

February 24, 2023 at 2:46 am

Thank you for your advice, it real encourages me to study hard and believing on myself

March 15, 2023 at 4:19 am

Thanks, this really helped!

October 16, 2023 at 4:37 pm

October 16, 2023 at 4:39 pm

April 8, 2024 at 1:04 am

This is a really informative article. I now know how to get good grades in school.

April 27, 2024 at 1:44 am

Thanks a lot for this really useful article Looking forward to enjoying these steps although they ain’t easy at first.

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• Introduction
• Why a Study Plan?
• Create a Study Schedule
• Create a Task List
• How Long Will It Take?
• Can You Get It Done?
• Your Study Routine
• When To Study
• Where To Study
• Study Methods
• How to Take Notes
• How to Study a Textbook
• How to Study For Exams
• How To Write a Paper

How to Write a College Paper

It’s been a long time since I wrote an essay so I’ve delegated the discussion of this topic to Dr. Genevieve Carlton. She’s had a lot of experience writing and grading papers. We appreciate her advice and you should too.

How to Write a Great Paper, by Genevieve Carlton Ph.D

A college paper is the standard assignment in humanities and social sciences. You need to master writing essays if you want to earn the best grades. But writing papers isn’t just about the grade. It’s about honing your language and persuasion skills – the most powerful tools you always have at your disposal. 

If you’re intimidated by the basic five-page paper, you aren’t alone. But college essays are not rocket science. Regardless of whether you’re writing a paper for history, English, sociology, psychology, or any other class, these simple methods will raise your grade on any college paper.

Let’s jump in.

Start Writing Your College Essay at Least Two Weeks Before The Due Date

There are a lot of different approaches to writing an essay, but they all share one thing: start early! Never put off writing an essay until the last minute, you’ll make sloppy mistakes or risk late penalties that will destroy your grade. Instead, start at least two weeks before the due date. Btw, Shovel makes this easy. Just set that you want to get started 14 days before the essay is due. Shovel will let you know if it’s enough time and will remind you when to get started. 

Why is it so important to start early? If you pull an all-nighter right before the due date, it will show. You’ll end up with mediocre argument, poor evidence, and a lack of polish… trust me, professors can tell. And you’ll miss out on the opportunities to gain feedback from your professor during your writing process.

There’s no secret formula to writing a perfect paper right before the deadline. Writing a great paper takes time, so you need to start early.

Read, Read, and Re-Read the Essay Assignment

Some professors might not admit it, but here’s the truth: every professor wants something slightly different from your paper.

Your English professor wants you to emphasize narrative styles, while your art history professor cares about technique. Your history professor wants quotes from the reading, while your psychology professor expects you to summarize (and cite!) the sources. One professor might knock off points for using in-line citation, while another hates footnotes. Even professors in the same department might want completely different essays.

So how are you supposed to figure out what your professor wants? It’s easy: study the assignment and ask questions. Even better, ask if your professor uses a grading rubric for essays. Then you’ll know exactly what your professor wants to see.

Studying the assignment is your key to getting an A on every paper. Your professor tells you exactly what he or she is looking for: will you be graded largely on your argument, your evidence, or your grammar? Does the professor want a persuasive argument or a descriptive argument? If the assignment doesn’t say, ask! You can easily raise your grade from the middle of the bell curve to top of the class just by making sure you’re writing the paper your professor wants to see.

You’ve Already Done Half the Work

Here’s the good news: if you’re on top of your course reading, you’ve already done half the work the day your professor hands out the paper topics.

Most essay assignments come directly from the reading: Create an analysis of race in Huck Finn. Explain Machiavelli’s attitude on power in The Prince. Compare and contrast two perspectives on World War II.

You have a major advantage if you read the material closely. And don’t just read: highlight the most important passages, write down the key arguments, and take notes on the major points. If you do that, you’ve literally done half the work for your paper.

So don’t cut corners when it comes to the assigned reading. In fact, read with an essay question in mind––look for the quotes that you’ll use to build your argument now, and it will be much easier to build your evidence list later.

Know Your Five-Paragraph Essay

College essays come in many shapes and sizes, from persuasive to argumentative, and from narrative to analytical. But they often follow a similar format: the standard five-paragraph essay, drilled into every high school student’s mind. And unless the assignment requests something different, use the five-paragraph essay as your template for most college essays.

As a reminder, the five-paragraph essay opens with your introduction paragraph, which ends with your thesis statement, or argument. The next three body paragraphs lay out your evidence. The essay wraps up with a conclusion, where you reiterate your point.

That same format works for everything from a three-page analytical essay to a fifteen-page research paper. You’ll obviously need more body paragraphs in a longer paper, and in any argumentative paper you’ll want to address counter-arguments or problems in your argument. But use the five-paragraph template to create an outline for your paper.

Always Create an Outline for Structure

Professors can nearly always spot an essay written at the last minute. And here’s why: they ramble; they don’t have a clear structure; they wander from point to point without building to anything. Needless to say, those papers don’t earn high grades.

You can avoid that pitfall by writing a strong outline before drafting the essay.

An outline helps you arrange your ideas before you begin drafting the paper. Start by re-reading the assignment and jotting down the main topics your paper must address. And then think about how to order them: which of the two readings should you discuss first? Where should you address counter-arguments? Should your descriptive paragraph come right after your introduction, or can it wait until page two?

Essentially, writing an outline forces you to think about how to make your argument. It doesn’t need to be a polished document, because it will evolve as you work on the paper. At this stage, your outline might look more like a list of paragraph topics, with not much else filled in. But having that framework helps ensure that your essay stays focused on the topic.

Start with your Evidence

Don’t start by writing your introduction. The introduction is the absolutely most important part of any paper. Within that first paragraph, your professor is already deciding whether you’ve submitted an A paper or not.

So leave the introduction until you’re able to write the most focused, best paragraph that you’ve ever created.

Instead, start with your evidence. Read the essay prompt and make a list of the crucial evidence. Use your notes on the reading to pull out the strongest building blocks for your case. Write down examples you want to pull from lectures. Collect a list of the best quotes from the readings.

And look at your outline. Start filling in the examples you’ll use in each paragraph.

Once you have an evidence list, it will be much easier to craft your body paragraphs, the meat of your paper where you lay out your argument. Now that you know your evidence, it’s time to hone your argument.

It’s All About The Argument

The argument, or thesis statement, is the most important sentence in your paper. That one sentence lays out your answer to the essay prompt and sets up your body paragraphs. So it has to be great.

While you’re creating your evidence list, jot down a few potential arguments. Don’t pick one just yet, though. Instead, try on a few different arguments and see if you have the evidence to support them. Stay open to changing your argument.

Your thesis statement will look different in an expository essay versus an argumentative essay. But the general idea is the same: your argument sums up your paper’s point of view. So make sure it’s strong.

And here’s one important rule for all types of papers: never, ever have a thesis statement that just says “Yes” or “No.” Your argument should always explain why. If the essay prompt gives you a statement and asks you to agree or disagree, explain why. If the prompt tells you to pick one side of a debate, explain why. Just make sure you have the evidence to back it up.

It’s Finally Time To Write

That’s right, there are seven steps before you get to actually write the essay. That’s one reason you need to start early.

Before you start writing your paper, you should have a clear roadmap for your argument and evidence. You should know what the professor wants, and you should have an outline to answer the essay prompt. You should feel confident that you understand the reading and that you’ve pulled out the major points.

Then––and only then––it’s time to start writing.

Start with your body paragraphs, incorporating the examples from your outline and evidence list. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence, which tells your reader what to expect from the following paragraph. Add your citations as you go, whether as footnotes or inline citations––it will save time to include them now instead of going back to add them later. After writing a paragraph, re-read it. Edit as you go to polish your ideas and make sure you aren’t leaving out any evidence.

Once you have a draft of your body paragraphs, create the conclusion. And then go back to write the introduction. Save your professor grief by avoiding opening sentences like “Since the dawn of time . . .” or “The Oxford English Dictionary defines . . .” The last thing you write should be your thesis statement.

You’ve finished a complete draft of your paper––congratulations! But you’re not done yet.

Talk to Your Professor or TA

No one makes a better editor than the person grading your essay. So you should always check whether your professor or TA will review a draft of your paper before the due date. Ask if they have a policy about reading drafts––or at least ask if they’ll read your first paragraph, which will make or break your grade.

Be prepared to send your professor or TA a full or partial draft at least three or four days before the deadline. Even though some professors have a policy against reading drafts, it never hurts to ask. And it’s a guaranteed way to improve your paper, since you’ll get feedback from the person assigning your grade.

Revise, Revise, Revise Your Essay

The biggest mistake students make in papers is never revising––in fact, most students don’t even proofread. Professors notice sloppy mistakes like grammatical errors and typos, and it automatically weakens your grade. It tells the professor you didn’t take the assignment seriously enough to leave time for revisions.

Aim to have a full draft at least three days before the due date, so you’ll have time to perfect your paper. What should you look for when revising? Eliminate any typos, correct your grammar, and delete any dumb mistakes, like sentences that simply end in the middle of a thought (yes, I’ve seen that in multiple papers). That’s the easy step.

Now re-read your introduction. Go back to your outline and evidence list. Can you strengthen your argument, now that you’ve compiled your evidence? Can you do a better job connecting the evidence back to your argument? Look for weaknesses in your paper. Are there holes in your argument? Are there obvious counter-examples you need to address?

Imagine you’re the professor, red pen poised over the paper, and ask yourself how to make your paper stronger.

Once you complete the revisions, submit the essay and take a break. You’ve earned it.

Study Your Paper

You didn’t think you were done just because you turned in the paper, right?

When it comes to college, analyzing your results is almost as important as writing the paper in the first place. Your graded essay tells you everything you need to know to ace the next paper for that professor. So study the comments––the line edits, the marginal suggestions, and the scrawl on the final page, right above your grade.

Did you lose points because you didn’t follow the proper citation style? Correct it next time. Was your argument unclear? Put an extra hour into honing your argument on the second paper. Whatever you missed this time, learn from it, so you don’t lose more points on the next assignment.

Ask About Rewrites

The last thing most college students want to do after submitting an essay is to rewrite it. But you’d be surprised how many students lose the opportunity to improve their grades, simply because they don’t ask about rewrites.

So if you earned less than an A on your paper, it really can’t hurt to ask the professor if you can rewrite using their feedback. Some professors will automatically say no, but others will let you submit a revised version for a higher grade.

When you’re rewriting the paper, don’t simply correct the typos and submit again––professors might feel like you’re wasting their time if you don’t listen to their comments. You might need to add more sources or strengthen your argument. It might require several hours of work. But if that means raising your grade on a significant assignment, it’s time well spent.

Plagiarism Is Never The Easiest Option

Yes, writing an essay the right way is a time-intensive process. And cutting corners is easier than ever, thanks to the internet. But plagiarism––representing any work as your own when it’s not––is never the right choice.

It might seem easier than writing your own paper, but it’s not. I guarantee it. Here’s why: it’s easy to plagiarize. Google any topic and you’ll find a dozen or more essays. But the cost is too high.

Take it from a professor––plagiarism is shockingly easy to notice. Essays that don’t answer the assignment, or that only cite books not assigned in class. Papers with five-syllable words in one paragraph and typos in the next, or that switch voices halfway through. Papers that include complicated ideas not mentioned in class––or that leave out core concepts from lecture. These all set off a professor’s plagiarism detector. And then there’s actual plagiarism detection software. In short, there’s a good chance you’ll get caught.

Most colleges have a no plagiarism policy. That means if your professor finds out you plagiarized, you could get an automatic zero on the assignment, or even in the class. You could get suspended from school or even expelled.

It’s not worth it to game the system. 

Time Management

Essays make up a big part of your grade in some classes––in most of mine, for example, papers accounted for 30% or more of the final grade. That means you should spend a significant amount of time on those papers.

What does that mean? You need to master time management for college papers.

It’s not always easy to figure out how much time you need to write a paper. It’s different for every student, and sometimes different for every paper. Some students can craft a perfect essay in just a few hours, while others require double that time or more. Starting early is one of the best ways to manage your time. That way the deadline won’t sneak up on you.

Consider using a tool like the Shovel app to manage your time. Shovel lets you schedule blocks of time in advance, so you’ll never run out. You can budget time for research and outlining, writing drafts, and revising the paper. And Shovel can also track your time, so you’ll know how long it takes to write a paper. The next time you tackle an essay, you’ll have an even better idea how much time you need. And if you start tracking now, you’ll benefit for your next four years of writing papers––because you’re going to write a lot in college.

Depending on your major, you might find yourself working on multiple papers every week, especially near the end of the semester. And as long as you schedule out the time in advance, you’ll never get stuck rushing to finish an essay at the last minute.

If you study the assignment, plan out your essay before you start writing, and always leave time for revisions, you can easily raise your grade on any college paper.

Boost your productivity!

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• September 28, 2022
• Academic Advice

12 Tips on How to Get Good Grades in College

UOTP Marketing

Your college grades will impact your future work prospects and will be much more important if you apply to a competitive graduate program. So, how to get good grades in college?

The key to academic success in college or university combines hard work and smart work. Good grades will come as a result of the effort you put in. Here are some tips that will help you get the highest grades!

How to Get Good Grades in College: 12 Essential Tips

If you are willing to study, get good grades, and prepare for your future, that’s already half the battle won. And with our additional tips, you will be among the most successful students. If you are wondering, “How can I score more in college?” keep reading because we have compiled a list of tips to help you get better grades. 

• Attend classes regularly

Attending classes regularly shows your professor you are interested and find their lectures helpful. Apart from that, attending classes has many more benefits. Regular attendance helps you retain more information and connect concepts without worrying about the knowledge gap, ultimately leading to more than passing grades . Moreover, you can benefit from the professor’s knowledge: they usually share examples, stories, and real-life applications of concepts to make information easier to comprehend and remember. 

In the end, regular attendance will be rewarded with smaller doses of revisions for exams since most of the information will be grasped during the classes. 

• Read the syllabus carefully

Many students are unaware of the importance of the syllabi on their grades. The syllabus contains a wealth of information that can help you improve your grade. That’s because professors share their grading criteria, which include a breakdown of the final grade. 

The syllabus lists all factors that can help you maintain a good grade, such as: 

• Late penalties
• Participation
• Assignments, and other grading criteria

Simply knowing where you can lose points—for example, for turning in a paper late—might help you avoid a bad grade.

• Stay organized

The importance of staying organized is unmatched. But it doesn’t simply mean uncluttering your desk. The physical, hands-on ability to organize should transfer into organized thoughts. If you can organize your desk, you should also be able to manage your study and learning habits.

For extra tips on how to stay organized and avoid messy schedules, consider the following:

• Stick to a schedule
• Organize notes by class
• Use a planner
• Set up a calendar

By getting familiar with these actions, staying organized will become one of the strongest skills that you can use in and out of the classroom.

• Participate in class

Don’t be shy to share your ideas or even contradict someone else’s opinion (when necessary). By becoming an active student, you will benefit more from classes. If you create the habit of asking questions, you will likely retain more information than by listening. That’s because the answers to your questions are related to your thoughts on the subject. 

Participate in the discussion—contributing to discussions on the issue promotes your analytical skills and enhances information processing.

• Know your learning style

Exploring different learning styles will help you become aware of how your brain learns best. Understanding your learning style can also assist you in tackling your weaknesses and strengths. 

The VARK model of learning styles identifies four distinctive categories of learners:

• Reading and 
• Writing Kinesthetic 

Once you know what category best suits you, you will become a significantly better learner, and good grades will naturally follow.

Taking notes is vital for two reasons: it helps you concentrate, and it helps you learn more deeply. Taking notes requires paying attention and promotes focus in class (or while reading a textbook). Engaging with the material by listening and summarizing what you hear helps you grasp and recall the information later.

There is no right or wrong way to notetaking. Simply experiment and go with whatever suits you best. 

• Attend office hours

A simple visit can significantly impact your academic achievement. Attending office hours in person or online can help you better understand your class content and your professor’s expectations. So, don’t miss this opportunity. 

• Avoid late penalties

Not everyone can complete assignments on time. But, this should not be a problem if you already possess good organizational skills.

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Late work is common among students in many institutions. Students are usually penalized for late homework in order to develop the discipline of completing tasks on time. We advise that you avoid late submission of any work because your grades will suffer. 

• Join review sessions

You should most definitely take advantage of review sessions. Many professors arrange study sessions before a midterm or final exam to review course material and answer questions. They may even give information on what topics will be covered in the exam. 

If your class does not have a review session, consider organizing a study group and hosting your own.

• Benefit from extra credit opportunities

Extra credit is an optional way to gain more points in a class and improve your grade. In college, instructors may include extra credit questions on tests or credit students for work done outside of class. 

More specifically, extra credits are good because:

• They serve as an additional opportunity to get a better grade.
• You can compensate for a poor test or project.
• It can help deepen subject comprehension when used to enhance lessons.
• It serves as a motivational tool to put in more work.
• Choose electives carefully

Choosing your electives wisely can help you increase your GPA . It’s easier to get better grades when you love what you learn. So, pick something you are passionate about. If you can’t find anything of that kind, focus on finding something similar to other subjects you are studying. That will help you make connections through topics of different subjects, retain more information and get better grades. 

Choosing electives is also an excellent opportunity to learn about subjects you’ve always wanted to learn about. Some students are even tempted to double major or switch programs as a result of electives they have taken. 

• Retake classes with low grades

The last option on the list is retaking classes with low grades. Many schools allow students to repeat classes in which they failed or had a low grade . Depending on the college’s policies, you may be able to replace the low grade with a higher one, increasing the GPA.

This step comes with a downside. Retaking that class should be reconsidered if you think the subject will not be helpful in the future. Sometimes retaking the course can also delay graduation, especially if you feel you can’t master the subject. So, think carefully about whether it is worth it or not.

The Bottom Line

College is usually the closest thing students have to the professional or business world, and how well one succeeds there can be a good indicator of how well one will perform in their future jobs.

Good grades are the fruit of your hard work and will undoubtedly help you when you join the workforce. The key to getting good grades is effort and consistency. As long as you hold to the tips we have listed above and make them part of your daily routine, you will be on the right track!

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to get good grades in high school.

Coursework/GPA

The transition to high school causes academic whiplash for many students. It’s hard to adapt to a new environment and get good grades when you’re given more independence in your assignments and are expected to learn more challenging materials.

In this guide, I’ll go through the most important strategies that will help you to get good grades in high school and beyond.

Basic Academic Survival Strategies

Let's start with the most fundamental strategies for getting good grades. A strong foundation is the key to success!

Strategy #1: Read Directions and Rubrics Carefully

Read the directions thoroughly on every assignment you get.  If you don’t follow the directions, you won’t get a good grade even if what you do would be considered solid work on a slightly different project. If your teacher tells you to write a seven-page essay, and you only write five, you'll get points taken off even if you do a good job. Don't sacrifice your grade just because you were careless or chose to ignore the instructions!  

Sometimes when students misinterpret directions, they blame the teacher for giving them a bad grade.  Even if you disagree with the structure of an assignment, being stubborn about it probably won’t get you anywhere.  You should re-educate yourself on the expectations for the class so that you don’t give the teacher another chance to deduct points from your assignments. In these cases, you’re probably just dealing with a strict teacher who likes to stick to very specific guidelines.  Once you know what the his or her standards are, you will be able to reliably earn high grades. 

Strategy #2: Listen and Participate in Class

A trait that is consistent in people who get good grades is that they pay attention in class. You may think that you can just space out in class, study hard later, and ace the test.  If school has always been a breeze for you, this might be true up to a point, but it will catch up with you when you run into something that isn’t as easy to understand.

If you pay attention in class, you’ll spend less time studying in the long run.  Why is this? It’s because you’ve already absorbed a lot of the information you need to know just by being engaged while your teacher is talking.

You can even go a step farther and take notes in class to reinforce what you’re learning in a different way. It's smart to get into this habit before college so that you don’t struggle with note taking in lecture classes. If you learn how to summarize the main points of a lesson now, it will be easier for you to take notes at times when they’re even more critical.  

Class participation is another big part of this.  Participation is important for a couple of reasons.  First and foremost, it might be a part of your grade! In some cases, class participation accounts for ten percent or more of your final grade. Even if it isn't a part of your grade, participating in class will help you understand the material more thoroughly and let the teacher know that you care about the subject.

For me, class participation was always very difficult because I was shy and afraid that I would say the wrong thing. If you have this issue, I would recommend sitting as close to the front of the classroom as possible so that it feels like you’re just talking to the teacher and not addressing the whole class. Also, try not to overthink it! I can’t tell you how many times I had an answer in my head that I decided was dumb only to hear someone else say it thirty seconds later. Even if your answer is incorrect, you should view it as a learning opportunity that may help you to understand the material better.

Strategy #3: Ask for Help Sooner Rather Than Later

Often, the key to success is knowing when to ask for help, and high school classes are no exception. If you don’t understand a concept, don’t wait until you’ve already bombed a test to get help. Approach your teacher as soon as possible, and ask if he or she would be willing to meet you after school to go over the material. By doing this, you can avoid bad grades before they happen and build a positive relationship with your teacher.

Of course, all of this is easier said than done. It's hard to ask for help if your teacher is less friendly or you’re a super independent person. If you’re worried about approaching your teacher, stick to a script. You can just say “Teacher’s Name, I’m having some difficulty understanding this unit. I was wondering if you might be able to talk through the main concepts with me after school at some point. I’ll come up with a list of my questions.”

If you prepare a list of questions for your teacher, it will be easier for you to get the information you need and for your teacher to explain things in a way that is helpful to you. You should also remember that there’s absolutely no shame in asking for help.  It’s really the smartest thing you can do if you’re struggling, and it will only lead to better grades in the future. 

Strategy #4: Don’t Rely on Your Family and Friends Too Much

Another way of saying this is “don’t cheat,” but sometimes the definition of cheating can be nebulous. If you and your friends help each other on a homework assignment, that’s probably fine depending on the distribution of work. However, if you directly copy a friend’s homework (even if they say it’s ok), it’s definitely a form of cheating whether or not the homework counts toward your grade.

Avoid doing this, especially if you want to get good grades in the long term.  If you copy your friends’ homework assignments, you’re committing self-sabotage.  I know it’s a cliche that you only hurt yourself by cheating, but in this case it's true. If you rely too heavily on the knowledge of others for small assignments, larger assignments like tests and papers will be even more difficult since you never learned the material for yourself.  

Also, don't let your parents edit your papers extensively or do the bulk of the work in figuring out homework problems.  They probably mean well, but it will do you more harm than good if you’re not learning on your own terms. Eventually, you’ll have to write an essay or solve math problems on a test, and you may fall short of your potential if you don't have experience doing these things independently. 

Expert Study Strategies

Many students have trouble getting good grades in high school because they don't know how to study effectively. Here are a few of the best ways to improve your test scores through the use of smart study strategies.

Strategy #5: Always Do the Homework (Even If It Doesn’t Count!)

Most teachers in high school assign regular homework, although some may not check it or incorporate it directly into your grade. Some students view this as a free pass to ignore homework assignments, which can is a very bad idea.  In subjects like math and science in particular, homework assignments are critical if you want to gain full comprehension of the material.  In math, your understanding of one unit of study is often a necessary foundation for your understanding of the next unit. Knowledge builds on itself.

If you start skipping homework assignments, you may get confused when the teacher moves on to a new unit.  Ultimately, you could become completely lost and perform poorly on assignments that do count towards your grade. 

Doing homework assignments will also help you psychologically. If you’re staying on top of things in a class, you'll be more confident in your knowledge.  Homework assignments are a way of studying consistently over time. If you do the homework, you may not have to study as much for tests because you’ll already have a solid understanding of what you need to know. 

Strategy #6: Know the Difference Between Reading It Over and “Getting It”

Just reading over the material before a test won't cut it unless you have a photographic memory. You need to actively absorb the information, not just skim over it and hope it will stick in your brain. Surface-level knowledge won't help you, especially when you're dealing with open-ended questions on a test. You should be able to recall the facts without any hints or prompting.   

If you have review sheets to study before a test, I would recommend reading them in small, manageable sections.  After you read each section carefully, look away from it and see if you can repeat the facts back to yourself.  Don’t move on from a section until you’re able to do this.

One thing that I’ve found very helpful in cases like this is to make up some sort of weird mnemonic. It can be an acronym or just something memorable that has a random association with the information you need to know. The more bizarre the memory device you come up with, the more likely you are to remember the facts. 

After you’ve read everything over yourself and feel relatively confident, you can have someone else step in and quiz you on the information.  To be sure that you have a full understanding of what you need to know, you should be able to answer questions about how different facts connect to each other rather than just regurgitating the facts themselves.  For example, if you’re studying for a history test, you might have someone ask you a question like “what were the main factors that led to the French Revolution” that requires you to draw from a few distinct facts to reach a separate conclusion.  

Strategy #7: Study Between Tests, Don’t Cram

There is a certain glamour for some students in the late-night pre-test cram session. However, sacrificing your sleep and sanity will not get you a better grade on the test (no matter how much cooler it might be than planning ahead).

The best way to ensure that you don’t panic before a test (or on the test itself) is to make a habit of going over the material that you’ve learned regularly and not just when it gets down to the wire. You’ll retain it better, and you’ll get a good night’s sleep to recharge your brain. 

In the week before a big test, you can study for an hour or so every night rather than studying for five hours the night before.  As you build up your knowledge, you’ll feel more and more confident. On the night before the test, instead of trying to study every little detail that you need to know, you can do a quick review of the main concepts to reassure yourself that you’re in good shape. 

Strategies for Structuring Your Work  

Strategy #8: make project timelines (don’t procrastinate).

If you hope to earn high grades without suffering from excessive amounts of stress, you must overcome your procrastination habits.  It's especially hard to manage your time responsibly on long-term projects. It may seem like you have forever to complete the assignment, but time will always catch up with you. 

If you're a procrastinator, I highly recommend making a timeline whenever you get a long-term assignment. If you have a project that’s due in a month, set aside the first week for brainstorming, make a rough outline of the project in the second week, flesh it out as much as possible in the third week, and spend the rest of your time perfecting it. This is a vague timeline because it depends on the type of project you’re doing and what it involves, but you get the idea.

If you save the last week for polishing your work and fixing mistakes, you’ll end up with a final product that’s a much better representation of your abilities.  Sticking to a schedule like this can be tough, so you might want to ask your teacher to help monitor your progress by checking in with you periodically. Some teachers already set up checkpoints for longer term projects because they know students have trouble avoiding procrastination. If this is the case, stick to the schedule and avoid falling behind!

Strategy #9: Stay Organized

Many of these tips will be useless if you don’t keep track of all the materials for your classes.  Cultivating good organizational habits will not only help you succeed in high school; it will pay off in spades when you get to college as well.

Always mark the beginning of each new unit in your notebook, and keep a binder or folder for each class.  This way, when you study for tests, you won’t be freaking out about where a certain review sheet went or why there seems to be nothing relevant in your notebook. Avoid just throwing papers into your backpack. I’ve made the mistake of doing this many times in the past, and you WILL forget where you put them when you need them most.

It's also a good idea to write down your homework assignments in an agenda book so that you don’t miss anything. It’s easy to forget about smaller assignments if your brain is focused on a big project or test that’s coming up. Even if you don’t have a concrete homework assignment in every class, you should make note of any potential work you might do that night.  If you have light assignments in your other classes, this will remind you to catch up on a long term project or start studying a bit for a test that’s coming up in a week.

What's Next?

Worried about your GPA? Here are four strategies for raising your GPA in high school fast.

If you're not sure whether your GPA is high enough for your goals, read this article on what a good GPA means for college.  

Still trying to figure out your courses? Check out our expert guide on which classes you should take in high school.  

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?  We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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Immigrants and America

“Transformational gift” | April 11

The issue of immigration in America is usually focused upon the chaotic situation on our southern border regarding people entering without proper documentation. What gets missed in all the rhetoric about immigration is the immense benefits that first- or second-generation immigrants to our country have given society. In the Tampa Bay area, I couldn’t help but be struck by the amazing philanthropy being given to us recently by three families for the benefit of medical care and education. These families have given tens of millions of dollars in gratitude for all of the blessings that they have received as relatively recent citizens of the United States. Throughout our country’s history we mustn’t forget that immigration was the cornerstone of our creation and is still a powerful engine of our continued strength. The problem of illegal immigration at the Texas border is a minor sideshow that will be solved in due time and shouldn’t overshadow the wonderful benefits that immigrants provide.

Scott Wagman, St. Petersburg

The hang-up

Pinellas schools’ sensible policy on cellphones in the classroom | Editorial, April 24

Pinellas County is implementing a cellphone policy for all grades as to who can use their phone and when. I taught in a Pinellas County high school several years ago when the policy was no phones at all. The school I was at did not enforce the policy. Students walked past the principal with their phone on, and she did nothing. A student pulled out her phone in my class during a test and refused to put her phone away or to take her call out in the hallway. The student was transferred to a different class. My son went to Palm Harbor University High School. Their policy was to take the phone and hold it until the end of the school year! So who decides the consequences? Will they be uniform at all schools, or will individual principals make their own decisions? A countywide standard policy should also have countywide consequences, which are the same at each school. They have the whole summer to figure it out since there may be fewer book challenges to work through.

Dave Hinz, Clearwater

Flexible founders

Electoral College | Perspective, April 21

All the discussion about the Electoral College and virtually none about what are arguably the two most important factors. First, the founders had no thoughts that their ideas were sacrosanct. They were practical men. They came up with what they hoped were good solutions, but if those solutions didn’t work or weren’t the best they had no issue changing course, for example, the Articles of Confederation, the way the vice president is elected, allowing for amendments to the Constitution, which was done multiple times in their lifetimes, and throughout American history as things changed: ending slavery, allowing women the vote. Second, the electoral process works today nothing like they envisioned. Then, there was no two-party system (many founders were very negative about political parties) and electors were not tied to any bloc, either political party or state majority. The founders set up electors to be a hedge against an uneducated populace becoming enthralled by a populist demagogue. They envisioned electors coming from the more educated and wealthier, the elite, who would reject unqualified candidates, no matter how popular, and would vote in the best interests of the country, not their personal power or wealth or party. They saw the electors as an extension of the men who pledged to each other “our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” This is clearly not how the electoral system works today, and if the founders were around now, they would be among the first saying it needs to be abolished or changed.

Todd Tanney, Clearwater

The long and short of it

St. Petersburg, Pinellas County look to rein in short-term rentals | April 21

This article provides important context. That Pinellas County has 18,000 short-term rentals underscores its effect on housing shortages. Not only are those properties no longer available for long-term rental to residents, they are also driving up prices. Investors are buying properties based on return on investment rather than market value. This has dramatically inflated prices. My neighbor paid an exorbitant price for the house next door, thinking they could rent it weekly. The neighbors explained, and the city confirmed, that they could not, so they changed to monthly rentals. It was a costly error, but still this house is no longer available to long-term renters. We can’t fix our lack of affordable housing with one hand, while turning affordable housing into motels with the other. I’m glad the county and hopefully the city is beginning to address this.

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Diane Love, St. Petersburg

A better strategy

America needs a true maritime strategy, maybe a SpaceX for ships | Perspective, April 14

I read with interest this essay by retired Rear Adm. William McQuilkin. It was a tremendously insightful piece that promotes filling an important gap in our overall national defense strategy. We are ill-prepared for what we are experiencing today in the world, as evidenced by a small terrorist group armed with technologically advanced weaponry by Iran easily able to impact the global economy — cutting off maritime choke points such as the Houthis have done concerning Red Sea transit by commercial vessels. McQuilkin hits the nail on the head with his call for increasing our merchant marine fleet, investing more capital in our maritime industrial base and building ships in the United States — all coordinated via a coherent national maritime strategy mandated as a priority while simultaneously creating a national will to so do. With the emergence of multiple maritime threats posed by unfriendly countries like China and terrorist groups clandestinely armed with high-tech weaponry, we have discovered the hard way there are difficulties in maintaining unfettered global marine transit. A national maritime strategy is absolutely necessary in empowering us to better cope with such threats.

James Zumwalt, Lakewood Ranch

The writer is a retired Marine Corps officer and author.

Ground rules

The upside of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium project | Column, April 21

The point of Graham Brink’s column is that the Rays and the powers that be in St. Petersburg have assembled a team of experienced, competent developers that will get the job done no matter how many obstacles they have to overcome. I’m old school, and I believe that baseball teams are successful for two reasons: accessibility and fan attendance. No matter how outstanding the stadium is or how many homes are built around it, it will not change fan attendance because its location is inaccessible for most of the Tampa Bay region. We moved here in 1994. Ever since then, we have been hearing talk about a plan for mass transit. Well that hasn’t happened, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen anytime in the near future for the Rays to benefit from it. We love to attend Rays games, but we live in Wesley Chapel. On a good day, it’s an hour and 20 minutes. On a bad day, it’s two hours plus. The obvious solution is to build the stadium at the intersection of I-4 and I-75. This will draw fans from as far east as Orlando, as far north as Brooksville and as far south as Venice. More fans translates to more revenue. With more revenue, the Rays could keep good players like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow and entice free agents like Aron Nolan.

Mark Khan, Tampa Bay

What ‘no’ means

Trump trial gets underway | April 23

I find it remarkable that in the New York criminal trial of Donald J. Trump, the former president has to sit there, listen, then abide by a judge’s order, which amounts to telling the former president “No!” The former president must respect the gag order issued by the presiding judge, Juan Merchan, or risk penalties. When was the last time Trump was firmly told “No!”? I think those who worked with him in the White House would “advise” the president, but would risk their job if they issued a firm command. I think former Attorney General William Barr would strongly advise the president, but when he told the president there was no fraud in the 2020 election, essentially saying “no” to the president, he was shown the door. Bigger picture: I worry about anyone wielding absolute authority.

Paul Foks, St. Petersburg

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