Happy New Year and welcome back! This is the perfect time to set your new semester’s resolutions.

A good GPA is crucial to scoring good internships, interviews, and jobs. It is far more difficult to recover from a grade slip than to maintain them in the first place. The time to think about your grade goals is at the beginning of the semester – when you’re in control of your grades – rather than scrambling at the end to minimize damage. A few tips for maximizing your successes in the classroom:

1. Plan your work, work your plan.

Success doesn’t just happen; it is the result of planning ahead. You have to know where you’re going if you ever expect to arrive there. Here are some tips to get you there:

  • See an advisor to make a graduation plan and set semester goals.
  • Make note of important dates from the academic calendar in your phone so you won’t miss deadlines.
  • Decide now what habits you want to cultivate this semester, so that you’re not running after the train after it’s already left the station.

2. Read the syllabus. All of it.

When are the exams? It’s in the syllabus. What are the assignments and when are they due? It’s in the syllabus. Professor’s contact information? You guessed it: syllabus.

it's in the syllabus
No, really. It’s in there.

 

2. Use the help you paid for.

You know how you read your term bill and you’re like, “campus fees? what does that even mean?!” One of the things your fees cover is the Learning Center. The Learning Center is a magical place that gives free tutoring and writing assistance, as well as coaching to improve your academic organization skills. 

Pro tip: don’t miss a tutoring appointment without canceling or you will lose your tutoring privileges for the rest of the term.

3. See an Advisor if you’re struggling.

Don’t wait until the end of the semester when it’s too late to Withdraw from a course or turn your grade around! You can sit down with an Advisor any time to discuss your concerns about coursework and develop a strategy for getting back on track, or (if necessary) Withdraw before the deadline. Call us for an appointment any time during the semester. We’re here to help.

Have a great Spring 2016 semester!