Many students who excelled in middle and high school find themselves struggling in college, often barely passing their courses. Why is this? Is college really that much harder?
In high school, students receive comprehensive guidance on solving problems, presenting their work, and are constantly reminded to complete assignments. However, in college, the approach is entirely different. Professors deliver lectures, assign work for students to explore independently, and if they need help, students are expected to search through books or online resources, or reach out to professors directly. Here are seven effective study strategies to achieve high grades in college:
Establish Clear Goals and Direction from the Start
In any endeavor, having a clear, correct attitude is essential, and learning is no exception. Understand why you are studying, how you will study, and set clear goals for your learning journey. It's important to have a clear motivation to push yourself whenever your enthusiasm wanes. Be serious and persistent in your studies.
Many students treat college as an exploratory journey rather than preparation for their future. Some attend classes just to be marked present or to socialize with friends. This approach wastes time, knowledge, and money.
Real Talkshow at Dai Viet: Helping Students Set Clear Goals for Everything You Do
Always Think About Your Parents' Investment
While it may sound pragmatic, constantly thinking about the money your parents spend on your education can be a powerful motivator to help you stay focused on your studies. This mindset encourages you to work hard and not neglect your responsibilities as a student.
Attend Classes Regularly
Regular class attendance is essential, even if participation only contributes 20% - 30% to your final semester grade. Being present in class ensures you don't miss important information that instructors cover or any assignments and requirements they give.
While it's important to balance social activities, part-time work, and learning new languages, managing your time effectively will help you maintain a balance in all aspects of college life.
Find Good Friends
Make friends who will motivate you to attend classes, especially when you feel lazy. While that's a bit of a joke, the reality is that in college, you won't know everything, and friends can be an invaluable resource. They can provide insights and help with things you haven't yet learned.
Group Activities in Extracurricular Lessons
Expand Your Horizons
Being involved in group activities and clubs can lead to a wealth of experiences. Friends can pull you into various clubs, interesting events, seminars, and soft skills workshops that will broaden your knowledge and provide opportunities to explore new interests. They can also help get you out of your room when you're overwhelmed by dry, rigid subjects or a mountain of assignments and essays you haven't yet tackled.
Friends study with you, play with you, and grow with you. Remember the saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Be Bold and Share Your Opinions
Whenever you have the chance, volunteer to speak up and solve problems on the board. Each time you do, teachers might note a “+” next to your name on the class list. Depending on the subject, each “+” can add between 0.25 to 1 point to your midterm exam score. These points are valuable and easy to earn.
Dai Viet Students Gain Confidence in Presentations
Actively participating in class discussions and presentations can significantly reduce exam stress. The extra credit earned from speaking up can help buffer any mistakes you might make in exams, providing a slight boost to your overall grade. Moreover, confidently expressing your opinions and viewpoints not only aids in better understanding the material but also allows you to grasp and retain the lesson content more effectively right there in class.
By applying these strategies, your learning experience can become more comfortable and manageable, reducing stress and leaving you with more time to enjoy other interesting activities. Embracing these habits will not only help you academically but also allow you to balance your studies with other enriching experiences.