What The Tour Guide Didn't Tell You About...Easy Ways Ace Your Classes

Really hoping that my mother sees that I will be reading Jane Eyre this semester...she's been on my case about reading classics all winter break

Hello, Hello! At the beginning of the semester, I made a list of some academic goals for myself based off of the friends and from people in my classes who I noticed excelled. After implementing some of these, I have noticed a huge difference in not only my relationships from professors, but passion for my classes. Though it's hard to always enact all of these things, they are definitely useful to keep in mind. If you are looking to amp up your academic performance this semester, here are five easy ways. 

Help them out.

The first day of class and all throughout the semester, the professor will call on the class for volunteers, answers to questions and examples. Though it may be intimidating, have your hand shot up and ready to go, because if you were a professor and wanted volunteers, how much would you want people to participate?

Be early.
This sounds like an obvious one and is something that I am not always successful in (In my defense, this morning I slammed my finger into the front library door. There may be some blood left there if you wanna check it out. The being said, especially in a small class (or one where the professor is always early), this makes an impact and most professors notice and really appreciate it. 

Note taking.
You know the old phrase "a watched pot never boils?" The same thing goes for class. Though there are going to be classes that you do have to take (still have nightmares about my freshman year Biology class), picking classes that you want to learn about will keep you engaged and interested, rather than staring at the clock. You're already paying thousands of dollars for tuition- you might as well enjoy yourself. 

Office hours.
Every college guide book mentions the importance of office hours...go to them blah, blah, blah. However, really try to meet with them at least once before every major assignment. This not only gives you some feedback (and prevents procrastination), but also shows the professor that you care a lot about excelling.

Take what you are passionate about. 
It may seem obvious, but really try and take classes that you are truly passionate about. Of course there are going to be classes you are required to take, but you often have more options than you think, just do your research going through the course catalogue. The more passionate you are about a subject, and since you are going to have to put in a lot of work reading, you might as well enjoy it.  


Hope you are having a great week!