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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.

1

Attend every class.

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  1. If you don’t go to class, you can’t learn the material effectively. Some professors actually factor attendance into your final grade. Although skipping a class or two may be okay, make it a goal to show up for every class so you can stay on track with your course work.[1]
    • 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.
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2

Ask and answer questions.

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3

Take notes.

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  1. Some teachers may allow you to take notes using your laptop, but be very careful to avoid getting distracted by things like the internet. Be sure to write down what’s on the presentation and anything the teacher talks about a lot, since it’s more than likely that will be on a future test.[3]
    • 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.
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6

Make a weekly to-do list.

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  1. Before the start of each week, write down what you have to do and which assignments you need to work on. It might be helpful to carry around a planner or a journal to keep track of all your classes.[6]
    • 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.
7

Study a little bit every day.

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12

Drop the class if you can’t pass it.

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  • Question
    How can I get a higher GPA in university?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    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.
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    Develop a study schedule early on and stick to it. Make sure that you review class material and notes after each class rather than trying to study everything the day before a test.
  • Question
    How can I get higher grades?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    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.
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    Look at these four methods (understanding course material, utilizing class time wisely, maintaining responsibility, and staying healthy) and identify which areas you can improve.
  • Question
    How do I improve my grades?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    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.
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    Work on each of the four aspects listed in this article: understanding material, using class time effectively, staying organized and proactive, and keeping up your health.
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About This Article

Christopher Taylor, PhD
Co-authored by:
English Professor
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. This article has been viewed 181,408 times.
12 votes - 85%
Co-authors: 23
Updated: August 6, 2024
Views: 181,408
Article SummaryX

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!

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    Feb 12, 2017

    "I never considered sleeping as fundamental. I go to bed around 4-5 a.m. always. When it comes to lecture hours, I..." more
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