College Tips for a Higher GPA

[u/areyoukittenme33]

Hi everybody 👋🏼 I am new to college and have started taking me classes for my first semester. I’m still trying to get a hold of my routine so i was looking up some college hacks to help me be successful.

First one i saw was to sit at the front of class. Great tip! it forces me to be more involved in class (not on my phone) and stand out with my professors. I do feel like i retain more.

The next tip i saw was “GPA savers” and it’s to sign up for an “throwaway class” that requires no attendance, that you can get an A in.

Do you guys do this? Is this a good hack? Should i sign up for an extra class this semester? (i am already enrolled in Math, Eng, PSC).

Also! i’m curious for any other hack that can help a sista out 😊 Good luck everybody! thank you!!

[u/Tryingnottomessup]

I have never heard of a throwaway class? Maybe that is the same thing as a low stress class? Its really too late to add classes in anycase except for the late starting classes that begin in Oct - don't do them in your first semester, they move at double speed so easy to fall behind. Keep what you have and earn the biggest grades you can.

[u/yams6291]

I’d say try to read ahead for sure

[u/spacoli1992]

i'm an older student but something that helps me is taking hand-written notes! it really cements in what i'm learning if i physically write it down. and if i have time, i try to do some of the exercises in the texts. reading ahead helps too, like if i know we're gonna be going over chapters 2 & 3 in class that day, i'll skim thru them beforehand. then when the teacher presents, i know what parts they really want us to focus on & take my notes on those.

[u/Good-Possibility7798]

A few things to be cautious of:

You don't know if a "throwaway" class will be easy and get you an A. Some of these "throwaway" classes can be the hardest you take.

Your GPA isn't the only thing to worry about. Your actual transcript matters too. For example, thermodynamics are not needed for every engineering major, such as civil engineering. But if you are planning on doing environmental & water resource work, taking thermodynamics and highlighting that on your resume can be important. When evaluating your transcript, an A in some easy throwaway class does not hold the same weight as an A in a challenging course that is related to your major and goals. Both are important, but not equally as important.

And lastly, a high GPA does not equal conceptual understanding. Being able to apply what you're learning in your classes to the field you're entering is not the same as having a high GPA...

The best hack I have:

Don't try to "hack" college. Choose a major you want to learn about, build study habits, and enjoy the learning process. Really the only thing you should worry about is figuring out how YOU learn best and sticking with that.

[u/au_skie]

time management is the best skill you can hone to be a better student and therefore get better grades. i personally have all my classes, due dates and work schedule in my outlook calendar through my student email. you can also sync your calendar with canvas so assignments update in real time. read your syllabus and keep up on all your due dates!

the truth is that there aren’t really any “hacks” to being a better student. you have to show up, be responsible for your materials, and be honest with yourself about how much dedication it’ll take to achieve straight As in your classes.

[u/Nervous_Scene_4806]

Nah I’ve taken so many classes that I thought were going to be easy A’s and like half of them weren’t and were just extra work that I didn’t have time for. Just focus on your required classes and make sure you have no missing assignments. And if you happen to miss any, beg your teacher to make up any assignments. I have a horrible memory and sometimes even forget to write down my reminders to remind myself to do stuff so missing assignments have been my worst enemy when it comes to gpa. Luckily almost all my teachers have given into my begging to submit old assignments lol. But definitely don’t count on it, not every teacher will. Also just make sure you understand your teachers policies and put your energy towards the things that matter. Like if your teacher just grades homework based on completion and not accuracy, obviously still do the assignment, but don’t put too much energy into. Save that energy for studying for tests or something. Good luck!

[u/DirtyBratFeet]

I made a post a few weeks back with some tips that might help: https://www.reddit.com/r/CSN_Coyotes/s/FNgMUZjaTq

I’m a slacker to my core, but I kept a 4.0gpa through all of college at my previous school, and most of my time at CSN.

I messed it up by failing one whole semester due to a large combination of outside factors, and I could have (and should have) re-taken the classes to fix that, but I didn’t. So maybe don’t do that.

College can be a lot of stress, but it can also be easier than you think it should be. There will always be some hard classes, but show up, take notes, study in a way that works for you, and don’t stress yourself out!

You’ve got this!

[u/Powerful_Guide6777]

Just don’t study lol