How Can I Get an A in Your Class?

The Huffington Post published an article a few years back giving college students some ideas about things they might want to ask their professors and also topics from which they probably want to steer clear. Today’s question that you might want to ask your instructor: how can I get an A in your class?

There are so many things to talk about when answering this question, so I’ll be as brief as possible while trying to hit all the highlights!

·         Show up! Coming to class is the first step in success, and if you’re in an online class, this means logging in at least 4-5 times per week and participating in the discussion forums. There is so much to be gained by simply showing up!

·         Be prepared! You must have the essentials: paper, pencil, computer, internet, textbook. None of these is optional. If aren’t going to have the required course materials, don’t bother signing up for classes.

·         Participate! Showing up to class is the first step, but if you come to class, let your eyes glaze over, and zone out you’re missing out on everything there is to offer. Get involved in the discussion: answer questions, ask questions, take notes!

·         Get to know your instructors and classmates! Studies show that students who have a personal connection to a class are much more likely to be suc

cessful.

·         Turn in every assignment! One zero can take a decent grade and drop it to failing; even half-credit is better than no credit at all. So if you didn’t have a chance to complete your work, at least submit what you have.

·         Do your best work! No one is perfect all the time (cut yourself some slack), but you can make a concerted effort to do your best work as often as possible.

·         Study! So many students show up for exams thinking that just by attending class they’re prepared, however exams at the college level are so much more than just facts and memorization: they are testing your ability to apply the knowledge you’ve gained. If you don’t know the material extremely well, your chances for an A are slim.

My final suggestion is to stay positive! Students who are easily frustrated with failure are typically those who come into the semester hot and quickly flicker out. A college semester is a marathon, not a sprint, so focus on the long-term goal and try to be as positive as possible throughout the semester! You can do it!

Kelley