TL;DR:
Want better grades? Attend class, participate, take notes, and ask questions.
Complete assigned readings and homework, and submit work on time. Start studying
early. Use exam study guides alongside your notes and textbook. Discuss ideas
with classmates and ask your instructor for help. Follow academic integrity
rules and give proper credit to your sources.
Following some simple tips can improve your performance in school.
These five suggestions cannot guarantee a transcript filled with As. They require time and effort, but putting them into practice can improve your learning and academic performance.
The following historical College Press Service (CPS) excerpt offers advice on paying attention and avoiding procrastination. Its publication date is not available here; the job title reflects the original report.
LEWISBURG, Pa. (CPS) If you're going to take the time and effort to be in school, you should focus on the class while you're there -- not the dozens of other concerns pressing for your attention, a Bucknell University psychotherapist said.
"If you are going to be in class for 50 minutes, be there," said John Ortiz, Bucknell's assistant director of psychological services.
Procrastination and "having to be in the right mood to study can impede a student's education," he said. "(If you're procrastinating or waiting for the right mood,) you are either in the past or in the future. You worked so hard to get here (into school), so be here now. Whatever you're doing, do it. The only way to do anything right is with your full attention."
On the other hand, if you go to a sporting event instead of spending that time studying, Ortiz says you should try to get genuine satisfaction from the entertainment rather than fretting over what you should be doing instead.
Students get into the "shoulds and wants, or just waste time feeling guilty," Ortiz said. "By letting go of your expectations, you can react to circumstances as they appear in the here and now."
Written in a style reminiscent of the King James Version.
And it came to pass early in the morning toward the last day of the semester, there arose a multitude smiting the books and wailing.
And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth, for the day of judgment was at hand, and they were afraid, for they had left undone those things which they ought to have done, and they had done those things which they ought not to have done, and there was no help for it.
And there were many abiding in the dorm who had kept watch over their books all night, but it availed them naught.
But some there were who rose peacefully, for they had prepared themselves the way and made straight the paths of knowledge. And these were known as wise burners of the midnight oil, and, by others, they were known as "curve raisers."
And the multitude arose and ate a hearty breakfast, and they came unto the appointed place, and their hearts were heavy within them.
And they had come to pass, but some to pass out.
And some of them repented of their riotous living and bemoaned their fate, but they had not a prayer.
And at the last hour, there came among them one known as the instructor. He looked at them with a diabolical smile, passed papers among them, and went his way.
And many and varied were the answers which were given, for some of his teachings had fallen among fertile minds. Others had fallen among the fallows while still others had fallen flat.
And some there were who wrote for one hour, others for two, but some turned away sorrowful: and many of these offered a little bull, hoping to pacify the instructor, and these were the ones who had not a prayer.
And when they had finished, they gathered up their belongings, and went their way quietly, each in his own direction, and each one vowing to himself in this manner:
"I shall not pass this way again."
-- Author unknown
Cheating can have serious academic consequences. Do you know what your course and university classify as cheating? Before submitting work, make sure you understand the rules for collaboration, use of outside resources, and acknowledgment of sources.
"The righteous detest the dishonest" -- Proverbs 29:27 (NIV)
"Cheating is not really considered a bad thing by students. Since everyone does it once in a while, it is kind of like going over the speed limit. Everyone knows that it is against the rules, but everyone still does it"
-- Male student quoted by K. J. Chapman et al. in "Academic integrity in the business school environment: I'll get by with a little help from my friends," Journal of Marketing Education, volume 26, number 3, pages 236-249.
This student's comment illustrates a rationalization for cheating. It does not justify dishonesty or establish that everyone cheats.
Southern Nazarene University promotes academic honesty and personal integrity. Students should complete their own work, acknowledge sources, and follow their instructor's rules for examinations, collaboration, and outside assistance.
Academic dishonesty can include plagiarism, unauthorized help, falsification of results, and misrepresentation of another person's work as one's own. Violations can lead to academic penalties and disciplinary action.
For the policy that applies to your program, consult the current academic catalog, your course syllabus, and your instructor. SNU provides links to its catalog and handbook through its Student Consumer Information page. Its faculty academic policies page also discusses academic integrity and enforcement.
For questions about the applicable policy, contact your instructor or the SNU Office of Academic Affairs.
"Do not lie to each other" -- Colossians 3:9 (NIV)
Give credit where credit is due rather than passing off someone else's work as your own.
-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu
Doing well in college usually involves a combination of academic, personal, and organizational skills. Here are three things you can do to excel as a student:
