The Secret To Getting Good Grades

The Secret To Getting Good Grades

A 4 step guide to pass your class.

Everyone thinks that you must be the most intelligent person in the world to only get 100% marks but the secret to getting good grades is completely different. What if I told you that you don´t really need to be knowledgeable? It is all about time management. By following these 4 simple steps, I assure you that you will pass ALL your classes.

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1. Get an agenda

I used to hate having an agenda as I believed that having an agenda only added more extra tasks to my day. However, it is the opposite. Once you see how much you really have to do and organize when to have your assignments ready; you will be able to fit more things you can do in a day. Once I had an agenda I noticed that my GPA increased dramatically! I started getting better grades just for completing my work on time.

Here are some agenda recommendations I have for you!:

  • The Happy Planner (My first agenda): This agenda helped me get my grades up dramatically, I got the small size and started slow but by midterms I felt like I did not have enough space and it was too small. It has a LOT of amazing and cute designs for all aesthetics.  Happy Planner
  •  The Home Edit Planner (My current agenda): It is the perfect size, comes with stickers and very organized, not too bulky but durable as well! I am loving this one so far. I got mine from Walmart and it is very cute. Home Edit Planner
  •  Life Planner Erin Condren: A friend of mine recommended this planner, I will try using it next semester! It is bulky but perfect for online classes as I don´t have to carry it around. It looks really professional! Life Planner
  •  Bullet Journaling: Before I started using agendas I tried bullet journaling however I feel like this takes too much time and dedication most college students do not have. However, if you enjoy journaling, writing, calligraphy and decorating; it could could help you relieve some stress and anxiety. Bullet journaling can be very relaxing, there are a lot of videos on youtube how to do it and different templates. Bullet Journal Setup

For IPad users, there are amazing planner apps and aesthetic online planners you can buy on Etsy. Many even include extracurricular stuff like water trackers, extra activities and mental health activities! Etsy Journals for Ipad

2. Be on time

This next step is easy, I dare to say, the easiest step. Go to class, that is one of the best tips I have for you. Being on time and going to class allows you for more study time and many questions are resolved during class. Secondly, most of the time the instructor will talk about your assignments and special implications. Take advantage to ask your questions! Those tiny details make a huge difference in your grades and could be what will save your whole assignment.

Not only you learn material just by listening to your class, but the professor will start recognizing you in class. I have a friend who is a professor and she mentioned that professors notice your commitment to your class. By actively listening and engaging with the class, you are showing how interested you are in getting good grades which will benefit your class performance. Many professors grade in-class activities and even give extra points for participation. Let your professor know that you are passionate about getting good grades and excelling in class.

3. Slate is your best friend

This is the greatest tool that is available for you! Slate is your new best friend that you have to check up on every day. First thing in the morning just log in: check your news, emails, updates and calendar to complete your daily tasks. Maybe you could even start tasks for the next day or next week as well! At first slate looks overwhelming and very hard to use, trust me I went through it. Try to familiarize yourself with the webpage.

All professors also post a section for course schedule where you get to see your due dates for EVERYTHING. This is usually posted under the table of contents in each classroom , in this section you can find course information and weekly outline to access all of the assignments, due dates and weight for the course. Take advantage of that and add it to your agenda. Most of these assignments are also posted in the calendar widget at the right bottom corner of your Slate dashboard as well!

If you want to contact someone from your class, you can go under: class(click your class widget to see the class menu)>Management>Classlist. Here you will find every member of your classroom including the instructor. Once you click the profile of someone you are looking to contact you are directed to an email. This way you can contact anyone in your classroom. This is very useful for group projects! Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor any question you have, you are encouraged to reach out and you are seen as a responsible student.

4. Breathe

Sometimes schoolwork can be overwhelming; you just have to breathe, take a break and take care of yourself.

Being in a good mental state helps a lot and more if you are in a clean space. Whenever finals come, my room is total CHAOS. I feel like real life clutter is also brain clutter moreover, cleaning your workspace helps clearing your mind as well. In conclusion, by removing any unnecessary items in your space, you clear all your own mind clutter. You can utilize tools that are available to you such as mental toys and fidget spinners and work out to release stress as well. (See: Reduce stress and get fit with YogaPlus at PSB).

Most importantly, remember to stay hydrated, eat well and sleep well! It helps your grades to be in a good mental state! If you ever feel overwhelmed remember that there are resources at Sheridan for you to use such as counseling services which can address; anxiety, stress, motivation, relationship issues, financial problems, homesickness, sexuality, depression, and many more issues. Access these counselling appointments are completely free for all Sheridan students! Click here-> Sheridan Counselling Services

Good luck students, you got this. Remember to take your time with adjusting and don´t stress if you don´t understand something. You can always email your professor or reach out to Sheridan tutoring or advisors! Take advantage of the tools that are available for you!

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