It’s the desire of almost every student to excel in college. It’s a good desire and worthy of the work it requires. But a lot of persons don’t know what to do to excel. On this post, I’m sharing with you what you need to do to excel and make the grades you desire.
- Decide what you want: A lot of students really don’t know what they want in college. It’s saddening. Freedom? Good grades? Money? Flirt? Fun? Good grades and life skills to keep you relevant after college? It is your decision to make. And when you’ve made it, you know what direction to go through to get the desired results.
- Start early: Early preparation is key. Starting early isn’t only about reading up texts books on time but showing up early, prepared and eager to learn at the start of the semester and for classes. Some students are no where to be found until it is mid-semester. Bad. Note that a good number of lecturers always prepare their students for examinations while they teach. They might not point out expected questions but they will teach on it and sometimes even make emphasis repeatedly on it. So show up daily for your classes, read up what it taught, take notes and read ahead of your lecturers.
- Ask questions: Please ask as much questions as possible. There is someone somewhere that knows something that could be of help to you and make your journey easier. But you wouldn’t know they can help until you ask for it. Take that best student in your class for lunch and ask him how he’s doing it. Ask your seniors how they did it. Troubled with a course? Ask your lecturers questions. Ask for help when it’s seems as though it’s becoming overwhelming. Ask. Let go of pride, the hunger for validation and the need to be seen as perfect.
- Build structures: The reasons a lot of persons don’t excel as much as they desire is because their lives lack structure. Today they are running out of time tomorrow they forgot something they ought to have done yesterday or the book they where supposed to bring along to class today and so on. This doesn’t have to be your experience. Build structures around your life and learn to live by design not default. When do you wake up? When is your study time daily? Having a certain level of control over what is happening during your day is empowering to help achieve your goals.
- Build relationships and community: You will always need people on your journey to success and college is no exemption. Connect with people going in the same direction with you and with similar values (don’t joke with this please). Have a community of friends where you all study together, discuss, review ask questions and render help to one another when the need arises. Also I’ll encourage you love your lecturers and have a good relationship with them. It makes it easier to walk up to them to make inquiries and ask for help when the need arises.
- Be generous: It’s okay to be loud, bold and authentic about who you are and the values that governs your life but it’s not okay to become cruel or selfish to others because of your goals and grades. As you study and prepare, check on that friend who has been having health challenges. Ask that mum in same class with you how you can support her. Pass on your lessons to the class that will be succeeding yours. These people will always be grateful. And when you think back on these years, they will always make you smile because of the colour and beauty it added to your college experience and that of others.
- Care for yourself: It’s important you don’t neglect your health while in college. Eat fruits, vegetables, drink more water, exercise and see to it you are doing fine physically, mentally and spiritually. Remember after college, grades and examinations you have yourself to live with, so make the best decisions you’ll be proud of.
I’ll also encourage you sit yourself down and have a discussion with self. Carefully introspect and ask, how can I make necessary adjustments to reach my goals? You will be glad you did.
Always remember to keep aiming high, giving your best because you are the best!
