HOW TO GET A 4.0 IN COLLEGE | STRAIGHT A'S IN HARD CLASSES

Summary

Joanne, a third-year public health major, shares her strategies for achieving a 4.0 GPA in college. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead with a planner, utilizing resources like Rate My Professors and Quizlet, and understanding the syllabus. Joanne advises attending and actively participating in class, seeking help early, completing all assignments on time, and understanding one's best study methods. She also suggests using evidence-based study techniques, maintaining clear priorities, starting strong, and focusing on understanding the material rather than just the grades. Joanne acknowledges the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages students to do their best given their circumstances.

Takeaways

• 📅 Plan ahead using a planner to organize assignments and deadlines.
• 🔍 Utilize resources like Rate My Professors and Quizlet to enhance learning and understanding.
• 📚 Read the syllabus thoroughly to understand grading policies and assignment details.
• 🎓 Attend classes regularly as they provide valuable information and help with learning.
• 👂 Pay attention in class by actively participating and asking questions to maximize learning.
• 🆘 Seek help early if you're struggling with the material to avoid falling behind.
• 📝 Complete all assignments on time and go beyond the minimum to achieve a 4.0 GPA.
• 🧠 Understand your best study methods and adapt them to different subjects.
• 📈 Use evidence-based study techniques such as the Pomodoro technique and active learning.
• 🎯 Keep your priorities straight by valuing your education and making necessary sacrifices.
• 💪 Start off strong in the semester to give yourself a good foundation for maintaining a high GPA.
• 📈 Focus on understanding the material rather than just achieving a high grade.

Q & A

What is the first tip Joanne gives for achieving a 4.0 GPA?

Joanne's first tip is to plan ahead, using a planner to stay organized and accountable, and to complete assignments earlier than their due dates to allow for extra time in case of difficulties.

What is the significance of using Rate My Professors according to Joanne?

Rate My Professors is a useful resource that allows students to see ratings and reviews of professors by previous students, which can help in choosing a teacher who is likely to contribute positively to their academic success.

What does Joanne recommend for studying and getting answers?

Joanne recommends using Quizlet, which is a great resource for studying and getting answers that can help in learning the material.

Why is reading the syllabus important according to Joanne?

Reading the syllabus is important because it provides crucial information about the course, including assignment due dates, grading policies, late work policies, and opportunities for extra credit, which can help in planning and managing expectations.

What does Joanne suggest about attending class?

Joanne suggests that attending class is essential as it helps students get into a study routine, ask questions immediately, and receive information that may not be available in textbooks.

How does Joanne feel about paying attention in class?

Joanne emphasizes the importance of actively learning in class by participating and asking questions. She believes that the classroom time should be used to focus and grasp as much information as possible.

What does Joanne advise regarding seeking help with academic challenges?

Joanne advises seeking help early on in the semester rather than waiting until just before finals to address problems that arose much earlier in the course.

Why is doing the work important for achieving a 4.0 GPA?

Doing the work is important because turning in assignments on time and completing all required tasks are key components of achieving a high GPA. Joanne has never missed an assignment, which she attributes significantly to her 4.0 GPA.

How does Joanne suggest students determine their best study methods?

Joanne suggests that students should figure out their preferred learning style and be open to adapting their study methods to the material they are learning.

What are evidence-based study techniques that Joanne mentions?

Joanne mentions techniques such as the Pomodoro technique, using algorithmic flashcards, and active learning strategies like synthesizing information into one's own words and teaching the material to others.

What is Joanne's final advice regarding priorities and the focus on understanding the material?

Joanne's final advice is to have one's priorities straight, understanding the importance of grades in relation to other life commitments, and to focus more on understanding the material rather than just achieving a high grade.