2008 Woodie Awards
Omar's tips to improve your GPA
Omar Brown
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Opinion
So, you had a bad semester, Christmas is over and your New Year's resolution is to do better this semester academically, but with any resolution you are worried that you may break it. Don't be alarmed, there is hope. Here are some tips to improve your GPA:
1. Attend all classes and aim high. Showing up to classes and paying attention is the key to succeeding. Don't aim to only pass a class with the minimum grade. Remember that you must pass all major and major course requirements with a minimum C grade. Why settle for Cs then, aim for an A.
2. Maintain communication with your instructor(s). Take the initiative to make the first move to contact the instructor for clarification, progress, or just to show you do care.
3. Apply yourself in everyway. Dedicate time to outside class work, study sessions, and seek tutoring if necessary. Find a primary motivator for improving GPA such as the minimum GPA to receive scholarships, minimum GPA to join a fraternity or sorority, minimum GPA for reduction for car insurance premium, minimum GPA required for internship, a part-time job etc.
4. Prioritize your goals and activities. Your main reason for being here should be to be successful in all courses. Do not become distracted with all the other activities that are not integral to your education.
5. Unlimited resources are available. Utilize campus resources such as the Writing Center, Math Lab, MACH III, TRIO Program, Counseling Center, Library, your instructors, and your academic advisors etc.
6. Retake the class with previous instructor(s). Many students fear retaking the same instructor out of fear that was creating from failing the class previously. However, at least you will have an idea of the instructor's teaching style, and course setup. It is easier than to lean a new instructor's method.
7. Do not delay. Retake the course that you failed the following semester while the information is fresh in your memory. It is difficult to improve your GPA if you do not make an attempt to remove the unsatisfactory grade(s)
1. Attend all classes and aim high. Showing up to classes and paying attention is the key to succeeding. Don't aim to only pass a class with the minimum grade. Remember that you must pass all major and major course requirements with a minimum C grade. Why settle for Cs then, aim for an A.
2. Maintain communication with your instructor(s). Take the initiative to make the first move to contact the instructor for clarification, progress, or just to show you do care.
3. Apply yourself in everyway. Dedicate time to outside class work, study sessions, and seek tutoring if necessary. Find a primary motivator for improving GPA such as the minimum GPA to receive scholarships, minimum GPA to join a fraternity or sorority, minimum GPA for reduction for car insurance premium, minimum GPA required for internship, a part-time job etc.
4. Prioritize your goals and activities. Your main reason for being here should be to be successful in all courses. Do not become distracted with all the other activities that are not integral to your education.
5. Unlimited resources are available. Utilize campus resources such as the Writing Center, Math Lab, MACH III, TRIO Program, Counseling Center, Library, your instructors, and your academic advisors etc.
6. Retake the class with previous instructor(s). Many students fear retaking the same instructor out of fear that was creating from failing the class previously. However, at least you will have an idea of the instructor's teaching style, and course setup. It is easier than to lean a new instructor's method.
7. Do not delay. Retake the course that you failed the following semester while the information is fresh in your memory. It is difficult to improve your GPA if you do not make an attempt to remove the unsatisfactory grade(s)
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