Step 1:

Start with the syllabus. That is your road map for the semester or quarter. You should have a detailed explanation of all the required texts to buy and read, papers you’ll have to write and exams you will take. Look at the grading scale and get an idea for the point breakdown and where you’ll need to be to get the best grade possible.

Step 2:

Over-study at the beginning. For at least the first four weeks, spend as much time possible on the material: read the text, memorize terms, look up unfamiliar words and terminology and spend more time than you think is necessary on writing the first few papers. One of the biggest mistakes students make is starting out by spending an absolute minimum amount of time on the course material and then having to work super hard at the end to get an average grade. Often times, a course can turn out to be much more difficult than you expect, so start out strong and then if you’re doing really well, you can taper off a bit at the end.

Step 3:

Visit your professor and graduate teaching assistant during their office hours. This is the time instructors set aside only for students. It’s rare that a student comes to visit unless they are having problems in the course, so distinguish yourself by visiting early, introducing yourself and make at least two visits early in the term and a few more later on. If your class is a large lecture section, this is the only way the professor will know who you are.

Step 4:

Even if you have zero interest in the material and you are only taking the course because it’s required, fake an interest but try to make it believable. All you have to do is appear alert during the class, ask questions on occasion and take notes. Being polite and courteous goes a long way in academia.

Step 5:

Make it clear to your instructors that you want to learn and do well in college. Even if you just want the degree and don’t care about learning, you should take advantage of the opportunities you have. Your opinion about college and learning may change as you grow older and you may regret not taking advantage of the intellectual playground you have at college.

Step 6:

Whenever possible, go to on- or off-campus lectures in the subject area of any class you’re taking or any interest you may have. Sometimes, these lectures may be in a different department yet still have relevance to the subject area. Afterwards, discuss the material with the professor during office hours.

Step 7:

Don’t hang around after class and engage your professors in conversation about current events or problems you are having. Many times, professors need to get back to the office to hold office hours, have meetings with grad students or teach another class. This is not your time. Stick to office hours and you will have their undivided attention.

Step 8:

Start studying for exams on the first day of class, don’t wait until the night before the test. As you read the material daily, begin memorizing terms and definitions. Also, keep up on deadlines for papers and projects by starting early and doing small chunks of work on a regular basis. Set up a study-group if you need to have the help of others to keep you accountable.

Step 9:

If any extra credit is offered, do it and do it early. Don’t wait until the week before finals to find out you’re on the edge of a better grade. No professor wants to entertain requests for extra credit. If it isn’t offered, don’t ask.

Step 10:

Be on time. Always. Don’t be late for class. If you make an appointment to see a professor during a time other than posted office hours, show up on time.

Follow these 10 steps and you will find yourself not only getting the “A” but also enjoying college more and getting more out of it.

Here are a few articles you may enjoy as well:

How to Succeed in College and Get Better Grades

The Five Best Ways to Save Money While Completing Graduate School

The Five Best Ways to Getting Things Done and Getting More Done in Less Time

Anne Mathews is pursuing a graduate degree full-time and teaches part-time at a major U.S. university. If you are interested in writing professionally for this site and others, Ms. Mathews would appreciate the referral bonus: http://www.triond.com/rw/39827.