Top 10 Tips to Maintain a High GPA in College

College is a busy time in a young adults life. There are so many things to juggle – classes, work, relationships, exercise, and a social life amongst other things. For my first two years of college I have been insanely busy. I have worked 40+ hours a week at my job, been a full-time student, and somehow managed to have a social life and a relationship, and exercise regularly. I have also managed to maintain a GPA above 3.8, with multiple 4.0 semesters. Here are my top tips to maintain a high GPA and get good grades.

Tips to Maintain a High GPA in College

1. Be Organized

Organization is key to getting and maintaining good grades. There is nothing worse than not realizing something is due, and frantically rushing to get it done. This will not only stress you out, but you will almost certainly not do your best, which can harm your GPA.

You need to be organized and aware of important dates, so that you do not miss anything. I personally keep organized by using a planner for the year, as well as weekly homework planners. I also make a to do list each week, and am sure to include my homework tasks and assignments on it, so that I know I have to complete these tasks and am more aware of them.

2. Use a planner

I religiously use my planner to stay organized, it is one of my top tips to maintain a high GPA. At the start of the semester I put in all the due dates I am aware of. This ensures I do not forget about any tasks and I can see when they are due. Each week I write out the homework tasks I need to complete for that week- this is my homework planner.

I stick my homework planner on my corkboard so I can see it easily, and regularly check my planner to see what is coming up in the next few weeks. I find that just by writing down the things I have due I am more aware of them.

This is the planner I use which can be purchased from Amazon.

3. Utilize the syllabus

Make sure you use your syllabus! I check my syllabus so many times throughout the semester, and it has helped me so much. Not only does the syllabus give some due dates, and what the class is about, it can also provide valuable information about what is expected in each assignment. I often look back at my syllabus to see the weighting of each assignment or test as well. I like to do this as it helps me to gauge how much time I should spend on a task and which tasks should be prioritized as they will have a greater impact on my grade.

4. Show up to class

It is EXTREMELY difficult to maintain a high GPA and get good grades if you do not attend class. For some classes, attendance is mandatory and does count towards your grade. Regardless, you should attend class always, or as often as possible. I have missed classes before due to other commitments, and it has always negatively impacted upon my grades, or put me behind in the class.

5. Utilize your professors and reach out to them for help

Utilizing your professors is so important! It is their job to help you, and most of them genuinely want to see you succeed. If your professor says you can send a draft, do it! Take advantage of all the support you can get from your professors, it will truly benefit you. It is also important to get to know your professors, and reach out to them. By establishing a relationship with your professors they will most likely help you more, and be more likely to help you find ways to boost your grade.

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6. Do extra credit

I have been able to boost my grade in many classes by doing extra credit. Even if you have a high grade it is always beneficial to do extra credit if it is offered. Extra credit could be the difference between getting an A or a B, or even the difference between passing or failing. If you are not quite where you want to be in a class, reach out to your professor and they may be able to give you some extra credit opportunities.

7. Supplement harder classes with easier classes

The two classes I have gotten a B in have both been science classes, my weakest subject. Both times I have taken science subjects I have made the mistake of doing them with a very heavy course load. Had I done these classes in the summer, or with a reduced course load, I would have received a much better grade.

By taking these classes in combination with other difficult classes and a heavy course load, I just did not have the time to put into them that they required. If there is a class you know you are not good at, try to take it in summer session, or in a semester you are able to take easier classes with it.

8. Use flashcards & Quizlet

This is one of the best tips to maintain a high GPA when it comes to tests and exams. I use flashcards to write questions when studying for exams, and find that using them helps me to study better. Quizlet is great as you can create your own flashcards online and it generates quizzes related to your flashcards.

9. Note take

Note taking is super important when studying for exams. I try to take notes every week, as this makes it much easier to study for finals, and helps me be less stressed come finals as I don’t have a whole semester’s worth of notes to make. By making notes you retain the information better than if you just read the textbook, and it will really make a difference in your exam grades.

10. Plan time for studying

It is crucial to plan time to study. If you just think “Oh I’ll do that later,” it probably won’t get done. At the beginning of the week try to schedule the times you will study and stick to them. If you have a break in between classes that is a great time to take notes, revise anything you didn’t understand from the previous class, or get a head start on your homework. I also try to get everything done between Monday and Friday, so that I can really relax and enjoy my free time on the weekends.

I hope you found these tips to maintain a high GPA useful. If you have any other tips to maintain a high GPS or get good grades, please comment below! As always, thanks for reading!