Getting That A

In my last post I gave you tips on studying effectively, but then I realized something very important. If you don't have the tools to study by, then how can studying help you at all? Therefore, in this post, I will be sharing with you some of my favorite tips to help you ace that history class you've been worried about.

> Get a good calendar at the start of the semester. Before school starts, get a good calendar/planner that you love and that can keep you organized all semester long. *My favorite right now is the Lilly Pulitzer agendas.* Make sure you write down anything and everything that is due in class and any out of class plans that you may have. This will help you keep up with deadlines and due dates and it can keep you from turning anything in late. You can also use your calendar to plan out your time for studying, doctor's appointments, etc. This will keep you on track for the semester and you won't get behind or forget any important dates. *TIP: Use different colored pens for different classes within your calendar. This will make it easier to read and to decipher what is due for what class.*

>Take good notes in class. Pay attention in class. Take good notes while the professor is lecturing, and write down anything important he/she says more than once or writes on the board. (This information will probably show up on a future test/quiz.) Use highlighters to note important information and things to do and/or remember. If your instructor uses powerpoints, print them off and bring them to class. You can take notes on the individual slides as the professor goes over them. 

If you have sloppy handwriting don't worry about it. You can take the notes in class quickly then go home and re-write them neatly and in an organized fashion. *This is also a good way to study your notes.* Always remember, if you miss class, get the notes from a friend that was there so you always know what to study for when the test comes around.

> Get to know your professor and classmates. This tip will come in very handy throughout the semester. If you know people in your classes you can get together and study for the tests, compare notes, and as I said before, if you miss class you will need someone who was there to help you catch up. Get to know your professor too, this way they can help you out if you don't understand something in class, and some professors remember if you have talked to them throughout the semester. This can affect your final grade at the end of the class. 

Following these simple tips, along with showing up and paying attention, will help boost your grade in each class and ultimately help your GPA climb to a 4.0.