How to Raise Your Grade Point Average

This week one of my students who is on probation asked me how to raise her grade point average. There is not one quick fix for this.  It involves day-to-day effort in multiple areas.  Here are some ideas:

• Use a daily planner and write down all assignments.
• Use a semester calendar to keep track of large assignments and exams.   LOOK AHEAD so that you are preparing in advance.
• Review your lecture notes as soon as possible after EVERY class. 
• Do something else with the lecture notes to learn them – recitation, make a study guide, make a pre-test.
• Read whatever is assigned.  If it is a long assignment, annotate and/or take notes.   If it is a short assignment, read it twice.
• Start to study for exams at least one week in advance.  (Keep in mind that this is in addition to reviewing and learning your notes after every class!)
• Take advantage of tutoring or Supplemental Instruction offered on your campus.
• Talk with your professor if you do not understand something from the class.

As you see, the answer is not ONE thing but MANY things.  Keep focused, keep working, and don’t let up!