<p>not sure if this is the right spot to ask this, but I had a really bad first year at college.</p>
<p>I'm at a 2.4 GPA and i want to get my academics in-line fast. I did horribly in my mathematics class, and I ended up with a D- in the course. I am devastated, but it was my fault for not keeping my priorities straight. I want to move on in a better direction, and make up for my losses.</p>
<p>Can someone help me improve my study habits and explain what I can do this summer to prepare myself for next year? I messed up my first year, and I don't ever want to do that again. I've never done so horribly in my life, and I never want to make this mistake again.</p>
<p>Also, is there any way to "make up" that class? I'm going to be reviewing the entire course material this summer, but are there options for improving upon a grade? My advisor is on leave until next month, so I'd like some help from the forum.</p>
<p>Please help me get myself back on track. This was a completely avoidable situation, and I hate to admit it but I found myself to be terrible at managing all my courses in college. I'm not really a slacker, but when I would put effort into one course, I'd skimp off on another. </p>
<p>That's that and I need to really move on and never repeat this mistake again.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>something that works for a lot of people is to have a review/study group with people from your class. Gives you an obligation to show up and study, plus you get to know some new people. Also, does your school have a tutoring center/program? If they do they can probably help with the math. It can feel odd asking for help but it will be very beneficial.</p>
<p>Also, go to office hours. A lot of times, professors have so few students in office hours that they can give one-on-one help and walk you through a lot of problems or topics that you’re struggling with. Even if you’re not struggling with something, it doesn’t hurt to go in, ask the professor if you’re understanding things correctly, and give them your interpretation of what was taught.</p>
<p>Do homework IMMEDIATELY. As soon as you get your syllabus, write each due date on a big calendar, then do them as soon as you’re able. A lot of times, homework [especially for math and science] spans a week’s worth of lessons, so it’s helpful to look over the homework after each lecture and see what you can do now. If you can’t figure something out, go to office hours immediately and get help before it’s due and before the test.</p>
<p>Spend this summer understanding how you learn best. You said you’re studying to make up for that math grade, so experiment with that. Do problem sets help? Flashcards? Mixing up problems from a bunch of chapters so you can learn to tell different types apart? There are a bunch of sites online about different study methods [and I’ll admit I’m addicted to reading them – more so than I am to doing homework, unfortunately]. </p>
<p>Lastly, most universities allow you to replace a grade. I think they’re called GROs. I don’t know much about them since I’ve never gone through the process, but they’re very common from what I hear. Sounds like you can retake a class and the second grade replaces the first. I’d leave it to someone with more experience to explain it to you, though.</p>
<p>I went from 2.0-2.4 GPA in my freshman year to 3.6+ in my sophomore and junior years. I know what it’s like to uberly fail. The problem is that you need to raise your standards. Gettings C’s on your homework/tests is not ok. Gettings B’s on your homework/tests is not ok. You need to aim for near perfection and get A- or A in everything you do, no matter how long it takes.</p>
<p>In my freshman year, I spent around 30 hours per week attending class, studying, and doing homework. In my junior year, I dedicated around 60-70 hours per week. When deadlines were close together and things got dicey, that number went up to 80 hours. This may vary depending on your major. Mine is Computer Science.</p>
<p>You do not need to do your assignments/studying early, but you must not start them last minute either. In your weekly schedule, try to finish your work/studying at least 1 day ahead of the due date or test date. This gives you a bit of leeway if you get into trouble and need more time or to ask for help.</p>
<p>You must make a commitment to complete ALL assigned problems with 99% confidence in correctness. If you’re unsure, then you must review the material, look it up online, or ask a friend or professor.</p>
<p>If you apply this in all your courses, you will never get lower than a B+ if your professor isn’t a ******. Good luck.</p>
<p>I went from a 1.7 to a 3.0 but simply attending EVERY class and paying attention. Granted, I also studied a bit more then I did freshman year but what I really find that helps is going to class every day and taking legit notes. You’ll retain a good bit of info this way and then review it later in the day or the next to lock it in your mind.</p>