Better Grades Psychology: 10 Timeless Strategies to Increase School Grades

Think you’ve heard it all when it comes to studying strategies? Let’s go back to basics.

It’s not just about reading, writing and arithmetic anymore: College has gotten complicated. Between taking notes on your phone, recording lectures with an app, and taking classes fully online, it can be tough to see the big picture.

That’s why it’s time we reminded you about these 10 super-simple study strategies that can get you better grades. Some of them are obvious, but others might have been forgotten in the sea of technology that is higher education.

Be prepared for every class.

I know, obviously, right? But you wouldn’t believe how many students come to class without anything to write on or with or without the books they need.

Write your notes, don’t type them.

You might see other students whipping out their laptops or tablets at the start of class to take notes, but try and resist this. It helps your body remember by writing the words as well as seeing them on the page and listening to your professor say them.

If you think you can, you’re right.

The famous quote holds true in college classes: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Your statistics, sociology or English composition class might not be in your major and might not appeal to your interests, but never think you can’t do it. You can with the right tools. Enter each classroom with the right mindset and you’re more likely to succeed.

Do the readings. Yes, all of them.

Your professors have chosen these reading selections for a reason; not just to take up your precious time. Many professors will give quizzes (either surprise or planned) to make sure you’ve done the reading. Readings will help you feel more prepared for what you are going to learn in each class meeting.

Make friends in class.

This might seem counter-intuitive, since having friends in class can be distracting. But think about it. You might miss a class if you’re sick and you’ll need the notes. Ask your friends for help and they’ll ask you. Then, when it’s time to build a study group, you already have members ready.

Before registering, talk to students who have taken the class before.

Especially try and talk to students who have taken the class with the professor you’re thinking of taking it from. They can give you tips on how the professor grades and what he or she expects.

Take pictures with your phone.

Okay, so it’s not a “timeless” strategy, but it can be helpful when you have missed an important bullet point or slide when taking notes. You can compare your notes in your notebook with the pictures you took of the professor’s presentation to help fill in the gaps.

Don’t burn out strategies.

The sheer amount of work you must do in college can be overwhelming, and many students overdo it and burn out. Avoid this by getting involved in extra-curricular activities and making plans with friends (not in a study group). Even having a job can help with burnout since you’re not thinking about school while you’re making coffee for customers.

Find outside help when you need it.

Whether it’s from a graduate student in the major, your class teaching assistant, a student who took the class before or from your university’s Writing Center, look for help when you need it. Another option is an online tutor, like the ones from SolutionInn. They’re there for you any time, day or night, in a variety of subject areas.

Keep track of your assignments in a planner.

Whether you have a complex Google calendar or a traditional paper planner, keep track of your assignments by writing them down and crossing them off as you complete them. It’s the only way you’ll stay organized and have a list of all you need to do in one place, which is essential for success.