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7 Hot Tips for Great Grades

Have you ever noticed how (fill in name here) always has the right answer, never seems to sweat a test, and has their assignment due on time (or even early)? It sure would be nice to be as smart as (fill in name here), wouldn’t it? The truth is this extraordinarily lucky person probably isn’t so lucky at all. He or she simply studies harder than anyone else and is ready when an assignment is due or a test is given. In fact, if you follow these easy tips for adjusting your study routines and time management skills, you can be the one whose name fills in the blank.

Tip #1: Start by assessing how you use your time. Make a chart of your typical day and list approximately how many hours you spend on each activity. Now begin evaluating where you can cut back to allow for more study time (like watching television, talking on the phone or IMing friends, playing games, etc.). We’re not saying you have to eliminate everything you enjoy – just dedicate more of your day to things that will help you in school.

Tip #2: Next map out your school year month by month, week by week, and day by day. Include all the assignments and tests you know are coming up. This list will probably change regularly as you are given new homework and class projects.

Tip #3: Start adding in the amount of time it will reasonably take you to study for each test and for writing every paper that is due. Be honest with your assessment. A common formula given by educators is to study two to four hours for each hour spent in class, depending on the difficulty of the subject.

Tip #4: Don’t become discouraged if something (or someone) keeps you from sticking to your schedule. Things come up . . . life happens, as they say. Just commit to remaining faithful to the plan you’ve devised as much as possible. It’s there for direction and organization, not to be a burden.

Tip #5: Learn some of the secrets other good students use. Someone may be good at multi-tasking like listening to a taped lecture while getting ready in the morning. Another person may have an easy formula for memorizing lists like the names of state capitols or math formulas.

Tip #6: Take care of your fitness and wellbeing. Apart from studying, nothing will prepare you for a test like getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy breakfast.

Tip #7: And, finally, always ask your parents and teachers for help and support. They want the best for you, and the best is what you’ll be when you apply yourself and strive for greatness.

SIDEBAR: A winning Equation: More Education=More Money

You’ve heard it time and again that if you want a good job, a solid income, and a bright future you need to stay in school and earn a college degree or specialized certificate. But what does this mean in practical terms? Let’s look at some numbers:

EDUCATION

• High school graduate – $31,071
  
• Some college, no degree – $32,289
  
• Associate Degree – $39,724
  
• Bachelor Degree – $56,788
  
• Master Degree – $70,358
  
• Graduate Degree – $103,944
  
• Professional Degree – $116,514

(U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2007 Annual Social and Economic Supplement. People 18 years old and over as of March of the following year.)

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