What is the secret for getting straight As in college especially in engineering?

Question

I want to know from someone who is really smart what is his/her secret?

Answer 1

I didn't get straight A's, but I did graduate with honors with a 3.45 GPA from a pretty tough Engineering school.

This is the advice I'd give.

1. Work hard your first two years and your second two years will be much easier. Once you get the basics down the first two years, the second two years is just application of the basics. Put in the time in the beginning and life will be much easier.

2. Prioritize!!! If you try to read every chapter, write every report, and do every practise problem, you will go insane. Figure out what is acceptable to you! For instance, one report I wrote in VLSI design, my friends neighbor in the class worked for about 40 hours on it over 2.5 days and got an "A". I worked about 8 hours and got an "A-". For the time saved, I was willing to live with an "A-". Some classes will come easy to you; spend less time in those classes. Some classes will be difficult; take the time you saved and study extra in those classes.

3. Upperclassman have old tests!! At least in my school, the teachers had a "pool" of questions. If you get the last 5 years worth of exams, you have the test you are going to have. (In the end, the joke is on the student though. Studying 5 to 7 exams forces you to study period. Even if a new problem comes up, you studied old exams so much that even new problems are easy).

4. Every college and university I know of has a tutoring resource center. At many schools, it is free. If you do not understand something, get help early!!! Go get a tutor or go see the teacher! I had to retake two classes over 4 years (CAD and some analytical modeling class). If I had asked for help earlier, I probably would have passed.

5. Go to summer school. Figure out what classes transfer from the local technical college and take a class or two. Usually, it is the humanities electives no one cares about, but each class you get out of the way is free time later when it really matters. Usually the Registrar's office can help you with finding out what classes transfer from where.

6. Don't forget to blow off steam. Drink, smoke, party!!! Engineering is tough. You will go insane if you are all work and no play. Just don't drink and drive, and remember smoking is a tough habit to break. Have fun, but remember moderation.

7. Use a condom! An STD is a tough thing to explain when your parents see a doctors visit on their health insurance. An unexpected baby will bring your education to a screetching halt!. Man or woman, use a condom!!

Best of luck to you!!

Answer 2

For most of us there is no secret. Just dedication and lots of studying. Drinking and partying all night doesn't help much.
I found that reading all the way through the text books before I start a class helps me a lot, even if I don't understand most of it.
Extra curricular activities (when availible) that are related to your courses of study also helps a lot.

Answer 3

Using the smallest font on your computer, type up a cheat sheet. Make sure it's no bigger than the size of the palm of your hand and tape it there. Then if u forget anything during the test, u can just look at your palm.

Answer 4

I did it with lots of study and seeking help from someone (like my prof) when I didn't understand something. Ask questions! Do some of the extra reading that is referenced in your textbook. Also pay attention to the syllabus...it's what tells you what your prof wants from you...and they give the grades.

Answer 5

Know some upper year students to get some studying tips. And STUDY ALOT

Answer 6

The secret is being very intelligent.

Answer 7

Do all your work every night and don't put anything off EVER.

Answer 8

easy, study!!