How do I go from a no A student to a Straight A student?

Answer 1

I think 2/3 of the battle is wanting this. It's hard work and requires sacrifices. Only you can decide if it's worth the price.

Next you need a tutor. Learning in a class is like an avalanche. Once you start, the information comes faster and faster. If you can't start, if the first few fundamental concepts are not clear, then you will feel trampled and frustrated, and people telling you to study hard will not help. You need to be pointed in the right direction, not told WHAT to do but shown HOW to do it. One-on-one help will get you there, if you have an excellent tutor and work your tail off understanding the fundamental underlying concepts.

Finally, you have to be patient. It takes a while to learn how to learn. You are not good at it now, which is why you're a no-A student. You will become good at it and turn into a straight-A student, but it takes time. Aim for an A or two, then 4, then finally all of them. When you get As in the classes you hate, you know you will have mastered the art of learning.

It will come.

Answer 2

Ok, my worried friend!! As a former bad student who is now going to law school, let me assure you that you can do this!!!

First, if you are not already there, move to the front of the classroom, right in front of the professors. There is an old saying in college, "The closer you are to the fire, the more heat you are going to get." Good students sit up front because there is less distance between them and the teacher, meaning fewer things to distract you from what the teacher is saying.

Second, most bad grades are linked to weak reading skills--unfortunately, most colleges treat reading as a remedial program. Meet with the reading professor before the new term begins and have them give you an assessment and find out where your weaknesses are. Then enroll in an independant studies course, so that you can work on your weaknesses. Also, have them give you speed reading drills. You will thank me for this in two years.

Finally, enroll in a student survival skills class and actually DO THE WORK! One of the things that they will do is to give you a "learning assessment inventory". This is a fancy kind of test that shows how you learn. Take this information to the dean of each department during registration and they will match a professor that teaches the same way you learn. This test will also determine how you should take notes for your classes. Some people learn best by using a traditional outline--that was my downfall!! I needed to use a "mind-map"--do not worry about the terms, your Professor knows them and will be able teach you how to use it.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

ALOT of hard work. Reading, practicing, note taking, going to every class. Ask for help if you need it. Go to tutors if your school has some available and study hard especially with subjects you have problems with. Show alot of effort and interest (teachers take notice) and this helps when it comes time for reccomendations. If that doesn't work, work HARDER!

Sometimes it gets tough for me b/c I miss out on things that I really want to do. What keeps me focused (this might sound corny) is that everytime I go to the grocery store I pick up a real estate brochure showing all the houses/condos. MOST if not all of them are very high end and expensive. I just keep telling myself that at the end of the day it will all be worth it because I will be able to BUY that house and call it my own.

Answer 4

study, get tutors if need be