How to Get Good Grades at University

Co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References Approved

Getting solid grades can help you land internships, get accepted to grad school, and even land job opportunities in the future. If you’re just starting university, getting good grades can feel like an uphill battle—but it doesn’t have to be! Keep these tips and tricks in mind during your university years so you can get good grades and continue on to the career path of your dreams.

Method 1

Method 1 of 14:
Attend every class.

3

1

1
It sounds like a no-brainer, but this one’s super important. If you don’t go to class, you can’t learn the material effectively. Some professors actually factor attendance into your final grade. Although skipping a class or two may be okay, make it a goal to show up for every class so you can stay on track with your course work.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you do have to miss a class, text a friend or classmate and ask them to send you the notes. That way, you’ll still get the material.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 14:
Ask and answer questions.

1

1

1
Participation is just as important as showing up. If your professor says something you don’t understand, raise your hand and ask them about it. If they ask the class a question, do your best to get it right to prove you’ve been paying attention.^{[2]
X
Research source} Directly engaging with the material in class will help you learn and remember it.
- While it’s not super common, some university classes actually grade you on participation. If your professor does, asking and answering questions is even more important.

Method 3

Method 3 of 14:
Take notes.

12

4

1
Come to class with a notebook and a pencil for note taking. Some teachers may allow you to take notes using your laptop, but be very careful to avoid getting distracted by things like the internet. Be sure to write down what’s on the presentation and anything the teacher talks about a lot, since it’s more than likely that will be on a future test.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you have trouble taking legible notes, try using the Cornell notes style.
- If your handwriting is a little messy, try typing your notes instead of writing them.
Advertisement

Method 4

Method 4 of 14:
Look into supplemental reading.

1

3

1
It can help you understand the course work better. Most university classes have required reading and optional reading on the syllabus. If you’re having trouble with a particular subject, try reading articles or books about it that the professor recommends for some extra help.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can also find supplemental reading online or at your library if you're not understanding something. An alternative text on the work may help you better grasp the material.

Method 5

Method 5 of 14:
Check the syllabus regularly.

2

9

1
Keep tests and due dates in mind by looking at your schedule. You can find your syllabus either online or in a handout from the first day of class. Try to check it every week and remind yourself of upcoming tests, projects, or papers that are due.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Some professors will remind you when a due date is coming up, but others won’t. In most university classes, it’s up to you to keep your deadlines in mind throughout the semester.
Advertisement

Method 6

Method 6 of 14:
Make a weekly to-do list.

1

5

1
Keep yourself organized so you don’t fall behind. Before the start of each week, write down what you have to do and which assignments you need to work on. It might be helpful to carry around a planner or a journal to keep track of all your classes.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Decide when to study, do homework, socialize, and so on. Have a daily routine you follow that works with your class schedule.
- Stick to general rules that work for you. For example, maybe you need a couple of weeks to write a solid paper. Make sure to always start papers a week before they're due.

Method 7

Method 7 of 14:
Study a little bit every day.

0

2

1
Cramming at the last minute can be stressful. Instead, after your classes each day, review your notes and study the concepts. If you work on studying a small amount every day, this will help you retain the information long term.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Find a time when you can most easily study. Look for gaps in your schedule. Maybe you could study a bit in the morning on days you have a late class. Maybe you could study after lunch and before a class around 5 at night.
Advertisement

Method 8

Method 8 of 14:
Start on assignments early.

1

3

1
Just because you can write a paper in one night doesn’t mean you should. If there are any assignments or projects that are going to take you a while, start them now! Giving yourself extra time will help you do the best possible work you can do for the highest grade.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- This is super important for final projects that might take the entire term or semester. It can seem like a long time, but the deadline will approach faster than you think.

Method 9

Method 9 of 14:
Go to office hours.

1

6

1
Meet with your professor one on one to ask questions. Usually, their office hours will be printed on the syllabus or online somewhere. You can show up and ask any questions you need to (as long as they’re class related).^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Don’t be afraid of asking “silly” questions—your professor is there to help! Usually, they’ll be happy to go over concepts with you until you feel confident.
Advertisement

Method 10

Method 10 of 14:
Reach out to the TA.

2

10

1
The teacher’s assistant can also help you if you’re struggling. If your class has a TA, reach out to them and ask to meet with them after class. You can ask them questions or have them look over your work to see if you’re on the right track.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Usually, TAs are students too, so they’ll understand exactly where you’re coming from. However, this also means they might be slightly busy, so be prepared to work around their schedule if they need to get to class or do homework.

Method 11

Method 11 of 14:
Form a study group.

0

3

1
Get feedback and help from your classmates. Reach out to a few other people in the class and see if they want to meet once or twice a week to study together. If there’s a concept you aren’t understanding, ask your study group for help (and if there’s something they need help with, work with them on it, too).^{[11]
X
Research source}
- It’s okay to work on homework and assignments together, but make sure you aren’t plagiarizing someone else’s work.
Advertisement

Method 12

Method 12 of 14:
Drop the class if you can’t pass it.

0

6

1
Most classes have a drop-date, so you can withdraw without penalty. If you fell behind early and you know you aren’t going to pass the class, it might be a good idea to withdraw instead. Then, you can take the class again next semester and get a good grade.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If it’s past the drop-date for a class, it will be marked with a Late Withdrawal. However, that won’t affect your GPA, so it’s still a better option than failing.
- If you’re unsure whether or not to drop the class, check in with your academic advisor.

Method 13

Method 13 of 14:
Get plenty of sleep every night.

0

10

1
Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep to feel refreshed. Many people neglect sleep in college, but you're unlikely to be an academic success if you're tired all the time. Consistently running on less than 4 hours of sleep will inhibit your ability to concentrate.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
- Avoid electronic screens before bed, as these can stimulate brain activity and make sleep difficult.
Advertisement

Method 14

Method 14 of 14:
Stick to a balanced diet.

0

3

1
Give yourself the energy to do well during class. Avoid processed foods and sugary foods as much as you can. Have a salad for lunch instead of a slice of pizza. Snack on things like fruit, vegetables, and nuts over chips and other junk foods. You will be surprised by how much more energetic and confident you feel when eating a diet of healthy foods.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Splurging on a dessert or a treat every now and then is totally fine, but it shouldn’t be an everyday occurrence.

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How can I get a higher GPA in university?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Develop a study schedule early on and stick to it. Make sure that you review class material and notes after each class rather than trying to study everything the day before a test.
Question

How can I get higher grades?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Look at these four methods (understanding course material, utilizing class time wisely, maintaining responsibility, and staying healthy) and identify which areas you can improve.
Question

How do I improve my grades?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Work on each of the four aspects listed in this article: understanding material, using class time effectively, staying organized and proactive, and keeping up your health.
Question

How do you get straight As all year?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Earning straight As can be difficult, but you can achieve this if you manage your time well, stay organized, utilize in-class time and office hours, work to understand course material at each step of the way, and maintain a healthy lifestyle that allows you the time and energy to do your schoolwork.
Question

Is it good to study for at least 3-5 hours a day?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

Your study time depends on how hard the class is and your workload. If you're taking a super tough class, 3-5 hours might be necessary. However, for most university classes, 30 minutes to 1 hour per day should be enough.
Question

How do I stay motivated?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

Remind yourself of the bigger picture. You're working toward a goal of graduating university; after that, it's finding a job. Even though an assignment might feel like it's too difficult or too boring to do, it's a small stepping stone toward your future.
Question

What should I do if I am inconsistent about sticking to one thing for very long and have trouble studying because of it?

Community Answer

Break up the studying you need to do into blocks of 30 minutes and alternate different tasks. For example, study biology for 30 minutes, then switch to math for 30 minutes, then switch back to biology or onto another subject, and so on. Take a 5-10 break every hour or so to stretch your legs or grab a healthy snack. Keep reminding yourself how important your grades are so you'll keep your eyes on the prize.
Question

How do I get good grades in the first semester of college?

Community Answer

You should study hard and give more time to studying and less to other things like partying. Focus on your classes, that's why you're in college.
Question

How do I manage my time better?

Community Answer

Prioritize your assignments based on when they are due. Keep a planner where you record all your due dates, exams, etc., and check it every day. If you have big assignments (long papers, etc.) schedule some time to work on these for a little while each day instead of waiting until the last minute. Don't do any socializing until you've gotten your work done.
Question

How do I balance my studies with extra-curricular activities?

Community Answer

Make a detailed timetable of your whole week, devoting a few hours each evening for studying. If you find you cannot keep to this schedule, or your grades are suffering, cut back on the extra-curriculars. Always prioritize your studies.