Attend each class. When you miss class, your attendance grade drops, you miss crucial information and you risk sabotaging your reputation with your professor. Always be present, prepared and on time for your classes. Schedule doctor, dental and other appointments during times when you do not have class.
Befriend focused students. Notice the students who come to class, participate and turn their work in on time. Ask these students for their e-mail address or phone number and arrange study sessions with them. Plan dates for test preparation and review each others' research papers and projects.
Consult with your professors regularly. Professors are likely to help students who strive for good grades. Stay after class to discuss assignments. Complete your research papers early, show your professors a rough draft and ask for feedback. Review your progress with your professors and ask for suggestions to improve your grades.
Create a study schedule. Use a planner to schedule blocks of study time. Plan to study between classes, while doing laundry and during lunch breaks. Stick to your study schedule throughout the semester.
Limit socialization. Schedule time to socialize with friends and don't hesitate to cancel plans if you need to study. Decrease the amount of time you spend socializing online, browsing the Internet, sending text messages and talking on the phone.
Complete your assignments right away. Do your homework while the material is fresh in your mind. This helps you retain the information better and gives you time to ask for help. If you do not have homework, review your handouts and notes after each class session.
Save your work. Keep all of your tests, notes and assignments and refer to them when writing your research papers and studying for tests. Save your typed research papers on your computer and on a separate disk. Organize your saved work so it is easy to find when you need it.
Avoid taking too many classes in one semester. A heavy course load will overwhelm you and negatively impact your grade point average. Be realistic when planning your school schedule and choose your courses based on what you can handle comfortably.
Meet with your academic adviser each semester. Your college adviser knows exactly what is required to obtain your teacher's certification and can keep you on the right track. Meet with him regularly to discuss your grades and your progress.