How Do You Gain Top Grades in College Classes?

So here's the reality: no one can promise you an A. We all bring to the classroom certain abilities and background experiences that can make learning easier or more difficult. But there are definitely things you can do that will get you the best possible grades and a GPA that makes you proud.

1. First and foremost, accept that your grade is largely determined by your own effort and persistence. So go to class. That's right, show up every day. Don't miss unless you are so sick you can't drag yourself out of bed or there's an emergency that requires your presence - like being in jail. There's no substitute for being there to hear the lectures, get directions for assignments, and to ask questions.

2. Keep your syllabus and review it carefully, not once but throughout the semester. Your syllabus is the professor's guide to the course and will tell you what topics are being covered and when, assignment due dates, when to read and what to read, and other important details. It's the blueprint for your class and not to be taken lightly. If you lose it, request another copy.

3. Do the assigned reading. All of it. And do it before the class on that chapter, not weeks later before an exam. Highlight the passages that seem particularly important. Jot down questions about things you don't understand. Ask your professor for clarification if you need it. Textbooks are expensive, and it's crazy to buy them and not use them. Plus, professors expect you to do the reading and will conduct class accordingly.

4. Type your work, proofread it carefully, and turn it in on time. Unless you're a genius, professors can tell who threw together something the night before and who put thought into an assignment. And even if they don't deduct points for late work, they usually don't like it. They will make a mental note of who is conscientious and meets deadlines, and who comes to class with excuses about computers crashing, sick aunts and uncles, and flat tires.

5. Study for tests well in advance and in brief time periods rather than marathon sessions. This shouldn't be difficult if you've been keeping up with the reading. Read over the sections you've highlighted several times. Do this in short study sessions of 20 minutes rather than pulling an all-nighter.

6. Save your partying for weekends. Not always easy, especially when you have a Friday morning class and there's Thursday night beer specials at your favorite pub. But showing up to class bleary-eyed and hungover is barely better than skipping it.

7. Do your work in a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Since you'll probably be sharing a dorm room or apartment with someone, you may have to leave to get away from loud music, conversation, TVs, etc. That's okay - go to the library.

8. Ask questions in class. If you don't understand something, raise your hand and ask your professor to clarify. That's why he or she is there. If you don't ask questions, you'll remain baffled and will have wasted an opportunity to master the material. Your professor won't think you're stupid and will appreciate your initiative. On a similar note, participate in class discussions. If you're shy, challenge yourself to make one verbal contribution every time the class meets. Professors notice this and approve. Participating will also help you to listen more in class.

9. Go to your school's writing lab before turning in a major paper. There will be people there who can tell you if you've got a disaster on your hands or are in pretty good shape. And if your paper is a stinker, they'll guide you in fixing it. Sure, it's an extra step, but it can make a huge difference in turning in quality work. Even if your papers aren't for an English class, professors still like to see them nicely written.

10. Make an appointment to see your professor outside of class if you need more help. That's why they have office hours, to be available for this kind of thing. In fact, they expect it. If you don't understand and don't seek help during their office hours, they will think you either don't care or are too lazy to remedy your situation. Either way, they won't sympathize when you are still befuddled at test time.

And there you have it! If you implement these 10 suggestions, you can't be guaranteed an A - but you will have done almost everything you can to get the best possible grade for YOU.