10 Proven Tips to Improve Your Grades

1Know Exactly Where You Stand

Why it works: You can't improve what you don't measure!

Action steps:

• Calculate your current grade in each class using our grade calculator
• Identify which categories (homework, exams, etc.) are pulling your grade down
• Set specific grade goals for each class
• Calculate what scores you need on upcoming assignments

Pro tip: Check your grades after every assignment, not just at midterm. Early awareness allows early intervention!

2Prioritize High-Impact Assignments

Why it works: Not all assignments are created equal. Focus on what matters most!

Understanding weights:

• If exams = 50% of grade, they're 5× more important than homework at 10%
• A 10-point improvement on a 50%-weight exam = same as 50-point improvement on 10%-weight homework
• Always check your syllabus for category weights

Smart strategy: When short on time, dedicate 70% of study time to heavily-weighted categories. Learn more in our weighted grades guide.

3Attend Every Class (Yes, Every Single One)

Why it works: Research shows students who attend class regularly score 10-20% higher!

Benefits of attendance:

• Exam hints: Professors often hint at exam topics
• Understanding: Lectures clarify confusing textbook concepts
• Participation: Many classes have participation grades
• Relationships: Build rapport with professors for recommendation letters

Can't attend? Email professor ASAP, get notes from classmate, watch recorded lecture if available.

4Master Active Study Techniques

Why it works: Active learning is 2-3× more effective than passive reading!

Active techniques that work:

• Practice Problems: Do extra problems beyond homework
• Self-Testing: Quiz yourself without looking at notes
• Teaching Others: Explain concepts to classmates
• Spaced Repetition: Review material multiple times over days/weeks
• Flashcards: For memorization-heavy subjects

Avoid these passive techniques: Just reading notes, highlighting textbooks without processing, copying slides

5Use Office Hours Strategically

Why it works: Professors want to help! Office hours are an underutilized resource.

How to use office hours effectively:

• Come prepared: Try problems first, bring specific questions
• Go early: Don't wait until right before exams
• Build relationships: Professors remember students who show effort
• Ask about exams: "What should I focus on?" often yields valuable hints
• Clarify grading: Understand exactly what professors want

Scared to go alone? Bring a classmate! Group office hours are common and less intimidating.

6Start Assignments Early

Why it works: Early start = time for questions, revisions, and better quality work.

The 3-day rule:

• Day 1: Read assignment, make initial attempt, identify questions
• Day 2: Get help on confusing parts, complete draft
• Day 3: Review, edit, perfect, submit

Psychology benefit: Your brain processes information better with sleep between sessions. Starting early literally makes you smarter!

7Form or Join Study Groups

Why it works: Collaborative learning improves retention and understanding.

Effective study group rules:

• Size: 3-5 students (not too big, not too small)
• Commitment: Members who actually show up and prepare
• Diverse skills: Members strong in different areas
• Structure: Set agenda, take turns teaching concepts
• Location: Quiet place (library, study room) not distracting (not dorm/cafeteria)

Warning: Study groups shouldn't replace individual study. Use 70% solo, 30% group time.

8Perfect Your Exam Strategy

Why it works: Good exam technique can boost scores by 10-15% with same knowledge!

Before the exam:

• Get 7-8 hours sleep (all-nighters hurt more than help)
• Eat a good breakfast (brain needs fuel)
• Arrive 10 minutes early (reduce anxiety)
• Review main concepts, don't cram new material

During the exam:

• Read instructions: Losing points on technicalities is tragic
• Budget time: Don't spend 30 min on a 5-point question
• Easy first: Build confidence and guarantee those points
• Show work: Partial credit is real! Never leave blank
• Review: Save 5-10 minutes to check for silly mistakes

9Manage Your Time Like a Pro

Why it works: Time management = less stress + better grades.

Time blocking technique:

• Classes: Block out all class times
• Study blocks: 2-3 hour chunks (not 8 hours straight!)
• Rule of thumb: 2-3 study hours per 1 credit hour per week
• Breaks: 10-15 min break every hour (proven to improve retention)
• Sleep: Non-negotiable 7-8 hours (sleep deprivation = lower grades)

Apps that help: Google Calendar, Notion, Todoist, Forest (focus app)

10Learn from Your Mistakes

Why it works: Past mistakes are the best teachers for future success!

After every graded assignment:

• Review thoroughly: Understand why you lost points
• Ask questions: If grading seems unfair or unclear, ask professor
• Make corrections: Redo missed problems correctly
• Keep for exam: Old assignments/quizzes are gold for exam prep
• Identify patterns: Do you always miss calculation errors? Conceptual questions? Adjust study focus

Grade disappointment? Use our calculator to see exactly what you need going forward. One bad grade doesn't ruin everything if you improve!