Did you know !!!

That your first University test result could be a pointer to what grades you’ll get for the semester, or even the CGPA you’ll graduate with?

According to a 2018 edition of the International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, there are strong linear relationships between the GPAs of students as they progress in tertiary institutions. These relationships make it possible to predict a student’s graduating grade or class from his or her previous grades or performance.

In Nigerian universities such as Bayero University ,Tests are written just before or immediately after the mid-semester break. This post will help you set and get your target grades in tests and exams!

Do you have a target grade?

Sharp students have their target grades in mind even before the semester commences, but is it always easy to meet those targets? Of course, not!

In this post, we’ll guide you through the best ways to get your target grades in the university. Meanwhile, remember that grades are important, but they don’t define who you are!

How To Set And Get Your Target Grades

There are many ways through which you can get good or better grades. The most important are:

  • Aim High:

I once came across a saying which says: ‘Shoot for the Moon. Even if you fail, you’ll end up among the Stars.’ Outstanding academic excellence isn’t gotten from half-hearted efforts or setting low goals. If you want to get an ‘A’, don’t aim for the 70 marks threshold, rather, aim for at least 80 or 85 marks. This way, even if you fall back by 5 points, you still have your ‘A’!

  • Attend Classes and Be Engaged:

Know that if you want to get good or better grades, it’s important that you attend your classes regularly. You should also be engaged in the lectures by being an active listener who asks and answers questions  when necessary.

Note-making (forming notes) and note-taking (jotting down key points during lectures) are also very important skills which help towards getting good grades. This is because writing aids retention!

  • Do Your Assignments and Practice Exercises:

Assignments aren’t only given to grade students but also to help them understand the courses better. Therefore, do your assignments well by going through relevant resources aid understanding of course concepts. You should also practice exercises, as your test and exam questions can come from anywhere.

  • Understand your Lecturers:

It is also important to understand your lecturer,, as well as their instructional methods and principles. You can also go through questions set by them in the past to note their exam-setting style. These would help you in passing their courses very well.

  • Organize Thoughts, Review Schedules and Progress:

Good students organise that their thoughts and schedules are always. They rid their mind of clutter and distractions and ensure that they manage their time efficiently.

  • Explore recommended materials and resources:

Students who want to get their target grades also ensure that they explore educational resources that broaden their understanding of the courses. These resources include textbooks, online tutorials, lesson notes, past questions and their solutions, etc.

  • Stay mentally and physically fit:

An outstanding performance requires students to creatively think beyond the four walls of their classrooms. Only a physical and mentally fit student can do such a creative venture . A student like that doesn’t just cram to pass but understands and creatively proffers solutions.

  • Study Right:

To get your target grades, you should know how, when and where to study. You have to not only study hard, but study right as well. As a student with great aspirations, your studying pattern should be different from the average students. Therefore, you should avoid procrastination and study right!

  • Write Examinations Well:

Students shouldn’t just write examination anyhow. Most examiners have a clear idea of what they want from their students in their exam scripts. When you include those key points, you’re awarded marks. When you don’t, you end up with grades below your expectations. To get the desired grades, you have to know what to write in examinations. Give it your best shot!

  • Avoid Distractions but Rest Appropriately

A student who overworks himself often ends up sick or clueless. It is important that a student should avoid unnecessary distractions and dedicate enough time to studying but that doesn’t mean students shouldn’t rest! Smart students rest and get refreshed appropriately, without losing sight of their goal.

At Smartbukites, we’re all for helping you become the best version of yourself. Our educational resources, tutorial videos, quizzes and interesting blog post are all targeted at making you better.

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Author

Fatima G. Yusuf

Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Bayero University, Kano.