4 Tips to Making the Dean’s List

By Jono Ham

Making the Dean’s List is just as much a testament to a student’s discipline and desire to succeed, as it is their God-given intelligence. It isn’t an easy task to churn out A’s and B’s on the constant while attempting to maintain at least an inkling of a social life. The Dean’s List to most is nothing more than a pipe dream, a pie in the sky fantasy that never really seems attainable. But with proper planning and good study techniques, the Dean’s List is more than achievable. Here are four tips to give some consideration as you go for the gold this semester.

1. Read Ahead

It’s no secret that the majority of information absorbed as a college student happens outside of the classroom setting. I mean let’s face it, sitting in a chilly auditorium at eight in the morning listening to some monotone know-it-all blabber for an hour doesn’t exactly make for the best learning environment. That is why it is imperative to come to class with a solid grasp of what is to be discussed. Digging deep into your textbook will give you a confidence about the material your professor piles on you. Becoming one with your study materials is crucial to your academic success.

2. Actually Show Up

In the words of the legendary actor and director Woody Allen, “Eighty percent of success is showing up”. His assertion is dead on the money when it comes to chasing academic excellence. Maintaining a steady attendance record in all of your classes will set you on the path for straight A’s. It’s reasonable to miss a class every now and then because stuff comes up. I get it. But not going to class every time your favorite show comes on or whenever you are feeling a little gassy is not the way to obtain your goals.

3. Learn Your Professors

No professor is the same, as each one has their own quirks and corny jokes. Some professors are fairly shy and reserved; some can’t seem to communicate without yelling across the room. One professor might be easy-going and humorous, while another’s idea of a great time is back-to-back pop quizzes. But there is one universal code that all professors abide by. They will only care about your grade as much as you care about your grade. Therefore, attending office hours and weekly meetings with your instructors should be a given. Figure out if they give out extra credit, their attendance policy, and if they prefer mayonnaise over mustard…. Ok, ok don’t go that far with it, but you get the point. At the end of the day, they control your final grade, regardless if you vibe with them or not.

4. Don’t Let Finals Ruin Your Hard Work

I hear horror stories every semester. After months upon months of focus and dedication, students get burnt out around finals, bomb their tests, and get dropped down an entire letter grade. Take a second and make a promise to yourself that won’t be your experience this semester. Finals are without question the Super Bowl of higher learning. You are given one test to prove that you have a solid grasp on everything taught over the past four months. So I can’t lie to you and say that there is no pressure or finals aren’t that big of a deal. Finals are a HUGE deal. But with good study habits and time management, you can do well enough to preserve your spot on the prestigious Dean’s List.

May the force be with you.

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