10 Ways to Improve Your Grades at KVCC

1. Ask yourself: What does this particular instructor need from me to get a good grade in this class? What seems to be important to this instructor? Estimate the study time you will need outside of class within the first two weeks of the course and adjust your schedule accordingly to be able to meet class requirements.


2. Learn to improve your study skills by signing up for a Study Skills session at the KVCC Learning Center. In a one hour session (usually) you can learn how to study better based on what type of learner you are, time management techniques; how to take better notes, use your text to the best advantage, take tests, improve your memory, and where to go for help.


3. Prioritize your social/work commitments. Ask “Is this a semester to be part of a band and/or working 20 hours or more a week?” Reduce your outside commitments if you can.


4. Get one-on-one or small group tutoring for your specific subject areas. Contact the Learning Center at 488-4397.


5. Try going to your instructor for help. All instructors have posted office hours. Use this time to clarify questions you have about the class, assignments or the text book.  The instructors will get to know you better and talking with them in person shows that you are interested in their course.


6. If possible, get some good, reliable study partners. (If you take this approach, remember that you have a responsibility to the group, not just yourself. Be prepared to deliver the information you promised as part of the group in a timely manner).


7. Use the Internet to supplement your learning. There are tons of websites out there that instruct in a variety of subjects.
   You can often understand course material by using different methods than offered by your instructor, get information clarified and take generalized practice tests.


8. Balance tougher courses with easier ones. Don't take too many writing intensive courses, reading intensive courses, or math/science intensive courses during the same semester. Spread each kind out if you can. Get to an academic counselor every semester to arrange your classes and to make sure you are taking the classes which you will specifically need for your major/minor.


9. Take fewer classes for a semester in which other commitments are inescapable. (Quality Over Quantity!)


10. Stay in touch with your Success Center Advocate. They are there for you---to help you with questions you have of an academic, career or personal nature. 

    SSC PMS 2/07