Most classes give the opportunity to do well and to boost your grades even if you have poor test scores. This works differently in each class. Some use attendance for part of the grade, some have labs, and others have in-class assignments that can help your grade. This leads to the term “playing the game.” This term means maximizing points you get in a class by doing the little things right. Of course doing the little things right include doing homework, taking tests the correct way, and behaving correctly in class. This also includes going to class.

Here are some ways to play the game:

Homework

1. Keep everything organized and neat. Makes it easier for your professor to understand and grade. Always remember to take the ring binding off the side of your paper.
2. State the formulas you use. This shows you were approaching the problem correctly.
3. Show logical flow for each problem.
   • Work down from the “given.”
   • Show what you have done step by step.
   • Place your steps on the paper in an organized manner.
4. Box your answer.
   • This will help your professor when looking for the final answer.
5. Save your homework.
   • You can look over it later to prepare for tests.

Studying Strategies

1. Write down and memorize information in small chunks to make it easier for you to engrave the knowledge into your brain.
2. Develop a study group with people that are dependable and come to class on time.

Test Taking Tips

1. Be neat and organized, professors love being able to read your work without having to stop and decipher if that letter is an “S” or a “5”.
2. Put information that is relevant at the top of the test.
3. Show every step in your work. If you show every step, it allows your professor to give you partial credit if you make a mistake in your problem. It also shows your thinking method and looks professional.
4. Box final answers. Makes finding the answer easier.
5. If you can’t figure out the answer on an exam, try every step and then move on and come back to the hard questions at the end of an exam.

Student Behavior in class

1. Should always be in class before it starts. Old saying: Being on time is late, being five minutes early is on time.
2. DO NOT USE CELL PHONE IN CLASS. This is a big problem because students are distracted from what the professor has to say, maybe even missing something very important.
3. When class starts, you stop talking. It is considered rude to talk while someone else is talking. Ask yourself, do you like it when someone talks over you?
4. Sit at the front of class, or as close as possible. This shows the professor you want to learn and leads to the professor recognizing you out of a larger class. Write down all important information your professor gives you.

Get to Know Your Teacher

1. Visit your professor during office hours. Ask for help if needed or just show an interest in the course material.
2. Let the teacher know if something that was said in class was especially helpful.
3. Pay attention in class. You’ll be surprised by how your professor will recognize students who are really attentive.

If you do this for each of your classes, you will see an improvement in your grades. Your professor will develop a better opinion of you..