Getting a first class degree is not a cake-walk. It is even more difficult these days than what it was a decade ago. It is tougher to get that coveted degree simply because of the increased competition and higher expectations of the examiners. Apart from the sense of achievement and self-worth, there is a more practical aspect in achieving a first class degree – more and more employers are looking out for candidates with such degrees. But don’t get overwhelmed with it all. A few guiding principles will help you greatly towards bagging that first class degree.
1. Get Motivated
Motivation is that which drives you to forge ahead and reach your objective in-spite of all hurdles and obstacles on the way. Unless you have the burning desire to achieve, you won’t even come close to your goal.
Remember that it was your choice to earn this particular degree after great thought. Do you want to be mediocre? Do you just want a piece of paper called the degree with any score? Of course not! You are here to get the best degree you can. You are paying for it, you are investing a part of your life for it, why not give it your best shot; why not strive for it?
Think about your aims and aspirations everyday. Make self-affirmations. Write down your goals and feel the first class degree in your hand. Put the “Law of Attraction” in motion. Be on a motivational high all the time.
2. Know Your Road Map
Most students expect to cruise through the course over the years. Many of them do not even know what is expected of them. This is a sure shot recipe for disaster.
You, however, are different. You are fully aware of everything from the start. You know the courses you have opted for. You know which tests and papers are to be given and when. You are thoroughly familiar with the route and the milestones even before you set out on your destination.
Knowing your territory helps you to plan and organize your studies. You are always aware of what is required and what is due when.
3. Attend and Pay Attention
I know you are very intelligent and can easily get whatever information and “knowledge” you need from the net and books; but nothing can replace a good old-fashioned lecture in a classroom. It is an aural and visual experience imprinting the content in your brain with a permanence. This subliminal imprinting helps in recall. You may forget what you read but you carry that lecture throughout your life.
Also, many lecturers also set test papers and are evaluators during presentations and sessions. Attending their lectures will make you understand them better. This can be used to advantage when you interact with them on other platforms.
4. Use Resources and Research
Make use of all resources and do your research for that paper. Use the library. Search the net. Use your lecture notes.
Doing research on a topic could be daunting and time consuming. Start as soon as you get the topic and keep working on it a chunk at a time on a regular basis. Collate all the material and start your final drafts at least a week before the submission deadline, if possible.
5. Relate with Your Tutors
Your tutors are a busy lot. Most have been around for a long time. And frankly they just cannot afford to interact with all the students on a personal basis because of the time involved. But they do set aside time for collective student-tutor interactions. Make full use of these. Prepare in advance what you would like to ask and do not hesitate to ask.
Schedule an appointment with your tutor through e-mail, if possible. If you do have easy access, interact often, show your interest and enthusiasm. Do not apple-polish, ever.
6. Find a Partner-in-Study
Find a partner in your degree course having common curriculum. Team up with your partner to share study and research material. Share, but do not plagiarize. With a partner you can cut down time for research. Also, it’s good to have a different perspective than your own. Motivate each other. Set up a healthy competition between the both of you. You’ll both get that first class degree – a win-win situation.
Beware of syndicates and cliques. A syndicate may be formed for presenting a paper or for a project. Beware of group dynamics and personality clashes. Stay away from college politics – you could easily waste away precious time and pile on loads of tension.
7. Cut Down on Socializing
Some of the biggest killers of time are social networking sites. Cut down on this activity. You can set aside a tiny bit of time for this activity on a weekend.
You should also give up those regular holiday, weekend, celebratory and social binges. These lead you off-track and take a toll on your body and mind. Once in a while is OK, whereas having a good time at the drop of a hat is a no-no.
8. Time Management
Managing time will be the most challenging task you will face. You just won’t seem to be having enough. However, identifying time wasters, scheduling and planning your work (and sticking to it) will go a long way in meeting those deadlines and taking the stress out of those studies.
Getting that first class degree is no easy task, but determination, perseverance, goal setting and sheer hard work will take you there. My tips will only help, the rest is up to you!
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