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- by Charlotte King
- In Study Advice
Posted June 4, 2013
Get Top Grades Without Becoming a Hermit
There is no doubting that if you are aiming to get top grades for your postgraduate degree it is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. There is no magic formula that enables you to party 24-7 and still get the grades you desire, but if you plan your time right, and take on board a few little tips, it is still possible to achieve academic success and have a good time.
Choosing the Right Degree
It all starts with choosing the right degree, as there is nothing more demoralizing and energy sapping than spending years studying for a degree that you are not really very interested in. Pick something that is going to inspire you and that you can actually get excited about, making the whole experience much more enjoyable. There is also a high likelihood that if you choose a subject that you really like, some of your classmates will become friends for life as they will most likely share similar interests to you.
Befriending Your Lecturers
There always has to be a clear line between academic relationships and personal ones, but never forget that your lecturers are human, and they are probably pretty nice people when you get to know them a little better. Utilize your contact time with them and try to form a working relationship that will make study time a little more relaxed and enjoyable. This will not only make your study time a little more fun, but it will also improve your grades as you will be able to better understand them and what they like and don’t like in your work.
Start Your Work Early
One of the biggest problems that people face is that they do not effectively plan their time, and then when deadlines get close, they are literally working day and night to get things done, leaving no time for social activities whatsoever. No postgraduate deadlines are unreasonable, so if you start working on assignments when they were given out to you, you would be able to complete them without the need to hide yourself away for a solid week or two to hand it in on time.
Make Study Buddies
If you are the kind of person who works well with others, then find someone else on your course that you can work with and study together. This will not only help to improve your grades but will also make work feel a little less laborious and a little more fun and social. Having another person there to spur you on and motivate you can make the world of difference.
6 comments
Charlotte King June 26, 2017, 5:04 p.m.
Glad to be of help!
Susan March 22, 2018, 3:02 p.m.
I got a 62.5% overall for first semester. Can I still make a distinction? I feel so sad and depressed.
Charlotte King March 25, 2018, 7:15 p.m.
Hi Susan,
I suggest you go and discuss your marks with your supervisor to find out if a distinction is still possible. And you really shouldn't feel bad about your first semester grade - it is a good solid start.
Good luck,
Charlotte
Kehinde Makanjuola Nov. 2, 2019, 3:04 a.m.
Glad for your useful information
Charlotte King Nov. 10, 2019, 6:21 p.m.
Pleased we could help you!
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Emmanuel Olulaja June 23, 2017, 12:07 a.m.
Good advice. Thanks