University Star

Face it, Bobcats, the winter break is over and it is time to get us into gear for the new semester. The time is here to shake off that 6 a.m. alarm, have a cup of coffee and figure out a way to motivate yourself to go to class. However, this is not at all a bad thing.

If you are like me, there may be a certain pattern you tend to follow. Your first semester was full of late nights and short days, you did more socializing than studying, and you were shocked to see that you just made the passing cut in some classes.

Although there are plenty of students at Texas State who can balance a social life and academic focus with ease, the handful of us who cannot are given a second chance once the new semester is underway.

There are three simple steps every Bobcat can follow in order to kick up that gear and achieve great improvements in their grades. First, designate study hours, take advantage of group sessions and most importantly, go to class. I personally believe that these are the building blocks in the foundation of an outstanding academic status.

The first step is the easiest to achieve because you have full control over scheduling. Each day you should put aside one to two hours to study. Try your hardest not to lose focus in this time period, and give an effort to find some interest in the material you are learning. Doing this every day also increases the chance of running out of new material to study. This then allows you to study something for a second time, thus reinforcing the knowledge.

The second step takes slightly more effort than the first step, but pays off greatly. Emails and flyers advertising study group sessions are everywhere and it is nearly impossible to not find one that you can attend. These sessions mimic a classroom setting, but offer a chance to have your questions answered one-on-one. This benefits a number of students who would not otherwise ask any questions in their normal class. Another upside to these groups is the opportunity to have social interaction. They offer the chance to make new friends and even find somebody who is willing to help you study more efficiently.

The final step is the absolute hardest. Getting to class is the single most important thing you can do to ensure that you receive a passing grade, but getting out of bed is not so simple. This is where self-motivation comes into play. Each individual has to possess the desire to pass his or her class. Therefore, each person must find any means necessary to get them there. It may be as simple as just telling yourself, “You must go to class, no questions asked.” It may require a roommate or friend to literally shove you out of the door. Whatever the solution may be, it is a positive step toward academic satisfaction. Follow these steps and you will be fine—believe me.