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Pay attention to the assignment
The syllabus provided at the beginning of each course is the golden ticket. Inside its pages lies the critical information you need for success. Assignment parameters, due dates, and grading rubrics are very often included for your use. Use this information to its full advantage to leverage your college grades.
For example, an assignment that asks for a 1000 word paper on the Roman Empire and suggests that you include information about the rise of the Empire, the key cultural advances, and the fall of the Empire is best approached by using each of those suggestions as sections of the paper. By doing so, you ensure that the assignment is complete by providing the required information. Assignments often contain these skeletal outlines for your use.
Also consult the grading rubric, if provided, prior to beginning the assignment. Keeping in mind what the instructor is looking for as he/she grades will help you to ensure that all the key points are covered. Due dates are also important to note as missing one will likely cause you to lose valuable points unnecessarily.
Engage in class and with the instructor
Very often, part of a course grade is based upon classroom participation. Instructors need to see that students are engaged in class and with the material. Make your presence known through comments on class discussions, thoughtful questions, and answers to questions posed by the instructor. Further optimize your standing by staying late to speak with the instructor occasionally, or sending emails to clarify information. Simply alerting the instructor to the fact that you are interested in doing well can go a long way toward improved grades.
Use all available resources
Pay attention to resources that are available to increase your success in school. Look for free workshops the school offers in subjects such as math, English, and statistics. Pay a visit to the website for your textbook and you may be rewarded with such treasures as electronic flash cards, sample tests, and tips for guided study. All of these may be successfully used in your quest to get better grades.
Excellent grades are within your grasp
Attaining grades that get you noticed is not an unsolvable puzzle. By paying attention to assignments, engaging in class, and using all of your available resources, you have the power to achieve your goals.