Low GPA? You’re not alone. Many students struggle in college, especially during their first year or two. Fortunately, there are many ways for you to fix this issue. Are you aware of the ways you can fix this issue? Take a couple of minutes and think about it. In case you get stuck, here’s a list of things you can do.
Typically, an article or blog post that offers advice about how you can raise your GPA will possess a viral case of “No S***, Sherlock! Syndrome”. While I can appreciate the idea behind repetition and reiteration, I find that most of these articles are an insult to my intelligence. So, in an effort to refrain from insulting the intelligence of my own readers (you), this post will not discuss or explore any of the following concepts:
- Participating in class
- Taking good notes
- studying in groups
- Taking an extra “fluff” P.E. class (schedule permitting)
- Getting the right amount of sleep
- Asking for extra credit or taking advantage of XCR opportunities
- Maintaining a good attendance record
These concepts are common sense for the most part.
However, one thing you can do is pay attention to where you sit in class. Paying attention to where you sit in class may or may not directly reflect your GPA, but it does say quite a bit about your personality in the classroom and the cycle continues from there.
- Permission to use granted by “Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham
It certainly depends on the class, but I typically sit in the 2nd or 3rd row along the wall. I like to know what’s going on around on me. Indeed, I am sensitive but there is no desire to be ignored. We are approximately 3/4 of the way through the semester already. I invite you to take a look around your classroom. Who is sitting where? Where are you sitting? How is your grade in this particular class? Is the diagram above somewhat accurate?
Wait, you wanted to know how to raise your GPA. I don’t have the answers outside of what has been offered by other articles. However, I have two pieces of advice. Stay motivated for success and keep tabs on your grades. Set a goal for yourself using a GPA calculator and don’t stop until you reach that goal. Raising your GPA won’t be easy, but it is possible.
Our IUSB days 
mikedoyleiusb
November 29, 2011
This is exactly why I’ve chosen the front row every time I’ve engaged with a class. I’ve found that in just about every case, it has provided me with the best of the ability to interact with the instructor, the ability to comprehend the class material, and the ability to understand concepts presented in the class well. The only reason I’m not at the front of the room in W315 is because all positions there were already taken at the beginning of the semester. As a result, I chose the row immediately behind it: the one that would provide the benefits closest to it.
Brandi J. David
November 29, 2011
At least within Wiekamp though, sitting in the front row can be somewhat detrimental. I typically sit up there, more because it’s easier to consistently get the same seat, and sometimes the professors are more lenient if you miss a reading… They’re more focused on the people in the second and third rows. But for film classes in particular, or any other class where the professor uses the projector on a regular basis, sitting in the front row can actually hurt your ability to read and understand the material, simply because it’s so hard to read. There have been several classes like that for me, and they all tend to be in Wiekamp, so eventually I have to move to a seat farther back.
derekbryan
November 29, 2011
Attendance is key! There is nothing more detrimental to your grades than falling behind on topics.
drlandes
November 29, 2011
I for one despise the front row. I have spactial issues, and I dont like to be intimedated by my professor because I sit in the front row. I remember in ‘freshman orientation’ one of the speakers we had to listen to actually covered this topic. The areas in the classroom students are most willing to pay attention is called the “T”. It involves the first two rows of desks, then the middle column of desks reaching until the last two row. I myself still ignore this advice, becuase frankly I have fared well in all of my class.
I love your voice in this blog, very snarky tone, which is awesome for a blog posting like this. one. Great Job!
mikedoyleiusb
December 12, 2011
“I have spactial issues”
Um…spatial, right? If so, it seems a spare “t” might have crept into your spelling when you weren’t looking.
mikedoyleiusb
December 12, 2011
Actually, it’s a spare “c”. Sorry about the mistake above.
Emily C
November 29, 2011
I think this is a great post to keep in mind for next semester… awesome job :)
Brandi J. David
November 29, 2011
Upon further reflection, I wonder how it would be different in a circle set-up?
arice351
November 29, 2011
Ooooo…interesting idea Brandi. Are you in any classes that employ this set-up? Personally, I think the circle set-up is extremely efficient for discussions, especially in a course with a smaller class size. It provides a more intimate setting for students, it gives the professor an opportunity to sit down, and it breaks down that potentially intimidating, authoritative barrier that is sometimes present between professors and students.
Emily C
December 8, 2011
I had a class this semester where we sat in a circle every class. The professor told us at the beginning that her goal in doing this was to get everyone involved in discussion… which it definitely did.
chadwickiusb
December 12, 2011
The circle seating arrangement is by far the best way to keep everyone involved in discussions in class. It allows for people to actually see each other talking, this helps in understanding what is being said. It allows real conversations about a particular topic, instead of just talking to the teacher like most discussions tend to go in class.
prenticeng
December 12, 2011
I normally don’t sit in the front of the classroom unless I really get into the subject or the class. Even if sit in the back of the class I normally still get good grades, however some classes are harder than others so I will try this next semester thanks for the tip.