Want It All - Academics Version
A little secret that needs to be understood, but no one really talks about is the importance sororities place on grades. They want you to be authentically you, but they also want you to make good grades. Your GPA is factored with all your sisters to get a chapter GPA & everyone wants theirs to be the highest. You came to college to get a degree. You might have several meetings, because you're doing lots of things, you might have a party that week, you might even have to work, but the most important thing is you maintaining your GPA.
Sororities have minimum grade requirements to join and be initiated. If you fall below those standards, off to academic probation land you go. Academic probation and expulsion from your sorority are no joke. If you're not studying, they will make you find time. You'll have to fill out paperwork to prove you're studying. You'll have to submit your grades. You might not be able to go to any socials or formals. It's not a fun place to be. Even worse, a lot of sororities have the right to expel you if you cannot pull your GPA up to the minimum. There are no concessions for your major. I understand differential equations is a very difficult class, but you chose your major & you're expected to be responsible enough to get help if you need it. If you can't find help, ask the sister who is over academics in your sorority.
I work in collegiate academics, and could fill up volumes with stories of what to and not to do, but I think I can get it down to eight good habits you can do to help yourself academically.
Take as many in-person classes as possible. This is the best way to help yourself, and yes, I know it's an unpopular opinion. If you want to really learn your subject matter, take an in-person class. I know how badly y'all cheat in online classes. Lockdown browsers are a joke, because y'all use your phones. You're doing yourself a disservice in the long run, and your Gen X boss is going to know if you don't know your subject matter, Gladys.
Class/Syllabi/Calendars - Go to class, read your syllabi, keep your own calendar. You're paying for these classes, so go. I understand you're tired, but professors give nuggets of knowledge in class, and if you have a question you can ask the professor, in person, about it. Read your syllabi, because most syllabi have your professors expectations for class usually based on things that happened in the past. Take the time to make your own calendar based off your professor's syllabi and assignment page.
Check your email & class announcements at least 2x a day. You're going to need to do this when you're in the real world anyway, so consider this real world training. Also, know how to send a proper email.
Get to know your professor. Professors are people too. Most love to get to know their students. I loved my professors, especially the dean of my college. He was older than Methuselah, but one of most interesting guys ever. He had a brain in a jar on his shelf. We had great conversations in and out of class, and he always took time to explain things. He was kind & I loved popping my head in his office just to say hey.
Pre-read information before you go to class. Either read the first & last paragraphs of each bolded sections, or the first & last sentences of each paragraph. Focus on bold words b/c those make great vocab questions. This gives you an idea of what you're professor will be talking about in class.
Hand write your notes. All the research points to the benefits of handwriting - you're 85% more likely to remember what you learned if you handwrite it. (plus, most of y'all don't know how to type correctly - raise your had if you know what home row is.)
Review your notes daily. There's this little thing called The Learning Curve. If you're only studying before a test, you're working so much harder than you need to. Review your notes daily. Things you know, don't focus on. Focus on what you don't. You also don't need to spend 2 hours, but 15-20 minutes.
As soon as you begin struggling, ask for help. Don't wait. It's hard to dig yourself out of a hole.
I have other strategies, so if you're the sorority member over academics and would like them, fill out the form on our home page. If you're a parent and your daughter is struggling, some campuses have academic strategists to help her with everything listed. There's a great book called The A Game, by Kenneth Sufka. He talks about easy ways to make an A in college. There's also a professor from Duke I follow on Instagram. @aarondinin is his handle & he gives great collegiate nuggets.
Remember you're there for academics first. The parties can wait, your grades can't.
Fraternally,
The Seasoned Old Bird
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