What separates the person who gets an "A", from the person who gets a "B"

[mfoti1]

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I thought this question would help those average "B" students, realize what they need to do, to raise that "B", to an "A".

It sure would help me to know. As I've always been that average B student, even if I study hard.

So the question is: What separates the person who gets an "A", in their class, from the person that gets a "B" in their class?

I was wondering if people could share different strategies of studying or anything that has helped them achieve "A's".

Thanks!

 

[RONDIZZLE27]

I think if you study hard enough and utilize the resources available to you(office hrs, study groups) you can get As. Definitely takes a lot of effort though.

This year I was a B student. I skated by on not doing anything (academically lol) outside of class and not studying much for exams. I know ill have to do more in the future if I want a shot a Dschool, good thing I still have over 2 yrs to get my GPA up

 

[p2vanlon]

I thought this question would help those average "B" students, realize what they need to do, to raise that "B", to an "A".

It sure would help me to know. As I've always been that average B student, even if I study hard.

So the question is: What separates the person who gets an "A", in their class, from the person that gets a "B" in their class?

I was wondering if people could share different strategies of studying or anything that has helped them achieve "A's".

Thanks!

Hard work. Dilligence. Attendance. Organization. Communication with Instructors.

I mean some people are just freaks and will get A's in anything because they have abilities to just flat out learn something. I have a really good memory (not photographic or anything, just good) and I used to think that would get me by. I was a 3.0 student during undergrad and that was as a management major. I did really well in core classes (3.75-3.8) but didn't care much about electives. I am half way through the pre-req's for D-school and I have a 4.0 post bacc. I can tell you that the things I listed above are the difference. As a 28 year old I just have an overall different approach to school than when I was 19-23

 

[mfoti1]

Hard work. Dilligence. Attendance. Organization. Communication with Instructors.

I mean some people are just freaks and will get A's in anything because they have abilities to just flat out learn something. I have a really good memory (not photographic or anything, just good) and I used to think that would get me by. I was a 3.0 student during undergrad and that was as a management major. I did really well in core classes (3.75-3.8) but didn't care much about electives. I am half way through the pre-req's for D-school and I have a 4.0 post bacc. I can tell you that the things I listed above are the difference. As a 28 year old I just have an overall different approach to school than when I was 19-23

I appreciate your advice, but is there any way you could go into detail when you say: diligence, hard work, etc. What did that mean to you, and what were your study habits etc

 

[lmaozedong1]

about 10%

 

[p2vanlon]

I appreciate your advice, but is there any way you could go into detail when you say: diligence, hard work, etc. What did that mean to you, and what were your study habits etc

No Problem,

I never used to make flash cards.....now I do that for biology/O-Chem
I never used to approach my professors for help.....now I do.
I never used to read chapters and take notes on them.....now I do.
I used to blow off homework if I had "something better to do".....not now.
I used to try and study with the TV on....now it's a quiet room / library.
I used to take "notes".....Now I take NOTES and follow it up with readings.


Two things I forgot to mention I guess about the biggest differences between a B and an A....CARING and SACRIFICE.

An A student wants the A and will not settle for an A-. They are irritated with B's. I went back to school with the mentality of approaching everything I did in a manner that was going to get me an A.

It is amazing what people can accomplish when they re-prioritize and grasp the effect that today's actions have on their future.

 

[p2vanlon]

about 10%

Rimshot!

 

[John Durian]

It's 10% luck, 20% skill, 50% concentrated power of will.

The last 20% is just studying your arse off the day before midterms/finals 😀

 

[dentalWorks]

What separates an A from B student? Adaptability.

Some classes/professors will hand out As and A-'s if the student puts up a decent amount of effort (you don't have to ace every exam, but the student took advantage of extra credit opportunities, all the homework assignments, everything that wasn't test related was done near perfect to obtain full grade).... This is my definition of an "easy" professor.

On the other hand, you can land "one of those" professors where you have to literally ACE every exam to earn an A in the class..... This is where your power of adaptability will come into play. If you can adjust your studying habits ALMOST RIGHT AWAY within the start of the semester, your going to do well, or at least, alot better than the average of the class..... This is my definition of a "hard" professor/class..... You will encounter many of these especially with upper level biology.

Things you can adjust to help you ace a "hard" class are (and not limited to):
-keeping up with daily lectures ~ yes its a hassle and time consuming, but do you want the A?

-Reading the chapters a head of time before lecture begins ~ again, time consuming and many people think its a waste since the professor is going to teach you the material anyways. I think this is very helpful, it makes you understand the professor's lecture alot better.

-Classes like anatomy / histology or anything that requires mad memorization of hard/long names WILL REQUIRE YOU TO CONSTANTLY review material.... On a daily basis and on the weekends.

-Most importantly, DO NOT WAIT for the weekend before the exam to start studying.


Obviously, all things I am recommending are from personal experiences... I dunno how others do it.

 

[mr24]

Note Cards!!!!!

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

Note Cards!!!!!

Waste of time.

The correct answer is "more correct answers".

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

It's 10% luck, 20% skill, 50% concentrated power of will.

The last 20% is just studying your arse off the day before midterms/finals 😀

And 100% reason to remember the name.

 

[mr24]

Waste of time.

The correct answer is "more correct answers".

false, the correct answer is 94%, or more, correct answers!

 

[7 Iron]

Among the other things that the other posters have said, I wanted to add just a couple other things.

For me, I did care about the grades (and obviously wanted A's), but I was more interested in learning all that I could from my professors. After all, college cost a lot and I wanted my money's worth! And in general I just really enjoy learning. So I always had an interest in studying the material regularly for my own enrichment. When I approached classes with this mindset, the A's worked themselves out.

Also it's true that you need to study regularly--if not every day, then at least every other day. Don't wait just for weekends. This did require sacrifice. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday were big party nights at my school but I never went out during the week! (Doesn't mean you can't have fun... just keep your priorities in mind.)

 

[bing12]

What separates an A from B student? Adaptability.

Some classes/professors will hand out As and A-'s if the student puts up a decent amount of effort (you don't have to ace every exam, but the student took advantage of extra credit opportunities, all the homework assignments, everything that wasn't test related was done near perfect to obtain full grade).... This is my definition of an "easy" professor.

On the other hand, you can land "one of those" professors where you have to literally ACE every exam to earn an A in the class..... This is where your power of adaptability will come into play. If you can adjust your studying habits ALMOST RIGHT AWAY within the start of the semester, your going to do well, or at least, alot better than the average of the class..... This is my definition of a "hard" professor/class..... You will encounter many of these especially with upper level biology.

Things you can adjust to help you ace a "hard" class are (and not limited to):
-keeping up with daily lectures ~ yes its a hassle and time consuming, but do you want the A?

-Reading the chapters a head of time before lecture begins ~ again, time consuming and many people think its a waste since the professor is going to teach you the material anyways. I think this is very helpful, it makes you understand the professor's lecture alot better.

-Classes like anatomy / histology or anything that requires mad memorization of hard/long names WILL REQUIRE YOU TO CONSTANTLY review material.... On a daily basis and on the weekends.

-Most importantly, DO NOT WAIT for the weekend before the exam to start studying.


Obviously, all things I am recommending are from personal experiences... I dunno how others do it.

+1.

You want to be efficient in your studying. Learning how to adapt to different systems of teaching and grading is very important. understanding how much energy and time you must put in before every exam to achieve a certain grade is also crucial. but the main idea is ADAPTING to the various teaching/grading styles of different professors.

 

[mfoti1]

No Problem,

I never used to make flash cards.....now I do that for biology/O-Chem
I never used to approach my professors for help.....now I do.
I never used to read chapters and take notes on them.....now I do.
I used to blow off homework if I had "something better to do".....not now.
I used to try and study with the TV on....now it's a quiet room / library.
I used to take "notes".....Now I take NOTES and follow it up with readings.


Two things I forgot to mention I guess about the biggest differences between a B and an A....CARING and SACRIFICE.

An A student wants the A and will not settle for an A-. They are irritated with B's. I went back to school with the mentality of approaching everything I did in a manner that was going to get me an A.

It is amazing what people can accomplish when they re-prioritize and grasp the effect that today's actions have on their future.

Thanks! Great input and advice

 

[mfoti1]

What separates an A from B student? Adaptability.

Some classes/professors will hand out As and A-'s if the student puts up a decent amount of effort (you don't have to ace every exam, but the student took advantage of extra credit opportunities, all the homework assignments, everything that wasn't test related was done near perfect to obtain full grade).... This is my definition of an "easy" professor.

On the other hand, you can land "one of those" professors where you have to literally ACE every exam to earn an A in the class..... This is where your power of adaptability will come into play. If you can adjust your studying habits ALMOST RIGHT AWAY within the start of the semester, your going to do well, or at least, alot better than the average of the class..... This is my definition of a "hard" professor/class..... You will encounter many of these especially with upper level biology.

Things you can adjust to help you ace a "hard" class are (and not limited to):
-keeping up with daily lectures ~ yes its a hassle and time consuming, but do you want the A?

-Reading the chapters a head of time before lecture begins ~ again, time consuming and many people think its a waste since the professor is going to teach you the material anyways. I think this is very helpful, it makes you understand the professor's lecture alot better.

-Classes like anatomy / histology or anything that requires mad memorization of hard/long names WILL REQUIRE YOU TO CONSTANTLY review material.... On a daily basis and on the weekends.

-Most importantly, DO NOT WAIT for the weekend before the exam to start studying.


Obviously, all things I am recommending are from personal experiences... I dunno how others do it.

Great info again DW. i agree with you on, reading chapter before lectures, that makes sense. the lecture will be easier for you to note-take and understand etc. And studying on a daily basis to keep it fresh in your mind. Forsure

thx, great input

 

[mfoti1]

Note Cards!!!!!

definitely

 

[mfoti1]

Among the other things that the other posters have said, I wanted to add just a couple other things.

For me, I did care about the grades (and obviously wanted A's), but I was more interested in learning all that I could from my professors. After all, college cost a lot and I wanted my money's worth! And in general I just really enjoy learning. So I always had an interest in studying the material regularly for my own enrichment. When I approached classes with this mindset, the A's worked themselves out.

Also it's true that you need to study regularly--if not every day, then at least every other day. Don't wait just for weekends. This did require sacrifice. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday were big party nights at my school but I never went out during the week! (Doesn't mean you can't have fun... just keep your priorities in mind.)

I agree that mind-set is huge when your in a class. Going into the class with the right attitude, and trying to enjoy what your learning.

Thx for the input

 

[mfoti1]

+1.

You want to be efficient in your studying. Learning how to adapt to different systems of teaching and grading is very important. understanding how much energy and time you must put in before every exam to achieve a certain grade is also crucial. but the main idea is ADAPTING to the various teaching/grading styles of different professors.

+2

Thx

 

[321931]

I firmly believe in all the advice above, but I also believe in that "it" factor.

Some people have it, and some people don't. They are just it. I can study all day, everyday, with the best work ethic, but I'll never come close to them. Most of my grades are borderline A-/A...I could never get that A+. I just didn't have "it."

Am I stupid? Na. Am I slow? Na. I'm just not brilliant and have "it."

I'm me, and I've come to terms with this "it" factor. As long as I give it my all, then I'm happy 🙂

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

I firmly believe in all the advice above, but I also believe in that "it" factor.

Some people have it, and some people don't. They are just it. I can study all day, everyday, with the best work ethic, but I'll never come close to them. Most of my grades are borderline A-/A...I could never get that A+. I just didn't have "it."

Am I stupid? Na. Am I slow? Na. I'm just not brilliant and have "it."

I only believe in the "it" factor for a class like high math or engineering where you have to use some critical thinking to get to an answer.

For biology and every else, it's more about how much work you put into it. If you study all day and still can't get a solid A, I think you have to reevaluate your study habits.

 

[promolion]

office hours

 

[Docplaque]

No Problem,

I never used to make flash cards.....now I do that for biology/O-Chem
I never used to approach my professors for help.....now I do.
I never used to read chapters and take notes on them.....now I do.
I used to blow off homework if I had "something better to do".....not now.
I used to try and study with the TV on....now it's a quiet room / library.
I used to take "notes".....Now I take NOTES and follow it up with readings.


Two things I forgot to mention I guess about the biggest differences between a B and an A....CARING and SACRIFICE.

An A student wants the A and will not settle for an A-. They are irritated with B's. I went back to school with the mentality of approaching everything I did in a manner that was going to get me an A.

It is amazing what people can accomplish when they re-prioritize and grasp the effect that today's actions have on their future.

Couldn't have said it better👍

 

[youknowthedrill]

Sleep!

I'm a non-trad working on repairing my GPA. I tell myself that if I don't get an A, then I won't make it into dental school. I attend a small liberal arts college and always go to class. In a small school, the professors notice if you're not there. If I have a question or a problem, I seek out help from my professors. I don't watch TV anymore and try to limit my free time on the computer to about 30 minutes a day. I have two small children, so I have to be very organized and study while they're at daycare, after they go to sleep, and also early in the mornings.
Everyone has a different learning style. I have to rewrite my notes and make study sheets/note cards when reading. I read these over and over until I have them memorized. If I'm having problems focusing, then I walk around while studying from the study sheets or note cards. I also try to over study for the first test in each class and get the highest grade possible. I'm usually not as worn down at the beginning of the semester. It helps to have a little cushion when you have two science tests on the same day at the end of the term.

 

[Msmouth]

Sleep!

I'm a non-trad working on repairing my GPA. I tell myself that if I don't get an A, then I won't make it into dental school. I attend a small liberal arts college and always go to class. In a small school, the professors notice if you're not there. If I have a question or a problem, I seek out help from my professors. I don't watch TV anymore and try to limit my free time on the computer to about 30 minutes a day. I have two small children, so I have to be very organized and study while they're at daycare, after they go to sleep, and also early in the mornings.
Everyone has a different learning style. I have to rewrite my notes and make study sheets/note cards when reading. I read these over and over until I have them memorized. If I'm having problems focusing, then I walk around while studying from the study sheets or note cards. I also try to over study for the first test in each class and get the highest grade possible. I'm usually not as worn down at the beginning of the semester. It helps to have a little cushion when you have two science tests on the same day at the end of the term.

We're in the same boat I think......when will you be applying?
I have 2 young boys and am going back to school full time this fall. I will also be working part-time as a hygienist Saturdays and hopefully 1 day/week if my schedule allows. I plan to apply next summer,2012, before my bachelor's is done and pray I get in.

Good luck!

To answer OP.....you have to push yourself beyond the B. I think if you work hard enough you can do it. The hard part is getting rid of all the outside distractions and hitting the books regularly.

 

[321931]

I only believe in the "it" factor for a class like high math or engineering where you have to use some critical thinking to get to an answer.

For biology and every else, it's more about how much work you put into it. If you study all day and still can't get a solid A, I think you have to reevaluate your study habits.

Hum, I agree with the high math/engineering. I guess it's more "apparent" there. I guess what I'm saying is that I've met some geniuses throughout my academic career that I know I will never surpass. They are just smarter. If there's a "gene" for smartness/memory storage/absorbing info...well I believe in it.

 

[UltimateHombre]

There has been 3 main contributing factors for my college success:

1. It's not about working hard, it's about working smart. When i first started college, i would read the book over and over again, trying to capture the needed information for 3 test questions in about 50+ pages of text... this was less effective, for me. After my first year i finally figured out that i learn best by re-writing and flashcards. I only use the book for reference. So only study in a method effective to you.

2. Time Management!!! I personally have to schedule and block out time in my day for studying. I write down in my planner my assignments etc. then block out time for each class... for whatever reason when it's in my schedule i feel more obligated/committed to do it.

3. I feel like teaching people is the best way to reinforce material. So i often teach my wife what i learned in bio/chem that day. I also send out mass emails about 2 weeks before tests offering study sessions/tutoring. This way i can teach what i know and further ingrain it.

In no way am i smart... i just put in a lot of hours effectively and it seems to work ok. 😀

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

In no way am i smart... i just put in a lot of hours effectively and it seems to work ok. 😀

Seems like you're pretty smart to me 👍

 

[Msmouth]

There has been 3 main contributing factors for my college success:

1. It's not about working hard, it's about working smart. When i first started college, i would read the book over and over again, trying to capture the needed information for 3 test questions in about 50+ pages of text... this was less effective, for me. After my first year i finally figured out that i learn best by re-writing and flashcards. I only use the book for reference. So only study in a method effective to you.

2. Time Management!!! I personally have to schedule and block out time in my day for studying. I write down in my planner my assignments etc. then block out time for each class... for whatever reason when it's in my schedule i feel more obligated/committed to do it.

3. I feel like teaching people is the best way to reinforce material. So i often teach my wife what i learned in bio/chem that day. I also send out mass emails about 2 weeks before tests offering study sessions/tutoring. This way i can teach what i know and further ingrain it.

In no way am i smart... i just put in a lot of hours effectively and it seems to work ok. 😀

Your poor wife!

 

[mitrieD]

I ask myself this all the time. I don't really know. Sometimes I think that I'm just not smart like a lot of people. I just have to try my best in life, then I have no excuse that I didn't try.

 

[7 Iron]

Your poor wife!

LOL right... my wife would let me get about 2 sentences in and would start rolling her eyes...

 

[dentalWorks]

LOL right... my wife would let me get about 2 sentences in and would start rolling her eyes...

Exact reaction my GF used to get when I tried to talk biochem with her....

 

[UltimateHombre]

LOL right... my wife would let me get about 2 sentences in and would start rolling her eyes...

Ya that pretty much happens... but i just keep explaining concepts anyway.

She just nods and says ok a lot while i just ramble on for about 10 min. Sounds dumb, but it is seriously a great way to reinforce what i learned that day.

But to be fair, i then let her rant about the woes and amount of hw in her Masters program.

 

[Maka]

A balance of baseline scholastic intelligence + time/motivation.

For me, the avg breakdown is:

study 1 day before test= B or C
study 2 days before test= solid B, low A with luck
study 3 days before test= A for most classes

I'm lucky in that I can just stare at a powerpoint and memorize it so I don't have to spend time making separate note pages etc. Students that make notecards etc tend to spend a lot more time studying, but that's what works for their type of brain.

In my class, a small handful of kids can consistently get As studying in one night. Everyone is smart in dental school, but some kids have academic backgrounds that make other classes easier or are just faster learners. I know some kids that study for a test a week out and still get mostly Cs...everyone is diff.

There are some HUGE classes that this whole scale has to be moved back a day or 2 (anatomy, pharm, path)

 

[mfoti1]

A bunch of great advice that I apprecite, and I'm sure others do as well.

Thanks everyone!
Keep em coming

 

[two thirty]

Old tests help a ton. If you know how your professor is going to ask/word questions going in, you will be a lot better prepared. If you can take last year's test and make an A on it, you will more than likely be prepared for the test yourself.

Also, make sure you use your schools academic records and ratemyprofessors when signing up for classes. It may be taking "the easy way out", but no adcom is going to care if you took the hard or easy professor for a class.

 

[mido1765]

No Problem,

I never used to make flash cards.....now I do that for biology/O-Chem
I never used to approach my professors for help.....now I do.
I never used to read chapters and take notes on them.....now I do.
I used to blow off homework if I had "something better to do".....not now.
I used to try and study with the TV on....now it's a quiet room / library.
I used to take "notes".....Now I take NOTES and follow it up with readings.


Two things I forgot to mention I guess about the biggest differences between a B and an A....CARING and SACRIFICE.

An A student wants the A and will not settle for an A-. They are irritated with B's. I went back to school with the mentality of approaching everything I did in a manner that was going to get me an A.

It is amazing what people can accomplish when they re-prioritize and grasp the effect that today's actions have on their future.

BEST RESPONSE .. an A student will go in depression if they got an A-. im saying this from personal experience.
if you want to get an A. sacrifice is key. anyone can work hard for 2 hrs and get a B. but if you want an A, you must sacrifice whatever is around (parties, friends, gf/bf, sports, etc) to study and dedicate to the subject.

BIG HINT - when you are reading, make questions in your head - how would the instructor make this section im reading a question. that seems to work with me pretty well.