Things to Learn from your First “C” in College

Getting a “C” on an exam or paper can be a rude awakening for college students, especially if you’re used to straight A’s and the occasional B’s in high school. While it may feel disheartening, the shift in grades is entirely normal – often, it’s a ritual for students as they transition from high school to grad school.

Adjusting to university-level marking is one of the biggest challenges for high schoolers. Some schools even have a cap on the A’s they award for a course. For example, only 15% to 20% of students qualify for an A, 30% to 35% receive an A and the rest receive C’s, or even D’s and F’s.

Earning an A in college is supposed to be an achievement. If your professor handed out A’s to everyone, then your final GPAs mean nothing. That said, you can always strive to get a couple of A’s to boost your final grades.

If you’ve got a C, here’s what you can do next. Here are some useful tips to help you improve your grades in college.

1. Get Expert Help

Yes, you can hire class helpers online who help you with your college essays, papers and homework assignments. All you’ve got to do is reach out to your favorite homework helper and ask, “Can you take my online class for me?” Don’t think of this as cheating. Instead, look at it as a learning opportunity. Understand how and why your expert homework helper drafts an essay that’s worth an A. This gives you a first-hand look at what you should do to improve your grades. Apply these tactics in your upcoming papers and course projects.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals helps you stay focused on the end target. Rank all your classes according to difficulty. Next, identify your strengths and set goals accordingly. For example, if you’re good at problem-solving, you can aim for an A in calculus. On the other hand, if your strengths are expression and language, shoot for an A in writing and communication. Realistic goals give you something tangible to focus on and improve your game.

3. Focus On The Long Term

Getting a C on your first paper in your first year might seem like a hard blow. However, don’t let a single grade impact your overall academic track in college. Remember that by the time you reach your senior years, the C’s you got in your first year will be long forgotten.

4. Get Help From Your Professors

TFs are eager to help students; all you’ve got to do is ask. Stop by your professor’s office during college hours and check if they have any study tips to help you improve your grades. Instead of defending your essay, you can ask them why they ranked it a C. This will help you gain the right insights to improve your performance in upcoming papers.

5. Participate In Class

This might seem obvious – but you’ve got to participate in class. Students who make an extra effort are awarded better grades. Even if classroom participation doesn’t account for your final grades, asking insightful questions during class improves the classroom experience for everyone. Your professor will undoubtedly take note of your efforts.

Wrapping Up

Transitioning from high school to college is a new challenging adventure. It takes time to settle down and find your groove. So, do not sweat over the small stuff; before you know it, you’ll improve your grades and push yourself to new intellectual heights.