Never give up in a class because you “think” there’s no chance to get the grade you want. With a few simple calculations, I’ve been able to show many students that they still have a realistic chance to get the grade they want – even when they were convinced otherwise. With hope for success, my students were willing to work with me because I offered them a chance for a better grade that they weren’t aware was an option. And, more times than not, they ended the class with the grade they wanted. These students upped their grades by improving a few aspects of their study strategies and preparation methods for tests using the very same strategies I’m sharing throughout the GradeUP! Challenge and, more comprehensively, in my book, College In Four Years.  Don’t assume what your final grade is going to be in a class until you:

• Know where you stand in the class ; it can be inspiration and motivation to strive a little harder.
• Calculate what grades you need going forward to get the final grade you want by using the How Am I Doing Worksheet I developed to help my students. Use the link above to go to the Resources page on this blog, click on the title of the Worksheet to bring up the form, read the instructions, then add your specific information to the blank Worksheet on page 2. It will automatically calculate your potential grade. Use the link above or access the Worksheet through my Resources page at www.GranvilleSawyer.com/resources/
• Periodically assess where you are in a class by checking your grades and talk with your professor so you have time to make any needed adjustments.

Remember, you haven’t earned a grade until the class is over. Never give up. Stay informed, keep calm and carry on.

In my next GradeUP! post on Tuesday, March 10 – we’ll talk GPA.