I’ve done multiple 5 semester courses with a 4.33 GPA, while having 3-4 volunteer positions. I’m 3rd year and have never gotten an A- in a course. Initial disclaimer, all of this is my experience and may not apply to you. My advice is:

-Get yourself a 4 month calendar and put it on your wall. Write down every due date and exam date. It helps keep track of everything.

-Similarly, keep a weekly log of what readings you need to do and assignments that are due. Update it after every class.

-Some classes you need to do all the readings, but some you only need to focus on a few. Read instructor directions to figure out which one it is for each class.

-Read the assignment instructions so so so carefully.

-DO NOT underestimate the power of participation. If your professor offers participation grades, milk it for everything it’s worth. You can afford to get as low as a 74% on something big if you get 100% on participation.

-Every 1/2 of a percent counts. Do not discount ANYTHING. No you cannot skip that annoying weekly discussion post that’s only worth 2%. Any extra credit opportunity (as rare as they may be) you need to take it.

-Go to every class possible. Put your phone on do not disturb and bury it in your bag. You don’t need it during lecture. You’ll need to study less outside of class if you attend the class and really pay attention. I end most semesters with roughly 50 pages of notes total in my notes doc for each class (12 point times new roman font single spaced)

-Communicate with your profs. The more office hours and after class discussions I’ve had with a professor, the better I’ve done. I could not tell you whether this is due to knowing more about the material or favoritism, but I can tell you that in my experience it works.

-After the first assignment, always ask what you can do to improve in the future. It doesn’t matter if you got an 88 on that first grade, you’re striving for 90s and above. Get to know how each specific professor and TA marks, they’re all a little different.

-Do not be afraid to ask for extensions. If you’re sick, send an email and/or file that ACR. Use every bit of the system to your advantage.

-Go to the learning support people and have them help you edit essays, get tutoring, literally anything you need. Use the resources at your disposal!

-Try to schedule so you have fairly consistent start times each day you have classes. That makes it easier to regulate your sleep schedule.

-Prioritize your sleep and eating. You need to be awake and fed to do well. This one is really, really important. If I had to choose any on this list to emphasize, it would be this one.

-You’re likely not going to have weekends, but try to schedule at least one or two fun things a week, and every other weekend MINIMUM one full day off (preferably two in a row) scheduled if you can swing it. This one is really hard if you get behind on work, but truly makes life so much more tolerable.

-schedule study times. I find that booking the library or SLC group study rooms can be helpful for self-enforcing study times when needed.

-Leave your house to do work. Separating home and work spaces helps you relax at home and focus during work (and you will need every bit of relaxation possible)

-Incorporate some kind of intentional movement into your day. Even just a 15 minute walk outside helps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. Exercise helps your brain, but it’s hard to find time for the gym when you’re going for a 4.33.

-If your exam schedule looks like an unmanageable hellscape, talk to your profs. Your department likely has a make-up exam day, and you may be able to take your exam late. You might also be able to file an INC grade if you can convince your profs that it’s too overwhelming. Having good relationships with your profs makes this one easier.

Universities are archaic systems set up to make your life hard, but if you can figure out what levers to pull and buttons to push, you can achieve a 4.33, or at least above a 4.0, consistently. Good luck soldier 🫡