Tips for Improving Your Grade Point Average
- The quickest way to improve your grade point average is to retake the courses in which you did poorly.
- Go to class. While NDSU doesn't have a mandatory attendance policy, some instructors assign points for participation. Skipping class results in missed course content necessary for success and wasted funds spent on classes. If you must miss classes, contact instructors in advance (if possible) and ask about make-up work.
- Do not overload your schedule — take no more than 15 credits. Also, be aware that taking too few credits may not help you raise your GPA. Talk to your adviser to discuss appropriate and manageable credit loads.
- Talk to your instructors or academic adviser about your successes and concerns.
- Take advantage of free tutoring available on campus (ACE and Student Support Services — see below). Ask your instructors and adviser about study groups and other resources.
- Consider enrolling in EDUC 123: Study Skills (1 credit).
- If you are a freshman or sophomore, take 100 or 200 numbered courses.
- If you are struggling in a course and have exhausted other options, consider dropping it. If you must drop a class or withdraw, do so using appropriate channels before the deadline to avoid failing grades. Keep in mind potential impacts on dropping below full-time status, such as on insurance and financial aid requirements, status required for athletics, international visas, etc.
- Reduce the number of hours of employment. Going to school full-time should be considered a full-time job.
- Plan to study approximately 3 hours/week for every credit registered.
- If you are considering a major change to something that better fits your academic background and interests, visit with an adviser from that area or take advantage of career counseling offered by the NDSU Counseling Center. Major change forms are available on the Bison Connection or Registration and Records web sites.
- If you have a diagnosed disability that is impacting your learning, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information or assistance.
- If you believe alcohol or other substances are impeding your ability to be successful, contact the NDSU Counseling Center for consultation. Also, check out our on-line resources that are designed to help you assess your alcohol and drug use (www.ndsu.edu/alcoholinfo/measure_your_drinking).
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns can adversely affect academic success; contact the NDSU Counseling Center for help in dealing with any of these issues. The Counseling Center also offers academic skills counseling and career counseling — additional avenues to increase academic success.
Being aware of add/drop deadlines each semester can help you plan better should a change in schedule be necessary for success. Dates & deadlines are available at www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/dates.
Resources Available on Campus
- ACADEMIC ADVISERS
*See Campus Connection for adviser assignment
Academic Guidance
Career Guidance
www.ndsu.edu/registrar/advising
- ACADEMIC COLLEGIATE ENHANCEMENT (ACE)
West Dining Center 6
231-8379
Tutoring for all students
www.ndsu.edu/studentsuccess/about_ace - BISON CONNECTION
Memorial Union, main level
231-6200
Registration, financial aid, account assistance
www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection - CENTER FOR WRITERS
Main Library
231-7927
Writing Assistance
www.ndsu.edu/cfwriters - COUNSELING CENTER
212 Ceres Hall
231-7671
Study Skills Courses
Personal and Career Counseling
www.ndsu.edu/counseling - DISABILITY SERVICES
179 Wallman Wellness Center
231-8463
Disability accommodations/consultations
www.ndsu.edu/disabilityservices - MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS
178 Memorial Union
231-1029
Tutoring and Multicultural support services
www.ndsu.edu/multicultural - REGISTRATION & RECORDS
110 Ceres Hall
231-7981
Academic Planning & Policies, Major Changes
www.ndsu.edu/registrar - STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
335 Ceres Hall
231-8028
Individual Tutoring Assistance
www.ndsu.edu/trio/student_support_services
