Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social

Updated
|
Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Discover the secret to improving your grades in community college: socializing! This article explores how being social can positively impact academic performance, highlighting the benefits of study groups, networking, and community engagement. Learn valuable strategies to maximize your social interactions while excelling academically in this insightful guide.

Could being social and involved on your community college campus lead to better grades? According to the Community College Survey (CCS), there is an inherent link between student involvement and academic performance.

Based on the CCS, student involvement in campus opportunities lead to better learning and academic performance. While many school leaders are devising new ways to increase student participation, community college students should be self-motivated to become more involved in the full collegiate experience.

Benefits of Engaging in Campus Opportunities

According to researcher Christopher Chaves of Community Colleges Los Angeles, the earlier a student engages in campus participation, the better the results. For example, nearly all community college students who participate in a freshman orientation program tend to hold greater retention rates, complete their degrees, and earn overall higher grades than individuals who did not participate in orientation.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, four local North Carolina community colleges revealed: “that involvement in a freshman orientation course improved student performance regardless of race, age, gender, major, employment status, or entrance exam scores.”

Studies support that community college students utilizing campus opportunities tend to experience greater developmental benefits than those who do not participate in such venues.

What Else Students Can Do: How to Get Involved

Utilize Academic Support Centers

According to Chavez, students who take advantage of campus-wide learning centers tend to experience greater academic benefits and performance results. Whether you are struggling with a specific topic or simply want to be fully prepared for finals, students should take advantage of academic-based learning centers on campus. These learning centers often provide students with homework assistance, testing/test prep guidance, and outreach services, in addition to many other support systems.

Meet with Your Advisors

Research shows that students who meet with advisors tend to experience greater academic success rates than those who do not; as a result, many campuses are even making student-advisor meetings mandatory for entry and graduation!

Your advisor is an excellent resource for a myriad of academic decisions. Whether you are choosing between majors, planning a transfer, creating your class schedule, or attempting to find an internship, your advisor can help you make the best decisions.

In addition, advisors have specific access to academic support systems, club information, and organization details. By consulting with one’s advisor, students have greater accessibility to the campus-wide database of activities.

Develop a Relationship with Your Instructors

Adding to this approach, students should meet with their teachers and course instructors. Studies show that meeting with one’s instructor outside of class helps boost a student’s academic performance. Participating in an instructor’s office hours allows students to become involved while receiving one-on-one guidance and help. Many instructors can help students become more comfortable with the coursework and help prepare students for upcoming assignments and tests.

Engage in Campus Activities

According to CCS, extracurricular campus activities can be seen as an extension of classroom learning. Whether you are interested in an environmental protection or legal career, there is an academic club that allows you to explore your interests with your peers. These groups not only host fun campus events but often have networked relationships with professional organizations that could even further your career opportunities. Who knew that being social could be so good for you?

Tutor Other Students

An excellent way to improve your own personal learning is by teaching others. When you teach someone else a concept or theory, this information becomes solidified within your own mental knowledge base – which bodes well for your academic grades.

Even if you are not an expert on the subject matter, you can coordinate a study group where all members help “teach” each other the subject matter.

On some community college campuses, you can earn credits and/or wages for tutoring other students. Check with your tutoring center for job opportunities that will help your grades and potentially your pocketbook.

Research shows that some of the best ways to improve your grades are to be socially involved on campus. Whether you are meeting with your instructors, participating in fun academic clubs, or teaching other students, you are well on your way to earning better grades.

Questions. Contact us on Facebook. @communitycollegereview

#CommunityCollegeSuccess #AcademicPerformance #SocializingForGrades #StudyGroups #Networking #CommunityEngagement

Additional Resources [+]
comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles

The Secrets to Success at Community College Job Fairs
The Secrets to Success at Community College Job Fairs
Capitalize upon the secrets and strategies of enhancing your job prospects and career opportunities at a community college job fair.
Community Colleges in a Minute
Community Colleges in a Minute
Discover the world of community colleges in just a minute! Explore the key facts about these educational institutions, from their diverse offerings to affordability and more. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this quick guide will give you a comprehensive overview of what community colleges have to offer.
Community Colleges: A to Z
Community Colleges: A to Z
Explore the diverse landscape of community colleges with our comprehensive guide, 'Community CollegeS: A to Z.' From academic programs to student support services, this article provides a look at everything community colleges have to offer.

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer

Student Issues / Attending College

IMPROVING LEARNING
Get helpful tips and expert advice on boosting your GPA. This section will provide valuable tips on studying, mentor programs and how to avoid academic probation. Examine the latest trends in student motivation techniques, take a good look at online learning, and find resources to guide you on the path to success.
The Top 10 Tips for Incoming Community College Students
The Top 10 Tips for Incoming Community College Students
Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
More Articles
Read more articles (32)