4.0 GPA people, HOW can you do this?!!!

coolpeach · Apr 6, 2008

I make flash cards, and take them while I wait for the kids to get out of school, Dr's office visits, etc. My kids help me study, and we also have study time together where we all sit at the table, and they do their work, and I do mine. There have been times when I made a grade less than I wanted, and I retook the course for a better grade. I also take advantage of any extra credit thats offered.

justcharlotte · Apr 6, 2008

take a realistic number of credits- balance out the 'hard' courses with the 'easy' courses because nobody has time to study everything (especially with 2 kids! wow!)

I make flash cards and study them every chance I get- then when it comes to midterm or final you can just go through EVERY flash card you've made that term and you have most of the info right there.

Try to understand the main concepts before trying to remember details.

Other than that- keep optimistic, and remember that nobody is perfect- if you get a bad mark on a test figure out what you did wrong so you wont do it again and don't be hard on yourself!

good luck! (btw although so far I have 4.0 but who knows after finals- it's not all about the numbers. There is nothing wrong with getting a B in a really hard course!)

SusanKathleen, RN · Apr 6, 2008

There is just no way to get around it.....you need to put the time in. But your kids need you, too. So I agree with the above poster who suggests to take a lighter load, even though it will take longer. Your kids are your most precious commodity.

Shay08 · Apr 6, 2008

Hi - it is not always easy. My kids are 6 and 2.5, so I try to maximize my study time when they are in school or asleep. I also only carry 2 classes a semester - it might take a little longer that way, but it works for me because I have enough time for my family and can make A's. In terms of the particulars of studying, it varies from class to class. For micro, my professor tests from his power points so I make sure I thoroughly study those. I write and re-write things until they stick and I can do it from memory. Any concepts I don't understand, I either ask him or look them up in other sources...books, internet, etc.

Straight A's are nice but are not the most important thing. Set realistic goals. Study, but make time for your family too.

Good luck!

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Apr 6, 2008

i make flash cards and study them every chance i get- then when it comes to midterm or final you can just go through every flash card you've made that term and you have most of the info right there.
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an rn for 15 years now, but also a mommy of 2 when i went back to school. agree with the flash cars, re=typing and color-coding notes, taping and playing back lectures in car while taking kids to school-karate-sleepovers.
also, i'd review the end-of chapter q's and make sure i understood the rationale!! i'm an early bird, so i got up early to study [have friends that did it after kids to bed] while doing laundry and running dishwasher. back in the days (my sons are 25 & 26) when there was less tv and no video games, i allowed tv cartoons from 7 to 12 on saturdays while i crammed and washed clothes, then it was parks, zoo's, etc...although at playgrounds, i often reviewed while they played. use mnemonics--the filthiler, the better. :devil:also, a studygroup where you help others can really solidify your knowlege.
sundays were church and family, and we had a huge calender in the kitchen with everyone's schedule. my dh was and is a great dad, but was military and gone a lot. i shopped from a strict list every other week, had set menus, and wrote papers on non-class days or afternoons while kids were in class.:typing
hope this helps--i was terrified at going back to school, even though i already had a ba with a 3.95! it's worth it, but balance class, kids, rest, and your marriage if you have one, time with friends if you don't.
good luck and godspeed--we need more nurses!! [ps-my one "b" that brought me down to a graduating 3.95 never, ever mattered! really!!

1rarejewel · Apr 6, 2008

It may also depend on your learning style and instructor's teaching style. I have 4 children, 4 pets, I volunteer, I'm married, my husband has been deployed for 16 months 2x in the past 3 1/2 years, but I do somehow manage to keep my 4.0. In fact, I just got my Associate's degree with that GPA. Study skills? mine SUCK...but the way I learn is auditory and visual. I can tell you this...for me, I cannot be absent or I'll get behind in a minute. Somehow, as I hear information, my brain forms images of what I hear...it's also great that so far I've had great instructors.

I say this though, although I have a 4.0 now, I haven't started the nursing program just yet. I start in August, and although I would love to make all As, I'm sure that just grasping, understanding, and being able to perform what I learn will be much more important than an A. Now I have to worry about building study skills over the summer, so I don't fall behind in the program. As I've heard so often...when you're looking for a job, they don't ask what your GPA is, they want to know if you passed the NCLEX. Right now, do your best, and don't compare your grades to others (easier said than done I know). Just like when people compare instructors, saying "this one is an easy A"....what's more important, your actually being able to take something from the class with a B, or your walking from that class with absolutely nothing, but hey...you got that A!! In the end, you want...no...you'll need that education. Keep studying and doing what you do...and give time for yourself and your family...without you or them, what would this be for? Don't drive yourself crazy sweetie! 3 or 4 years from now (once you start working), you probably won't even care.

modelmama07 · Apr 7, 2008

I'm at home with my 13-month old who is into everything, and I have to involve him in my study. Being in A&P II and Micro, there are a lot of concepts and although my son may not fully understand, I sit there and I explain everything to him, so that I know what I am talking about. :wink2: I'm not a flash cards person, I mean if something calls for it that is brute memorization, than yeah maybe. I look over my notes BEFORE class and AFTER class so that the information stays fresh in my mind. I go over my notes daily, I get used to seeing them and retaining the information so when a test comes all of the information is just waiting to be retrieved. I'm lucky enough to have teachers who give study guides a week to 3 weeks before our tests. I write out all the questions and answers as we go along through the unit in each lecture, whatever information was covered in class that day, when I get home I find the questions on the study guide that apply to that subject and answer them so by the time the test comes, I'm not cramming in a 31 question study guide the night before and trying to retain all this material. I write down the information in complete sentences and go over it daily. I take my notes everywhere so if I ever run into some down-time I can review. Particularly for A&P I use the online text-book site that has tests, quizzes, and labeling exercises, I do those right before I take my lecture exams or lab quizzes at school, and I recieve a score so I know if I know the information of not. Lastly, I get tutoring!! If I don't understand the information or even if I do, its good to have someone who can go over the material with me to ensure that I do know it! Needless to say all this has helped me tremendously, and I hope it was of some help to you! Good luck to you, you can do it!! :yeah:

Lericalpoet · Apr 7, 2008

Talk to other students, find out what professors really try to help you understand the material and not just lecture on and on and give you exams with trick questions. What's that about? Also, I would recomend taking two courses at a time. So many adult students I know are taking four classes a semester. All the while working or caring for a child. Whats the rush? I take something hard along with something easy. It's paid off. I never thought I would have a 4.0 GPA. Yes, it may take another three or six months to complete classes. But it's worth it when you think about competing with other applicants who have higher GPA's. Good luck

justcharlotte · Apr 7, 2008

I would also say on thing, that seems self-explainatory but most people don't do it-

Ask questions in class!! (or after class). I cannot say enough that your teacher will be the one writing your tests and quizzes- she'll know what you need to know. If you don't get something, chances are you are not the only one- ask for clarification. I've had other students thank me for asking questions because they didn't want to do it but they didn't get it. However, like anything, moderation is the key- you don't want to be annoying to everyone else, haha.

Also, keep track. If there is a concept in the lecture, text, practice exercises, and study guide- you know what? It's almost guaranteed to be on the exam!

justme1972 · Apr 7, 2008

Honestly...it's about accepting that everything doesn't have to be perfect with your children or your house.

1. Yes, it's ok to give them cereal for dinner every once in awhile.

2. McDonald's is your best friend....along with the crockpot and freezer.

3. They don't need a bath every day unless they show physical dirt.

4. They need to learn how to play alone...and with each other.

5. They need to understand that SCHOOL is a JOB...just like anyone else that works outside the home.

6. Yes, the dishes CAN wait until morning.

7. Do one load of laundry every day and you'll never have it pile up on the weekends.

8. If you have all teenagers? Then housework should be 100% their responsibility.

Do my children get all of the attention I would like them to have?

Nope...but do they get what they need? You bet they do.

I know this because when they periodically crawl in my lap and say, "Mommy, I just love you!" That is when I know I do something right.

nursic · Apr 7, 2008

WOW guys, thank you so much for all replies!:tku: I have to say that I'm not obsessed with A's, but I undarstand that I need them in order to compete with other applicants. Needless to say, that a good grade means strong knowledge.