BOSTON - BostonChron -- Students who earn good grades do all the basics: go to class, do the homework and ask for help.

"We really want our students to work with us to define what they think good grades are for them to be successful. At a bare minimum, it's going to be a 2.0 (grade point average)," says Lynn Bentley, President of Knobull.

In college, attendance policies vary by professor, and it can be tempting to skip class. But experts emphasize the importance of being present and on time. If you must miss class, make sure to notify the professor.

A typical syllabus includes a class description, a calendar, the grading rubric, attendance policies and required materials. Students will also find details on deadlines, assigned readings, extra credit opportunities and more. Knowing what's in the syllabus can give you an idea of what to expect over the course of a class.

"It's particularly important for freshmen to review the syllabus for each class", Bentley says, "to ensure they understand class policies and expectations, which can often be more rigorous than what students were used to in high school."

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With the syllabus serving as the class road map, attentive students know what assignment is around the bend. Online materials can also help. Today content is offered in these hybrid models where your information is online ahead of time. And it's also delivered in the classroom.

Students often ask about doing extra credit – which is good – but the extra credit is not going to help them unless they get their grade as high as they can possibly get it. Stay on top of homework, and reach out to on-campus tutoring services if you need help.

Some colleges offer group tutoring, while others have one-on-one sessions. Likewise, some schools offer tutoring through each academic department, while others provide it at a learning center.

Faculty office hours exist for a reason, and experts encourage students to take advantage of that time. Students should seek out academic advisers to connect with campus resources and decide on classes. Advisers can help students stay on track for graduation by helping them set reasonable course loads and expectations.

For many students, a job is necessary to help pay for college. As of 2020, 25% of full-time students and 66% of part-time students worked at least 20 hours per week while in college. It's important to have a career plan to improve learning ROI. For help, students can tap the JobStars button on the Knobull homepage.

Bentley concluded, "And whether it's a job or something fun, students are encouraged to pursue what they're passionate about."