Every student has that one class where it seems no matter how much they study, it will always be a challenge.  Once you do poorly on the first test or exam, your confidence for the class gets even lower.  Although these experiences are frustrating, don’t let the little things get to you, and affect your grade.  There are many things you can do to help maintain a good grade and gain a positive attitude toward the class.  Below are a few things listed to help you when you need it.

•  Find a helping partner.  Whether you have a friend in the class or it’s someone that sits next to you, find someone you can rely on if you get sick or can’t make it to class.  This person can help by getting extra copies of assignments and catching dates for when things are due or when tests are when you’re not there.
• Your helping partner can also be helpful to use as a study partner.  Find a time and place you and your partner can go to study.  Helpful tip:  Find a place with a nice atmosphere like Starbucks.  Avoid places where it is loud and distracting.  Also avoid studying at each others houses, often you will be distracted by family or small things around your house.
• Don’t study too late at night or too early in the morning.  We’ve all done it, get up early or stay up late to study and then end up falling asleep.  Find a time when your relaxed yet not too relaxed and then bring out the books. 
•  Softly listen to music in the background.  For some it can be very helpful.  It may be soothing which helps you relax and focus on your homework instead of getting upset and quitting.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to do your homework.  Instead do a little bit each day and quiz yourself when you’re done.  Often when doing too much in one day we focus on getting so much done that we’re not paying attention to what we’re learning.
•  Take good notes in class.  Your professor talks for a reason use it to your advantage.  Take good notes, write the dates of each lecture and keep them organized. 
•  Keep an agenda.  When having an agenda you are more aware of what assignments are due and when.  It is a good way to keep your dates organized.  
• Make an outline of each chapter. Making an outline is very useful when it comes to studying.  By making an outline you are bringing attention to all the important parts in the chapter.  Simply go over them a little bit each time, and watch yourself become very familiar with the chapter.  
• Do the chapter reviews.  Pretend the chapter reviews are your final tests.  Base how many you get right on the review as how many you would get right on the test.  Once you find out what ones you got wrong, go back to the chapter and study those.  Often the reviews are very similar to tests.   
• Get enough sleep each night.  If your body doesn’t get enough sleep you will find it hard to concentrate and close to impossible to get the grades you want.  You won’t be able to focus during class or be able to retain any of the information because you will be thinking about how tired you are.  
• Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner before class.  Eating before class or on a test gives your brain the brain food it needs to function properly.  With out it, it will be hard to concentrate and focus.

There are many things you can do to help you get the grades you want.  As long as you are doing a little bit each day and taking the time to review the stuff properly you should do excellent.  Your grades will be based on how much of an effort you put into it.  Follow some of the tips listed above and watch your grades rise!