Techniques for HDs goal setters
Have you ever told yourself, "I am going to get a High Distinction (HD) in this subject this semester," and then put 100% of your effort into studying for it, but the result still fell short of your expectations? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone.
I faced the same problem during my first year at Monash University when balancing studies and personal life was a challenge for a young freshman. However, at the end of the day, I successfully realised that the only obstacle holding me back was the employment of the wrong study technique.
Now, you may ask, "then which technique is the correct one?". Well, my answer is IT DEPENDS. It depends on what and how you want to achieve. For example, I believe that three steps can help me conquer my academic goals: setting SMART goals, being prepared, and taking care of my mental and physical health. By implying this solution properly, I managed to get HDs in all of my final results across all subjects, which resulted in a 4.0/4.0 GPA.
Setting the right goal
The first step towards achieving your goal is to set it correctly. Define your result objectives and make it specific by following this formula: "I want to get (what) by (what time)". For example, if you aim for an HD in the Business Analytics subject, then your goal should be "I want to get an HD with a grade of 89/100 in Business Analytics by the end of the semester." Writing your goals down on a piece of paper and putting them somewhere visible (e.g., your study wall) will help you stay motivated throughout the revision period.
Define your result objectives and make it specific by following this formula: "I want to get (what) by (what time)".
Being carefully prepared
The next step is to be prepared. Start studying at least one week before your tests/exams. If you have many topics to cover, divide them into manageable chunks so that you won't feel overwhelmed and help you retain the information better.
For example, if you your final exam for Business Analytics subject happens on March 21 with 10 chapters to cover, start studying on March 16 and try to break it down so that you only need to study 2 chapters per day. By doing this, you can not only save your brain from being cognitive overload but also have more time to spend on your social life. When studying, turn off your phone and put away any distractions to help you focus entirely on your revision.
When studying, turn off your phone and put away any distractions to help you focus entirely on your revision.
Taking care of your physical and mental health
Remember to stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Drinking enough water will help you stay alert and concentrated during your study sessions, while good sleep is associated with improved academic performance, yes...I'm not kidding. Therefore, make sure you get enough rest to avoid fatigue during your exams.
Attaining a high distinction at university can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. It requires dedication, focus, and a plan. So set your goals, stay focused, and believe in yourself, and you will see the fruits of your labour. Good luck! :)
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