How To Graduate With First Class in The University: At the undergraduate level, a First-Class Degree is the greatest level of achievement. Every serious student who is accepted into a tertiary institution aspires to receive a first-class distinction or degree. As a result, first-class degrees are in high demand from students. Only a student with a 70 percent average in their university course can earn the degree. However, the number of students who graduate with first-class each year is smaller than the number of students who set out to graduate with first-class from the start.
Although earning a university degree is a fantastic achievement, some people yearn for something more. Obtaining the First-Class distinction is a way to demonstrate your academic brilliance, commitment to study, and desire to be the best.
Self-application is generally a by-product of earning First-Class Honors. No one is pre-programmed to get a third class or a pass if they were qualified to get admitted to the institution in the first place (even otherwise).
A point scoring system determines the class of degree a student receives at university. That is the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), a weighted grading system with a maximum of 5.0 used in most Nigerian academic institutions. When you graduate with a CGPA of 4.50 or higher, you are in the first class. In this piece, I’ll show you how to achieve a first-class honors degree at university using some of the most effective methods.
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Effective Tips For Graduating With A First Class In The University
1. Be Committed: To be clear, if you want an upper edge degree, you must be willing to put in the greatest effort. You probably worked hard to get here, so make it worthwhile.
There’s plenty of fun to be had in university, but you must focus on your studies. Students that earn a first-class honors degree are those who constantly strive their utmost throughout the year, rather than merely nailing a few high grades and hoping for a few bare-minimum passes.
There is so much pleasure and excitement at university that refusing to enjoy yourself is not an option. Your dedication to your aim, on the other hand, is far more vital.
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2. Concentrate On Your Destination: You should try to picture where you want to go with your degree. Consider an industry that piques your interest and how a first-class degree may readily stoke your enthusiasm for it.
Remember to keep it at the forefront of your thoughts whenever you need motivation or inspiration. This should take a lot of practice, but keeping your eye on the final objective can keep you on track when your mind is distracted by so many things. This small action will assist you in developing a strong resistance to procrastination.
3. Improve Your Research Abilities: If you believe that getting into the first class is just about going to classes, you are completely incorrect. While attending all of your classes is undoubtedly crucial, it’s the hours you put in outside of class and lectures that truly count. If you read your course manual closely, you’ll discover that you should be doing a significant amount of work in your spare time as well.
It’s not about slogging your way through or writing an essay in a day to earn a first-class honors degree. Reading outside of your suggested reading list is essential if you’re serious about it.
Of course, this does not imply reading scholarly works from beginning to end. Don’t try to finish all of your research in one sitting; it won’t work, and you’ll forget much of what you read.
Instead, bookmark important pages, create Google Alerts for topics you’re considering writing essays on, and attempt to stay current with relevant debates in general. Reading about advances in your academic field of interest should become a regular habit. As you read more and get other viewpoints, you will be better able to think critically and establish your own opinions.
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3. Attend Classes: Attending lectures and seminars is another (very crucial) piece of the first-class degree puzzle. To get the most out of your degree, you should make every effort to attend all of your scheduled events.
Attending class is also crucial to impressing your professors (who happen to be the people who will grade your work). When reviewing work from someone they know doesn’t bother to show up to class, they’re likely to be harsher than when grading work from someone they see participating and giving it their all each week.
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4. Seek Assistance From Lecturers: Make as many appointments with instructors as possible, whether it’s to discuss a forthcoming assignment, receive feedback, or simply talk about an idea you’ve had. Your lecturers are paid to be available to you and to assist you when you are having difficulty.
You may also get bonus points by bringing up an unusual idea related to their field of expertise. This shows genuine interest and gives them a fresh perspective on a subject they’ve presumably been drowning in for the previous decade.
You may set up a meeting by sending an email or just inquiring after a presentation. Bring a work you’ve just had graded by them along and ask how you might improve. Tell them about any difficulties you’ve had, but don’t waste their time by asking for comprehensive criticism on everything you’ve written.
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5. Get Prepared Before Hand: Those who have earned a First-Class Degree are known for starting their reading early. You can’t imagine how pleased you’ll be with yourself when everyone else is finishing their first week’s reading while you’re halfway through the next month’s.
Even if you don’t have the time, meeting quick introductions, summaries, or reviews will make you feel much better. This method will make reading much simpler at the start of the semester. Reading about your subject might also help you make the most of your degree.
6. Reread What You’ve Learned: The transition from secondary school to university may be a significant one, and you’ll be expected to learn and recall a lot more knowledge with less direction than you’re used to.
Revision isn’t the most exciting aspect of studying, but it will help you retain more of what you’ve studied by revisiting your lecture notes and re-reading sets of materials. If you’re starting to forget anything you learned last semester, consider reading up on it so you don’t forget it by the time your examinations arrive.
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7. Make The Utmost Use Of Libraries: Although online journals are helpful, students who can show that they used a range of sources, including good old paper books, frequently obtain the best grades.
In addition, while reviewing and studying at home is beneficial, doing it at a library is preferred. You’ll be surrounded by books and other materials that can assist you in learning more about a subject.
The library is the greatest location to meet others who share your goals and ask questions.
The library at your school is a wealth of information. You may focus entirely on your studies at the library. Your assignment will be more thorough and well-informed, and your teachers will see you as a committed and enthusiastic student.
8. Spend Less Time On Social Media: As entertaining as social media might be, it is rarely used to achieve anything. Indeed, research has shown that social media just adds to university stress by encouraging you to compare yourself to peers. Spending hours of your time on social media, predictably, has a negative impact on your grades.
Set a goal for yourself to avoid social media until the evenings if you have the willpower. If you’re having trouble with this, or if your addiction is severe, you may want to try temporarily deleting your accounts.
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9. Maintain Your Health While Studying: Don’t overlook how important your health is to your university grades. Eating the correct brain fuel meals and drinking enough fluids can help you perform at your best at university.
In other words, terrible hangovers and takeout for supper should be avoided to the greatest extent feasible (but not entirely — we all deserve a treat now and then). Keep yourself fit and active as well. You may not believe it, but exercising consistently will give you major energy.
10. Find A Study Companion In the University: No matter how high your motivation levels are, there will always be days when you need a dose of inspiration. Making friends with other ambitious students is typically a good idea so you can encourage each other to go to the library on rainy days. Plus, if your study partner regularly attends class, you’ll feel a lot better about skipping courses.
Making friends with others on your course is also a smart idea. It will not only make hard work more enjoyable, but it will also help you to develop your ideas and opinions.
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11. Get Enough Rest: Mental relaxation, like gym rest days, is critical for maintaining a happy mindset and a healthy mind. Even if you have a pending deadline or a test to study for, make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
You may think you don’t have time to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep (as suggested), but you’ll be happy when you wake up feeling refreshed and with a clear mind.
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Why a First-Class Degree Is Important?
1. Quick Employment Opportunities: Getting a job has gotten increasingly difficult. Looking for work has become a profession in and of itself. With a First-Class Degree, you are appropriately qualified, and finding work will be easier.
Because every firm wants the best for their business, you must train yourself to be the best. It takes the pressure off of seeking work. As a result of these openings, some businesses would love to hire clever people, and good possibilities for first-class graduates are currently accessible.
2. It Becomes Much Easier to Compete: You can acknowledge that there are many people in the same field as you. What you need to make a difference is your outcome. You’ll find yourself on the cutting edge of possibilities. Gradually, with a first-class, you will set yourself apart from your peers and get ahead of them.
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3. Connections: You’ll agree that connection is the most powerful key to riches and achievement. If you don’t have it, you have no chance. Maintaining a string of first-class grades throughout your academic career will help you connect. There would be opportunities to earn honors, and you would be linked to individuals who may help you in the future right there in school.
Graduating with this grade will introduce you to a wide range of interesting individuals who will be drawn to your dazzling and amazing performance.
4. You’ll Have Access To Fantastic Scholarship Opportunities: It is the most delightful aspect of the first-year graduation. You will have a wonderful opportunity to continue your scholarship studies if you finished with honors. They are also given funds to researchers at institutions of their choice, as well as some from other countries.
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Conclusion
A first-class degree comes with some recognition. Most students believe that earning a first-class degree is impossible. It is important to emphasize, however, that the instructions are simple to follow. They can only be attained if you put your heart into them. First-class degrees provide several advantages, especially when it comes to hiring new university graduates.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.