People, including students, around the world have felt the immense pressure of everyone around them to become a vibrant and treasured diamond. One example of this is the pursuit of a perfect GPA. However, labels and achievements are only a glimpse of our character and do not define us. As a junior in college, I have learned from many challenges in balancing my academic and social life. Over the past three years, I have tried five major ways to boost my GPA. However, I have succeeded in three avenues and failed in two.

The five methods I have attempted to improve my GPA are as follows: setting aside time for homework, completing my homework after that specific class, taking copious notes in class, studying in groups, and frequently going to office hours. I have been successful in the three primarily listed methods, but the last two did not work for me.

When I set aside time in my daily schedule to study or do assignments, for each class, I have found that my ability to multitask has improved. This also helps me get a head start on assignments that might be due later that week, and also balance multiple same-day deadlines! As a chemistry major, it can be very stressful and overwhelming for me to handle multiple tedious assignments all at once, so this strategy worked well for me.

Another method that improved my GPA was completing my homework after that specific class. For example, if my physics class just ended, I would work on my physics assignment while I was still focused on that material. By doing this, I can understand the task and do well! Lastly, by taking copious notes in class, my focus for that class grew and my grades in that class improved.

On the other hand, one strategy I have attempted that did not work is studying in groups. Whenever I would do group work or study sessions, my focus was not exactly on the course material and the pace would not be to my liking. I was not aware that this method did not work for me until the beginning of my junior year.

I realized that I was not retaining as much information from the class, mainly because my group mates were getting confused in lecture. Another method in which I ended up feeling discouraged in the same way was attending office hours frequently. Since the beginning of my sophomore year, my attempts at understanding my questions while in office hours were in vain. Whether I was not articulating myself correctly or the professor was not prepared, office hours never really worked for me. I would often leave their office feeling the same level of confusion as when I arrived.

Because I have been able to find avenues to get and maintain a better GPA, I have been able to look forward to my bright future. Since I know my GPA does not define me, I know that the work ethic and determination I have developed over time will show in any situation.