When it comes to getting good grades in college, most students think they need to spend longer stretches in the library and read every page of the textbook. They’re not wrong—while these strategies aren’t the most efficient, they will certainly help students improve their grades. However, there are three simple goals that students can add to their weekly routine that will help them be more successful without simply logging extra hours in the library.
1. Office Hours Goal
A great goal to set is attending office hours for each class once a week. This may seem simple, but it’s powerful because it includes several other components like class attendance, note-taking, and focused attention. When students regularly attend office hours, it puts subtle pressure on them to be prepared. Nobody wants to show up and have nothing to discuss with their professor or TA, right?
For example, imagine a student named Sarah. She attends office hours every Wednesday for her biology class. Knowing she’ll need to bring questions, Sarah reviews her notes and identifies confusing sections beforehand. By the time she arrives, she’s not only prepared but also better understands the material. The added bonus? Professors appreciate engaged students, which can lead to more personalized guidance and even opportunities for research or internships.
2. Writing Center Appointments
Setting a goal to visit the writing center for every paper is another easy but impactful strategy. Most colleges offer writing centers where trained staff will review a student’s rough draft, offering edits and suggestions to improve the final product. A good rule of thumb is to schedule an appointment a few days before the paper is due.
Let’s say Josh has a history paper due next Monday. On Thursday, he goes to the writing center with a draft that’s 75% complete. The writing tutor points out areas where his argument could be clearer and suggests restructuring one section for better flow. By Saturday, Josh has revised his paper and feels confident about submitting it—well ahead of the Sunday night panic that many students experience.
3. Sunday Organizational Moment
One of the simplest and most overlooked habits is planning out the week every Sunday. This small organizational step can make a big difference in how smoothly the week goes. Students should set aside 10-15 minutes to outline upcoming assignments, review their schedule, and prioritize tasks.
For example, Maria spends Sunday evening reviewing her syllabus and noting upcoming deadlines for the week. She writes down her plan for each day, including which classes she’ll attend office hours for and when she’ll visit the library. By Sunday night, Maria feels organized and ready for the week ahead, knowing that her time is accounted for and nothing will be left to the last minute.
Why These Goals Matter
These three goals—attending office hours, using the writing center, and taking time for weekly planning—aren’t your typical “study more” or “read more” strategies. Instead, they emphasize better engagement, accountability, and time management. They help students build strong habits that support their academic success. Sarah, Josh, and Maria illustrate how implementing these simple goals can not only improve grades but also reduce stress and make college life more manageable. If students can stick to these practices, they will see positive results in both their grades and overall college experience.