Tools for School: GPA 101

Tips to maintain or increase a GPA

Campus Life > Tools for School: GPA 101
Tools for School: GPA 101

Study hard and get a high GPA!

Petruce Jean-Charles, Editor

Kean University is a community that really emphasizes the importance of academic success. With that being said, Kean University allows students the opportunity to build their knowledge, understanding and GPA. 

What is the importance of a GPA? 

  • Ultimately, a GPA is what will determine whether a person graduates or not, Kean's GPA requirement depends on a student's major.
  • A high GPA allows students to gain the opportunity for an honors position. Kean students who achieve a 3.45 to 3.64 will receive a cum laude, 3.65 to 3.84 will receive a magna cum laude, 3.85 to 4.00 will receive a summa cum laude.
  • GPA is an employment and scholarship requirement. In order to be eligible for some scholarships, students need a certain GPA. For the Kean Foundation Scholarship most scholarships require a 3.0 GPA.
  • GPA is a reflection of a student's commitment, perseverance and time management skills since most college students are full-time with jobs and other activities.
  • GPA is crucial for a student's master's or postgraduate studies because it will allow students the chance to be accepted by top universities with scholarship and financial assistance.

How can a student maintain a GPA?

  • Time Management:  An easy way to achieve this is to create and follow a schedule which allows the student to prioritize and provides time for procrastinators to complete tasks.
  • Study in quiet areas: This allows students the ability to focus and obtain all the important knowledge needed.
  • Get enough rest: Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours and stick to the same schedule so that it is easy for one to get to class on time. Getting enough sleep also helps with concentration and motivation.
  • Participate in class: Participating allows the teacher to build a relationship with the student and engages other students as well.
  • Get to know professors: If one's professors have office hours, go to them. If not, seek them out after class. A student has a better chance of a grade being bumped if a professor sees that they want to approve. It could be the difference between a B+ and an A-.
  • Get a tutor: In college, there are some students that have tutoring as part of their graduation requirements. They get credit, and students get tutored. And it's free! 

Tools on campus that are helpful include the Writing Center, The Tutoring and Learning Support Services , Nancy Thompson Library computer lab and Miron Student Center (MSC) computer lab.

The Writing Center has peer writing coaches that provide non-judgmental, one-on-one support for all writers. The Tutoring and Learning Support Services  enables Kean students to gain competence and achieve excellence in many academic courses. 

Use these tools to become successful and build a better GPA! 


about the author
Petruce Jean Charles - Web

Petruce Jean-Charles, Editor
jeanchap@kean.edu

Petruce Jean-Charles is a senior majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. In Spring 2017 she joined The Cougar's Byte staff. She is goal-driven and dedicated to accomplishing her goals, where she wishes to work for successful companies like Huffington Post or The Washington Post. In her free time, she enjoys listening to different artists and watching new horror and thriller movies.