Getting A's On Exams

When entering graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles, there was some doubt if the work could be handled or having the intelligence to keep up. Yes, there was some uncertainty of entering something never done before. This was a top university, interpreted that the work was going to be rough. It was the ultimate intellectual challenge of that time. The immediate environment in South Central Los Angeles provided encouragement but little support. It came down to being an individual effort. On top of that, being the first person of Afrikan descent to enter the Individual Ph.D. Program in the history of the university, meaning it was interdisciplinary, requiring two majors in two different departments, comprehensive exams in two departments, a minor, a top grade point average, and having the pressure that if not successful, no other person of Afrikan descent would be admitted for a long time; a strong determination was established early. Later, based on the volume of work assigned, the perspective of being in a war, and being a warrior that would not be defeated, became a way of life. No matter what was assigned, it was going to be handled with the highest level of accuracy and quality.

Not being nurtured as a child in that direction, self-belief was ultra mandatory. After getting through the personal issues, a method of study had to be created. First, a working philosophy was formed, which came down to being very disciplined, very focused and understanding the importance of time management. No one, family or friends, were allowed to interrupt the study regimen. Earning A's were the only grades considered; what ever it took was going to be done.

Once that was mentally and firmly set, a study technique had to be decided on. After much thought, a plan was revealed. Those courses where a reading assignment was given, reading started that day. Starting the next day or on weekends was not allowed. Procrastinating was never allowed to enter the brain. While reading, all items considered important were highlighted with a yellow marker, including lecture notes. The highlighted portions were read everyday, except weekends. The weekends were free, unless a day during the week was missed. Three or four days before an exam, the highlighted sections were read twice a day: once when waking up, even before brushing the teeth, once before going to bed.

The day of the exam was highly anticipated. The preparation was so thorough a Muhammad Ali complex was developed. The exam was going to be knocked out with no hesitation. After the first two quarters of receiving straight A's, there was no doubt that the technique was full proof. In fact, the confidence was so high, while taking doctoral comprehensive exams, prior to advancing to candidacy, when half the exam was completed, took a break, went down the hall, flirted with the sisters in African Studies, this was prior to marriage, went back, completed the exams and walked out smiling.

Being convinced the formula worked, the technique is now given to students to help them do well. This is especially emphasized with incoming freshmen. One adult student, returning to college after a long absence, who was a single mom with three children and working a full time job, mentioned that she tried the technique and it worked for her. She started getting A's right away, along with other students who said the same thing. The unfortunate part, those who said they were going to do it, but could not establish the discipline, focus or time management to do so, were unsuccessful.

Those students who feel they are not smart enough to get A's are fooling themselves. A verbal exchange of a couple of students typifies this. Two students were standing outside a classroom talking before going in to take an exam. One student said to the other, "I know you're going to do well, you're smart." The other student replied, "I'm not smart, I just work hard." And that is what it takes. Being lazy, procrastinating, waiting until tomorrow will not get it done. It does not matter whether one is a slow or fast learner, the technique works the same for all those who are diligent enough to follow through.

Something students can look forward to, the work does end. It is not forever. Semesters and/or quarters end with a few weeks vacation in between. Sort of like having time to rest one's mind, and party, before the next level of courses begin.

What has been explained does work and has been tested over a number of years. For those who want to be successful in their academic careers, there is no substitute for sticking to a plan, whatever that plan may be. College years are the most fun years of a young adult's life. Being successful in it gives one the confidence to succeed, for when graduation comes, and all those long vacations end, everything that was acquired will be needed, when entering the real world.

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