How to become an Outstanding Student in College

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about Ruang Guru's academic competition series, namely Clash of Champions, which showcases the academic abilities of various students at various top universities.

The biodata of CoC participants is also unusual, they are outstanding students who were chosen to represent their universities. Some of them have a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), namely 4.0, which shows their intelligence and academic discipline. In addition, there are also participants who have published many articles indexed by Scopus, which is one indicator of international recognition for their contributions in the field of research. How can they do well in college? Are they really robots?

There are several things you can do to become an outstanding student at college, including:

1. Time Management

Prioritize Tasks: The first step in effective time management is to prioritize tasks. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed, then rank them based on urgency and importance. This way, you can focus on completing the most important tasks first, avoiding a buildup of tasks that can cause stress.

Create Daily and Weekly Schedules: Creating clear daily and weekly schedules is very helpful in managing time. Allocate specific times for each activity, including classes, studying, resting, and other activities. With a structured schedule, you can more easily manage your time and ensure all tasks are completed on time.

Use the Pomodoro Technique: The Pomodoro Technique is an effective time management method to increase focus and productivity. The method involves working for 25 minutes without interruption, then taking a 5-minute break. After four work sessions, take a longer break, about 15-30 minutes. This technique helps maintain concentration and reduces fatigue.

Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination or delaying tasks is the main enemy of time management. To overcome this, try breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. By completing small tasks one by one, you can feel more motivated, and large tasks will seem lighter.

Utilize Time Management Tools: There are many time management tools you can use, such as calendar apps, to-do lists, and reminders. Apps like Google Calendar, Trello, or Todoist can help organize tasks and remind you of deadlines, making you more organized and efficient.

Set Time Limits for Each Task: Setting time limits for each task helps you stay focused and complete tasks faster. Don’t forget to allow buffer time to handle unexpected events that may occur. This way, you can avoid panic when facing deadlines.

2. Reviewing Course Material

Regularly reviewing course material is key to strengthening memory and understanding the content better. By going over notes and readings daily or weekly, you ensure you don't miss important information and are more prepared for exams and assignments. Using the active recall technique, which involves trying to remember information without looking at your notes, can be very effective. For example, after reading a chapter, try writing or explaining the content in your own words.

Mind mapping is another visual method that helps understand the relationships between concepts, making the material easier to remember and understand. Discussing with friends or in study groups can provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding. Teaching the material to others is also an effective way to reinforce your own understanding.

Take advantage of additional resources like video tutorials, articles, and academic journals to deepen your comprehension. If there are topics you find difficult, don't hesitate to ask your professors or teaching assistants. They are usually happy to help active students. Using flashcards to memorize definitions, key concepts, and terms can also be very helpful. With these effective study techniques, you can better master course material and become a top student.

3. Taking Advantage of Opportunities

Join Student Organizations and Clubs: Joining organizations or clubs on campus not only expands your network of friends but also develops soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. These experiences will be very valuable in the professional world later.

Participate in Academic Competitions and Contests: Participating in academic competitions or contests can broaden your knowledge and experience, as well as enhance your academic profile. Many competitions offer attractive prizes and opportunities to meet other talented students.

Take Advantage of Internships and Practical Work Programs: Internships or practical work programs provide hands-on experience in the workplace relevant to your major. This not only helps to understand the theory learned in class but also builds professional connections that can be useful after graduation.

Seek Research Opportunities: Getting involved in research projects, either with professors or independently, is a great way to deepen your field of study and contribute to scientific knowledge. Good research can also be published in academic journals, adding academic value and international recognition.

Utilize Campus Facilities and Services: Many campuses provide facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and fitness centers that can support your academic and non-academic activities. Services such as career counseling and guidance can also help you overcome various challenges faced during your studies.

By actively taking advantage of various opportunities on campus, you can enrich your experiences and knowledge, and build a strong foundation for the future. These opportunities not only enhance academic achievements but also help you develop overall into an excellent student ready to compete in the professional world.

4. Setting Your Goals

Setting goals or targets is essential for achieving high academic performance. Begin by ensuring that your goals are specific and measurable. For instance, rather than vaguely aiming for "good grades," set a precise target such as "achieving a GPA of 3.8 by the end of the semester." Clear, measurable goals are more achievable because you know exactly what you are striving for and how to gauge your progress.

Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable within a given timeframe. While it's great to have ambitious dreams, setting overly high targets can lead to frustration and demotivation if they aren't met. On the other hand, realistic goals offer manageable steps towards success, boosting your motivation each time you achieve one.

Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Big goals can be overwhelming when viewed as a whole, so divide them into smaller tasks. For example, if your goal is to write a thesis, break it down into tasks such as "researching references," "creating an outline," and "writing chapter by chapter." This approach makes the overall goal seem less daunting and more achievable.

Setting deadlines for each goal is also crucial. Deadlines help you stay focused and motivated to complete tasks on time. Without deadlines, you may be prone to procrastination, which can hinder your progress. Periodically monitor and evaluate your progress to ensure you are on the right track. If you encounter obstacles, assess what they are and find solutions to overcome them.

Be prepared to adjust your goals if necessary. Sometimes, circumstances change, and your goals may need to be adapted. Adjusting goals to fit new situations ensures that you remain on a productive path towards your overall objectives. Additionally, seek support and guidance from friends, family, or mentors. Their encouragement, advice, and assistance can be invaluable when facing challenges.

5. Expanding Your Network

Expanding your network is crucial for academic and professional success. One effective way to broaden your connections is by actively participating in campus activities such as student organizations, clubs, and events. These opportunities help you meet new people, develop social skills, and enhance your professional network.

Building strong relationships with professors and academic staff is also important. They can offer valuable guidance, provide recommendations, and inform you about research or internship opportunities. Engaging with them outside of class, such as during office hours or academic events, can strengthen these connections.

Joining professional communities related to your field of study is another effective strategy. Being part of these communities can give you access to seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities that are beneficial for career development. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook allows you to connect with professionals and stay updated on industry trends.

Attending conferences, seminars, and international exchange programs can further expand your network. These events provide chances to meet experts, learn from them, and establish connections that could be advantageous in your future career. Volunteering in community projects also helps in meeting people with similar interests and building meaningful relationships.

By actively seeking to expand your network, you not only gain valuable support and information but also build a strong foundation for future professional success. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and enhances both your academic and career prospects.

Being an outstanding student is not just about getting high grades, but also about developing yourself as a whole. Remember that the journey to success is a continuous process, and every small step you take will bring you closer to your goal. Stay enthusiastic and never stop learning and trying!.

Content Writer: Ripan Laksmana Putra