Work smarter not harder!

The most useful thing I learned was to find out what is expected of me as soon as I begin the class.  Yes I mean read the syllabus.  I know it sounds like common sense, but I have countless friends who will get mediocre to bad grades because they had no idea what was expected of them.  I periodically consult these to make sure I am on track and no surprises are in the future.  If you know this you may be relieved or overwhelmed but at least you are informed.  Next, I have found the key to getting good grades on exams is to be persistent with the TA or professor about what material is going to be on the exam.  This makes for a much easier time studying.  I hate to study material that is irrelevant to the exam.  Yes, there are those teachers too that include something from their rambling lectures, notes, and text.  While those exams and classes aren't so fun they are doable.  If I have a ridiculously boring teacher that includes their lectures on their exam I record them.  The best $20.00 dollars I have ever spent.  Most of the time I can hear myself sleeping in the background when listening to playback.  You are supposed to ask to record, but I never have.  I have also found in essays when you regurgitate the concepts from the lecture in a similar fashion the teacher is flattered and your grade reflects it.  My favorite teachers are the ones who teach what you need to know and leave it at that.