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10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by phenase(m): 11:44pm On May 18, 2016 |
As a graduate who came very close to finishing with a first class in engineering, I can easily identify errors that cost students the prestigious first class degree. I made one or two of these mistakes. Over the span of five years that I spent in the university, I saw lots of people make the same mistakes outlined here. Many brilliant students start with the initial dream of graduating with a first class, only to end up struggling to even finish with a 2.1. Obtaining a first class takes a great deal of hardwork, consistency, intelligence but most importantly discipline. Commit these errors and your chances of getting a first class will be very slim if not nil. 1. Womanizing – This is not about having a committed girlfriend in school which can even be very distracting. This is referring to keeping strings of girlfriends while in school, or pursuing anything in skirt. I am not speaking for or against womanizing in school. But womanizing is the quickest way of ensuring that your dream of graduating with a first class vanishes into thin air as your attention towards your academic studies will be greatly divided. 2. Not starting well – Except UNIBEN which notably operates CGPA system that is based on percentage depending on undergraduate level, all other universities operate a cumulative system based on credit load of individual courses. Most first class graduates build a solid foundation in the first 2 years in school. Thereafter, they ensure they do not fall below the boundary. Not having a high CGPA in your first 2 years means that you will not have any buffer during tough academic times, as the going may get tougher as you progress and your CGPA may become progressively lower. Your academic standing after your first 2 years can make or mar your chances of graduating with a first class. In addition, having a high CGPA may help build you gain respect amongst students or even lecturers who may be careful when marking your scripts so as not to make mistakes. 3. Placing less significance on small unit courses – Yes, some courses may carry smaller credit units but they count. Such courses may be electives and general courses. Cumulate all those courses and you will surprised about how big the effect can be. Every ‘A’ grade matters especially if you just on the edge, and there may be moments when it is the smaller unit courses that keep you above the boundary. One of the critical moments that defined my final CGPA was a 2- unit course that dropped my CGPA from a potential 4.51 to a 4.47 in my penultimate semester. 4. Not studying hard enough – I need not say much about this. Studying hard does not necessarily mean spending long hours reading in classes. Studying hard involves studying with high level of intensity and depth within a study period. The difference between a first class student and others is the attention to detail when studying. I use myself as an example. I remember that eventhough I sometimes spent hours reading, I was always too lazy to solve sample problems. In many cases, I overestimated my level of assimilation. I sometimes got away with it in exams but it cost me a few important A’s which would have made significant differences in my final CGPA. 5. Not taking internship and project work seriously – SIWES (internship) is mainly for science and engineering students. Internship has a combined credit load of about 12 – 15 units depending on the course and the institution. Imagine what damage a ‘B’ can do a first class student! You don’t necessarily have to work for a top company as an intern. Sloppiness in filling log books, poorly written internship report, and inadequate preparation towards defense of industrial attachment are enough to cost you an ‘A’ grade. Project and practical works also carry significant credit load as well. Practical work can be particularly tedious, and undisciplined students can be lax about it. 6. Allowing the opinion of mediocre students influence you – Average students will always be negative about their academic environment. They will talk about how tough it is to graduate with a 2.1 much less a first class. They will complain about how tough the courses or the lecturers are. They will remind you about the failure rate in the past. They will play the victim when they fail exams. They will congratulate themselves on how ‘lucky’ they are to escape a carryover with an E grade. They will continually demonize the school environment and their department. They will never say anything but positive things about the school. They will criticize everyone but themselves. Feed your mind with such thoughts from them and kiss goodbye to your dreams of graduating with a first class. 7. Not seeking help / information – Not seeking information can be harm your chances of finishing with a first. Information gathering is important in the pursuit of a first class. Having the right set of past questions, exam materials, handbooks, textbooks, etc. matters a lot. Most Nigerian lecturers have different handbooks, textbooks or online materials they are comfortable with. They often set exams from these handbooks and textbooks. First class students are aware of these and sought to get the necessary information. Forget secondary school days when you can be completely independent and isolated. In the university, you will likely encounter academic challenges one way or the other, you matter how good you are. You will need the help of others who are equally good. Build high walls around you and it’s almost a certainty that you won’t graduate with a first class. 8. Helping others during exams – I have seen and read about how potential first class students make this mistake that can deprive them of not just their dream grade but their entire aspiration. A lot of people look up to first class students to help them during exams, not minding the distraction it may cost them. Some even make monetary requests for first class students to write exams on their behalf. Time after time, brilliant students keep falling for this trap without thinking of the consequence of being expelled or rusticated. In many cases, first class students already have good reputations amongst their fellow students and lecturers, and being caught teaching in exams can soil that reputation. 9. Not attending classes – I have seen many that graduate with 2.1 that ‘stabbed’ classes on a regular basis. But I am yet to see or hear of a genuine first class student/graduate that deliberately missed classes frequently at least in their last 2 years of study. They attend classes because 1) They want to listen to the salient points made by the lecturers so that they can understand better and prepare well for tests and exams. Attending classes is one way of getting information 2) First class students are perceived to represent the department and generally have a good image. Not attending classes can damage their reputation 3) Many lecturers take attendance seriously and allocate marks to attendance 4) There can be impromptu tests and classworks during classes. You want to graduate with a first class but you keep skipping classes? Then think twice. 10. Not taking care of your health– Some, in the bid to get a first class, spend almost all their time and energy reading. They are always in class reading or attending one tutorial or the other, and they often do overnight reading not minding the fact that their body needs to be catered for. Consequently, they experience frequent health breakdowns, and this can cause serious setbacks in their dream to achieve a first class. Nothing can be more frustrating that falling ill in an academic session. Wanting to have a first class does not mean that you cannot eat well, rest when necessary, relax, play games and manage stress. Nurture your health. Health is wealth Source: http://www.firmtech1.com/2016/05/10-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-first.html?m=0 44 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Alimtoheeb(m): 12:10am On May 19, 2016 |
Seriously on point. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by chycheery(f): 12:46am On May 19, 2016 |
Nice one 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 2:12am On May 19, 2016 |
Who first class epp 21 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by LordIsaac(m): 5:30am On May 19, 2016 |
''e dey epp'' 8 Likes |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by HomesOfLife(m): 6:45am On May 19, 2016 |
Well narrated but you didn't add the power of prayer and sorting(sometimes in kind). You can observe all these tips and still fall prey to randy, over demanding, "hungry" or bad-belle lecturers. These ones would make you beg to see even 2.2 talk more of 1st class. 4 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 6:45am On May 19, 2016 |
May God help us always |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by VocalWalls: 6:47am On May 19, 2016 |
Get a skill. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 6:47am On May 19, 2016 |
Nice 1 indeed |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by gidimasters(m): 6:48am On May 19, 2016 |
Check My Signature For Your Blog Design, Facebook Group And Page |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Gkay1(m): 6:48am On May 19, 2016 |
true talk |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 6:49am On May 19, 2016 |
Gaskiya, walahi na truth u talk fa (in buhari's voice) I concur |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by SweetieConstie(f): 6:50am On May 19, 2016 |
Very valid points OP! You're so on point... Hardwork+Determination+Prayer remain the greatest keys to success!! 2 Likes |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by johnstar(m): 6:51am On May 19, 2016 |
K |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by skywalker001(m): 6:51am On May 19, 2016 |
guest12345:Are you on 1st class or u'r jst dreaming ? 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by aare07(m): 6:51am On May 19, 2016 |
T 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by LesbianBoy(m): 6:51am On May 19, 2016 |
SweetieConstie:You forgot to include LUCK 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by iyyke(m): 6:53am On May 19, 2016 |
I de cme back.. mke I go shit be4 I go shit on top of de BIG head of dat person below..... |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by ERONX(m): 6:53am On May 19, 2016 |
My guy who First Class EPP we live in a country where even with a 2nd Class Degree and the right connection and God's favour you can work at Companies and Organisation of your Dream... Imagine a Friend of mine back in the days studied Yoruba Education and graduated with a 3rd Class but guess what he's now an executive at Zenon Oil and Gas. I've seen situations where 1st class holders roam the street unemployed. My guy forget 1st Class with the right Connection and well connected friends the Sky is anymans stepping stone in getting a good and decent job. Remember good friends can take you where your legs won't. 5 Likes |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Sensitivbin777(m): 6:54am On May 19, 2016 |
First class is good but how many people e don epp? How many of dem get enviable jobs? Wetin dem don contribute to the country? A country that doesn't appreciate hard work but celebrate THIEVES 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by donholy28(m): 6:54am On May 19, 2016 |
Having any problems with a frustrated lecturer |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by skywalker001(m): 6:54am On May 19, 2016 |
But later in future wat would u b gisiting abt ur skul life wen ur frnds are talkin bout theirs ? U wil only tel dem bout 9t klas or wat or u wil jst b looking like zombie. To have it is only by d grace of God or beta stil have enough money to sort all ur courses like most private universities do 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Dekatron(m): 6:56am On May 19, 2016 |
BUSHHUNTER: Singing -...... Is you drunk is you had enough? Who you epp? |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Naijabams(m): 6:56am On May 19, 2016 |
Keep up man I like ur post |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by lopjohnny(m): 6:56am On May 19, 2016 |
Noted!!! Thanks for the piece man.. God helping us. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by LesbianBoy(m): 6:56am On May 19, 2016 |
Kraspo:Pictures or you know now! |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by ruemujerome(m): 6:57am On May 19, 2016 |
Dis is extremely correct! But u know, we still have some bad lecturers who are just always against people's success. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 6:57am On May 19, 2016 |
This is a very wonderful and well-written topic. All students must read this. 11. Not including God in your academics. @Op -thanks so much for this. I wish you God's best 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by blackmarket(m): 7:00am On May 19, 2016 |
secret society...i love kegites |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Kraspo(m): 7:03am On May 19, 2016 |
I am fortunate to be one |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by koolaid87: 7:03am On May 19, 2016 |
Bro, the only main distraction is being broke. It's hard to keep the body and soul together when you're broke and pretty easy to loose concentration. A lot of kids are so bright but when they start chasing cheddars, they drop form. 6 Likes 1 Share |
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