Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by DeSepiero(m): 7:05am On May 19, 2016 |
All your points are correct Sir! I relate to them. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by ULSHERLAN(m): 7:05am On May 19, 2016 |
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Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Abuklaw(m): 7:06am On May 19, 2016 |
I am a victim of point no. 4. I always overestimate my intellectual capacity by studying mildly, only to get into an examination Hall to find myself writing from previous knowledge and not exactly what the materials for the course entails.
I have concluded that 1st class is not meant for a curious mind like me. I can enter a library on exam eve only to start reading text from unrelated field. Imagine a Management student reading clinical anatomy and physiology on the eve of a stubborn exam. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nwonkwo1994(m): 7:06am On May 19, 2016 |
Nice one bro,indeed hardwork leads to success. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 7:09am On May 19, 2016 |
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Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobody: 7:35am On May 19, 2016 |
phenase: 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 Uhmm first of all nice write up dear, but I think one of the most important key factor of graduating with a first class degree is by 'Intense research' and you also must want the firsr class degree so bad deep within you! Back to the topic about reseaching. If you have the attitude of ‘I’ve been to my lectures and seminars, I’m done’, then you may as well quit now. You have to make an effort and you do that by digging out books, searching for journals and articles and searching the famed world wide web. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Dannybliss1(m): 7:46am On May 19, 2016 |
u Re very correct... nice one |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Strawman: 7:47am On May 19, 2016 |
phenase abeg in a school that calculates GPA over a total of 4.0 instead of 5.0, what grade exactly is 1st class? I'm thinking 3.6? |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Jexyme(f): 8:05am On May 19, 2016 |
phenase: 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 God bless you.....................this will help our young aspiring UG and even PG students. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Gerrard59(m): 8:10am On May 19, 2016 |
It is appalling that some Nigerians are asking "who First Class help" ? As someone who "lives online", I have transversed the WWW and seen profiles, some of the most successful folks I saw graduated with a First Class both home and abroad. The only black man on Goldman Sachs board of directors finished with a First and guess what? He is a Nigerian. Visit Renaissance Capital website, the top players possess one same with the big4 not forgetting management consulting like McKinesy and Co(Tidjane Thiam). This is also prevalent in the UK, Singapore, US, Hong Kong etc. Even the PM(Loong) of Singapore graduated with a First from University of Cambridge. Some individuals might say First Class students/graduates are basically "crammers/la cram la pourers", however, one thing we should know is that cramming is a skill, ditto, passing exams(thanks to a particular lecturer I can cram effectively). It takes dedication to cram and pour, and employers look for all these things which may seem unimportant. Secondly, the most intelligent/brilliant/smartest individuals I have come across are all First Class students or graduates. This isn't to say someone with a 2.1 isn't intelligent, it's not as common as the former. I remember in my second year a lecturer and I were conversing, and I was flowing with intelligently(dishing points with ease), he inquired about my grade I told him I'm on 4.0, he was astonished . Asked why am I not a First? Since then, I didn't look back. I no be Lot. The only snag some might have is not being informed(environment plays a role here) of the enormous opportunities out there, some are aiming to be lecturers , where the pay isn't consistent or good enough(public varsities). To sabi book good, to get First class is the best. Go get one or be on it. Poster, avoid plagiarism. Give credits to Jarushub and Xfire(he is a Nairalander). http://www.jarushub.com/students-10-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-first-class-degree/ 2 Likes |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobleking2000(m): 8:11am On May 19, 2016 |
[quote author=LesbianBoy post=45756931] You forgot to include LUCK [/quote Guy forget that luck issue you don't pass exams by luck rather by determination, hardwork, and dedication. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Nobleking2000(m): 8:17am On May 19, 2016 |
LesbianBoy:
You forgot to include LUCK Guy forget luck you don't exams based on luck rather with determination, dedication and hardworking. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Rick9(m): 8:21am On May 19, 2016 |
Like one poster rightly said, the greatest distraction is when you are broke, in school most students are ready to learn but when they are broke how can they concentrate, when you are always worrying about money, how can you get materials ? if you can solve financial problems 4.90 CGPA is yours. anyway am after the good life, First Class no EPP anybody. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by toprealman: 8:33am On May 19, 2016 |
ERONX: 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. number 6 above applies. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Gerrard59(m): 8:43am On May 19, 2016 |
ERONX: 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...
[/b]I've seen situations where 1st class holders roam the street unemployed[b]. 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. Which school? What discipline? How old? How many have you seen IF true? Even the school didn't retained them? S/he didn't apply for any position(s)? Statements of this nature are ridiculous as it's simply based on hearsay. Bring forth evidences IF you have, and concrete ones. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Andy1985ng(m): 8:44am On May 19, 2016 |
Why are guys asking "who 1st class help?"
We just had a guy who went to the senate because he had the highest grades in UNILAG.
He will be sponsored by the FG for a masters program at any university he wishes.
We all know that people with less grades make it eventually but it takes the grace of God.
Good post, by the way. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Gerrard59(m): 8:46am On May 19, 2016 |
Abuklaw: I am a victim of point no. 4. I always overestimate my intellectual capacity by studying mildly, only to get into an examination Hall to find myself writing from previous knowledge and not exactly what the materials for the course entails.
I have concluded that 1st class is not meant for a curious mind like me. I can enter a library on exam eve only to start reading text from unrelated field. Imagine a Management student reading clinical anatomy and physiology on the eve of a stubborn exam.
Ditto for me. Even friends accuse me of writing off-point at times and not being succinct and precise. I had to change oh. Overconfidence can be bad sometimes. Overconfidence and get a 69 . 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by sistar007(m): 8:58am On May 19, 2016 |
I guess...
OP was once a FUTOITE
OR
OP is a FUTOITE |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Harfisco(m): 8:59am On May 19, 2016 |
Nice one OP |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by ERONX(m): 8:59am On May 19, 2016 |
Gerrard59:
Which school? What discipline? How old? How many have you seen IF true? Even the school didn't retained them? S/he didn't apply for any position(s)? Statements of this nature are ridiculous as it's simply based on hearsay. Bring forth evidences IF you have, and concrete ones. A friend of mine graduated with a 1st class after studying Animal Nutrition at FUNAAB yet she's unemployed she's 27 You can check it on d internet. Since you need concrete evidence Search d name Mariam Adamson on the internet |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by bluntspade: 8:59am On May 19, 2016 |
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Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Chudichu(m): 9:00am On May 19, 2016 |
All very valid points |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by BizLife(m): 9:02am On May 19, 2016 |
The biggest mistake is "Having no money." |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Gerrard59(m): 9:07am On May 19, 2016 |
ERONX:
A friend of mine graduated with a 1st class after studying Animal Nutrition at FUNAAB yet she's unemployed she's 27 You can check it on d internet. Since you need concrete evidence Search d name Mariam Adamson on the internet And the school couldn't employ/retain her? She didn't apply for scholarship(s) to aid her for further studies? Is she married? I ask because Nigeria marriage culture to a great extent limits women from reaching their full potential(s). Modified I've read her story, she needs a Jarushub in her life. BTW, Mr Jarus what about organizing tutorials on how to pass job tests? It will sell oh. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by samiboy774(m): 9:08am On May 19, 2016 |
Really nice one |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by permanentgrace(m): 9:18am On May 19, 2016 |
Last time i checked, neither seun, Linda Ikeji, Lalasticlala, Buhari, Bill Gate, Dangote nor even Mark Zuckerberg were any first class finisher.
Nice piece though. 1 Like |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by macino1(m): 9:33am On May 19, 2016 |
Nice one.
But this is not applicable to Nigeria setting. Some of the distractions are:
1. Been broke
2. Knowing that connection is what will finally pay more
3. Poor learning environment
4. Unrealistic scheme of work
5. Unethical conduct among lecturers
6. Disconnect among the student/teachers relationship |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by cutecanson(m): 9:50am On May 19, 2016 |
Just like key bro, u re on point dawg |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Mrjosaphat: 10:44am On May 19, 2016 |
I don't need first class, 2nd class upper is enough for me,don't want any degree DAT I can't defend after a long run, speaking from d deepest part of my heart |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Olaolu2005(m): 10:58am On May 19, 2016 |
TRUE TALK BUT WE ALSO NEED PRAYER TO BACK IT UP BECAUSE WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. |
Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by JoshXe1: 11:25am On May 19, 2016 |
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Re: 10 Mistakes That Can Cost You First Class Degree by Vick4rill(m): 11:27am On May 19, 2016 |
ERONX: 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. if you want to go far in life please avoid people with this type of mentality. |