If you made the honor roll in high school, you might very well be considering how to make the Dean’s List in college! But what exactly is this list, what are the benefits, and most importantly: how can you make the Dean’s List and stay on it? We answer these three questions and more below!
What is the Dean’s List?
The Dean’s List is an academic award that is reserved for full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence. It’s for students who receive the highest grade point averages (GPAs) in a semester and quarter. The actual GPA requirement can vary from school to school and, since it’s based on the top percentage of GPAs, it will even vary semester to semester.
If you made the Dean’s List, it will be reflected on your transcripts.
What Are the Benefits of Making the Dean’s List?
There are a number of benefits to making the Dean’s List while you’re in college!
1. It Shows Others Your Hard Work
Whether you’re entering the workforce or going to graduate school, making the Dean’s List can be showcased on your resume and college applications. It can look impressive to admissions departments as well as potential employers. High grades show that you’re dedicated to your work and aim to be the best of the best.
2. You Could Receive Invitations to Events
Another benefit of making the Dean’s List is the fact it often comes with exclusive invitations. For example, companies could invite you to networking events that allow you to meet with those in your intended industry. Students could also be invited to competitions.
3. You Could Be Eligible for Certain Scholarships
High grades and making the Dean’s List could very well open the doors to some exclusive scholarships. Merit-based awards, for example, are often for the top of the top, and by making the Dean’s List, you’re more likely to be eligible for (and win) them.
4. You’ll Be Recognized By the School
Aside from the note on your transcript, you will be further recognized by your school if you make the Dean’s List. They are often published on the school’s website, and those who made the Dean’s List could also be eligible for exclusive cords at graduation.
5. It’s a Personal Achievement
College is a perfect opportunity to put your skills and knowledge to the test. And knowing you made the Dean’s List can be a personal point of pride. It’s also an excellent way to challenge yourself, gain new skills, and keep your education moving forward!
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Making the Dean’s List?
Making the Dean’s List isn’t easy, and you’ll be up against some stiff competition. However, there are ways to improve your chances of getting recognized. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Commit
One of the biggest steps to getting your name on the Dean’s List is committing yourself. You will not only need to commit time but also a lot of effort. At times, it will be a lot of pressure.
It’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t put your mental or physical health at risk in order to make the Dean’s List. Doing so will only hurt you in the long run. If you feel the stress is too much, take a step back. It’s okay to not make the Dean’s List, especially if you’re trying your best. Check in regularly with yourself and take a break if you are feeling the effects of burnout, stress, or related issues.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can help you make the Dean’s List.
First, consider your schedule at length before signing up for your classes. You’ll need to take certain classes to meet your general education and major requirements, but finding balance is key. Here are a few tips for creating a schedule that works for you:
- What times work best for you? If you’re not a morning person, for instance, you don’t want a full schedule of 8 am courses! This may not be avoidable at all times, but scheduling around your needs is a good idea.
- Do you have several choices regarding professors? It’s a fact: some professors are tougher than others. You don’t necessarily want to go with the professor that hands out automatic A’s (you won’t learn much), but doing your research into their teaching methods can be helpful.
- Do you have a balance of electives, difficult classes, and core courses? If you can, you don’t want to stack all difficult, intensive courses at once. Spreading them out can help save you from burnout and improve your chances of making the Dean’s List.
- How do you want to space all your classes? The answer to this question is a personal choice! Do you work best by attending all of your classes in a row? Or would spreading them out work better for you? In some cases, you might be able to give yourself an extra day off from classes each week.
3. Don’t Skip Classes
Some professors don’t take attendance and don’t mark you down for missing classes. There might be some courses you can skip entirely except for tests and still earn a decent grade!
However, if you’re aiming for the Dean’s List, don’t skip classes if you can avoid it. You’ll be missing information that you’ll be tested on later, and you’re also paying for those classes. While you should stay home if you have an emergency or are sick, it is generally a good idea to attend as many class days as you can. Some professors can and will lower your grade if you miss too many sessions, too.
4. Do the Homework – Including the Reading!
It can be extremely easy to skip the reading that you were told to complete before your next class, but if you’re trying to make the Dean’s List, this is one of the last things you want to do. Doing all the homework and reading is an excellent way to study and prepare for your upcoming class. And if you’re pressed for time, even just skimming the reading can be the difference maker here.
5. Utilize the Right Skills
You’ll want to put all of your study and education-related skills to the test here. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use planning resources. Use tools such as wall calendars, apps, and planners to track deadlines, tests, study time, free time, and other important dates.
- Practice time management skills so you’re not cramming. Prioritize your tasks according to importance and deadlines.
- Understand how grades are weighted. In the syllabus you received at the start of the semester, you will receive details on how much each assignment counts towards your final grade. If you are pressed for time, consider these weights as they will help you prioritize tasks.
- Study smarter, not harder. Cramming and staying up all night to study for a test can result in lower grades, but if you spread your studying over several weeks or days you’ll generally see better success.
- Have good organizational habits. Keep your notes, assignments, and other paperwork neat. Utilize tools such as folders on your desktop to keep track of assignments. Also, don’t leave those documents named “Untitled” – that’s a good way to lose track of important information and work!
Making the Dean’s List is no easy feat, and it will require quite a bit of effort from you! Only the top of the top receive the recognition. If you’re curious about making the list and want to learn what the requirements are at your school, be sure to reach out to your advisor or the academics department. The details may also be available on your college’s website. Good luck!
Are you curious about what scholarships are available for top grades? It’s easy to find awards you qualify for with our Scholarship Search Tool. Start finding merit-based awards for free today here.
