Becoming a Better Student

My articles usually focus on mindset, training tactics, and lacrosse.

But I’m gonna switch gears and address how to become a better student.

I’m a big fan of Cal Newport.

(He’s an author and a computer science professor at Georgetown University in Washington D.C.)

He published his first book when he was an undergrad at Dartmouth.

HIs first three books focus on becoming a better student while relieving stress — both in high school and college.

I started, “How to Become a Straight-A Student:  The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less.”

I’ve gifted this book to a couple friends who are in college.

Tristan had this to say…

"Cal Newport's book demonstrates numerous ways that incoming college students, specifically student-athletes, should be preparing for their classes, extracurriculars, and sports in order to succeed in each individual aspect of their lives. The strategies that Newport suggests establish a lifestyle with lower stress and add more success on a regular basis." 

Cal explains unconventional tactics.  

They work.

And you NEED to start implementing this stuff.

Remember, college coaches look at your grades almost immediately in the recruiting process.

Why not cruise through that initial hurdle by becoming a great student?

I was a good high school student, but there are things in this book I wish I knew.

Cal covers these topics in the book...

• Learning how to deal with your time 
• Managing the urge to procrastinate
• Taking targeted notes in class
• Handling reading assignments and problem sets
• Preparing for exams
• Mastering the art of exam-taking

My plan is to write an article focusing on each part… (I’ll film some YouTube videos as well.)

Cal has a podcast where he answers listener questions.

I’ve submitted a bunch.

While reading How To Become a Straight-A Student, I asked him how this applies to high school students.

He directed me to his third book, “How to Become a High School Superstar:  A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out).”

I picked up a copy and started reading it.

I’ll report back soon.

The goal for this article is to establish momentum with this new topic.

I’ll be in touch.