Can I have a 5.0 GP?

If you ask any freshmen, “What G.P. do you want to have this semester?”, the freshmen will look at you with all seriousness and reply, “I want to have 5.0.” That’s always the dream. And as much as it’s a good dream to have, by the end of the semester, it remains that way for many—as just a dream. Only a few succeed in bringing this dream to reality. The question is, why is this the case? Is it so difficult to have a 5.0 CGPA in my first year? Is it not just to have 70 and above in all my courses? Or is having 5.0 a scam? A myth? Is a mission impossible?

Relax, ma, relax, sir. It’s not an entirely impossible feat to achieve. But if you want the truth, it’s not a walk in the park. The academic goal of every new student is to have a 5.0, no doubt. But what separates those who actually achieve it from those who don’t is not intellectual prowess or academic intelligence but something called inside information. You know all those FBI or CIA movies where they want to infiltrate a location, and all they need to succeed is to get inside information from a secret agent there. Yes, that’s what you need to achieve your academic feat. You don’t bounce or catwalk into the University of Lagos naive and expect to break records. If you do that, it’s your heart that will be broken.

So, what inside information do you need to have in order to succeed at UNILAG? We’ll divide them into two categories: what to know and what to do.

WHAT TO KNOW

1. Old things have passed away

Exactly. You read that right. One mistake many make is to think that because they were outstanding students in their secondary schools, they will automatically be outstanding at the university. Nothing is more false than that. As a matter of fact, UNILAG has no respect for people. Even if you had all As in WAEC and 399/400 in JAMB, if you will do well in UNILAG, you need to put them all behind you and begin your race in the university on a fresh page. Many outstanding students get into the university and perform poorly because they try to use the same methods they used in secondary school at the university. But the two are totally different institutions, and you don’t want to discover this truth the hard way. The learning conditions and environment are different, so you need to adapt to the new system. Put all your awards and achievements in a bag and leave it at home. Only then can you humble yourself to go through the rigorous requirements to become an excellent student at the university.

On the flip side, because you were not one of the best students in your secondary school, you may feel first class isn’t for you. I’m glad to announce to you that that’s not true. Many academically poor secondary school students have finished with the best results at this university. It all depends on you. Put the past behind you and focus on what is ahead.

2. 5.0 doesn’t just come simply because you want it

Not at all. It doesn’t come by wishful thinking. Every student wants to have the perfect G.P but not everyone will get it. Narrow is the way that leads to having all As and few there be that find it. So you need to know that because you want it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. You’re not special in that regard. You need to do something more than just wishful thinking, or even preparing hard for exams. We’ll get to that.

3. Reading alone isn’t enough

Reading and preparing hard for exams can get you a first class result, no doubt. But if your target is a 5.0 year one CPGA, you’ll need to do more than just reading. What should you do? Let’s get into the second category.

WHAT TO DO

Having known what you need to know, you now have a good foundation to build on. The essence of putting the past behind you and knowing that there’s work to be done is to prepare your mind for what is ahead of you. So let’s talk about what you need to do. Are you ready?

1. Follow who know road

One attitude that will help you throughout your academic journey is that of seeking help (except in the exam hall, of course). There are people who have gone ahead of you on this journey and are doing well. The first thing you need to do upon entering the university is identify these people in your department and befriend them. Let them know your level and academic aspirations, and seek their help. Ask them to do a review of all the courses you’ll be taking and what you need to know and do to do well in each one. Take notes and follow their instructions. Don’t forget to get them something in return. A cold Pepsi and shortbread or airtime recharge can go a long way. Make sure to not just start a relationship with them, but to maintain it.

2. Attend all classes and write all your notes yourself

As trivial as this may seem, it’s the missing piece in many students’ strategy for having a perfect CPGA. Many courses require a certain level of attendance before you can write the exam. Work towards 100% attendance. You never know when an impromptu test will come up or when the lecturer will benevolently spill what to expect in the exam. So, don’t just be in class; be attentive and actively shun distractions. If you can, always sit in the front row. It looks out of fashion, but who cares about being in fashion when your results are at stake?

3. Take studying seriously from day one

Your CPGA starts counting from the first day of resumption. There’s no time to waste. Forget about games, movies, parties and the like. I’m not saying you can’t entirely play games or watch movies; I’m saying you can’t do those at the expense of your studies. Your mind needs to be higher than those things. The university has so much freedom that you’re free to use your time as you please. You can’t act like a child here, or you’ll perform poorly. Even if you’re very young by age, you need to grow above your age and take responsibility for your life. You need to be disciplined enough to do the right thing at the right time. Wake up on time for lectures, and study every day. You can’t choose to sit in your room watching a movie when you should be in a class and expect that fortune will smile at you. It’ll never happen. Success only follows the diligent.

4. Don’t be moved by peer pressure

It is good to know that there’s pressure everywhere in school. Pressure to make money, to dress nice, to make friends, to get into a romantic relationship, to feel among, and the list goes on and on. The first step to missing it in school is to fall under pressure. Remember that you have a time-bound stay at the university, and once it’s over, everyone parts ways. You don’t want wrong decisions you made to please others or to please yourself while in school to affect your future negatively. So, stay focused and disciplined.

5. The most important thing you need to do

There’s one more thing you need to do. This is the most important of them all. But we won’t be spilling it here. You’re invited to our freshman night program coming up on the ****. We’ll be sharing the most important things you need to succeed at the prestigious University of Lagos. So come prepared, come with your friends, and kickstart your journey at the university with a great start. See you there!