New year, new you, babe — I mean it. Fall semester grades may not have turned out in your favor. What can I say, AC is a woman of her word, and the latest grading policy drop (20% + 4) is actually terrifying. But this semester is going to be different. No more ending the semester with Sidechat posts asking if you’re cooked (seriously, guys, nobody is forcing you to post them).

Take it from me — a freshman who has only one semester under her belt and took strictly social science classes in the fall — a 4.0 is actually possible! Rather than cramming an entire semester of readings and lectures during reading week, here are a few helpful tips to do throughout the semester ensure grades stay up to par.

Section Kid Maxxing

When the TF is filling out your participation grade, the goal is for them not to even question whether or not you deserve an A. Make them see your name and immediately think “oh that one kid who won’t shut up” — automatic 100%. And remember: the louder you talk, the better your point will come across, so speak with purpose and enunciate.

Say Goodbye to Panopto

“But I can just watch it online.”

Can you, though? I guarantee that you’re retaining nothing watching lectures at 2x speed at 10 p.m. in Lamont. Panopto is a test of your discipline, so don’t succumb easily to the temptation. Instead, try going to lecture. Time was slotted off on your Google Calendar for that course, so you might as well go to it. It’s going to take more than a snowstorm to excuse you from going in person. Do the hard thing. Give up the Panopto.

Petition for a Sixth Course

Now this one is just practical in achieving your dreams. Dilute all those bad grades until they are essentially insignificant memories of your transcript. You may need to drop all your extracurriculars, and you may not experience happiness for five months, but that’s not the point here. If anyone can do this, you can. Like the ending of Stranger Things, I BELIEVE.

Daily Affirmations

I always get good grades.

I always get good grades.

I always get good grades.

I always get good grades.

Repeat 3x a day for best results.

Block and Drop your Friends

A bit more on the extreme end, I won’t lie, but Do Not Disturb mode is just not cutting it anymore. Going total ghost mode is the only sure way to stay focused. Think of it as you just being mysterious. Friends come and go, but your GPA sticks with you forever. Spring semester is too cold for you to go out anyway. #runningitsolo

Mull Over Switching to Government

Maybe STEM just isn’t for you, and that’s okay. Your safety net is right there to catch you whenever you are at your lowest point (frequently found after Chem 17 enrollment). If anything, Harvard is in desperate need of pushing out more aspiring Congress members. No need to make the change right away, but maybe think about adding a Gov class to the schedule as a safety precaution.

Fair Warning: When you do make the switch, you’re unfortunately required to apply to the 17 programs + 4 coalitions of the Institute of Politics.

Grade Change Emails (never hurts to ask!)

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I am writing to you regarding my final grade. As of right now, it appears that I have ended the class with a [ grade ], but I do not think that is an accurate reflection of the work I produced this semester. I attended nearly every lecture, and I even raised my hand five to six times during section. I loved your class (it was actually my fav), and it pains me to see this is how it had to end.

If you could take the time to reconsider a grade change, I would greatly appreciate it.

With all of my love,

Y/N

Hopefully, by the time May rolls around, all your hard work will have paid off. I expect to see no more drops in A’s come next grading report because you all recentered your academics on your own terms.