The Dean’s List. It’s an accomplishment every determined UAGC student hopes to attain. Released twice a year for the spring and fall, it recognizes undergraduate students who earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher and who have completed 12 or more credits – including at least one course since the time the previous Dean’s List was published.
Maintaining this GPA is no simple feat. A 3.5 GPA is equivalent to an A average, and may be a challenge, especially for adult learners who are balancing school with work, family, and other life responsibilities.
That certainly doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Just ask the 9,500 students who recently earned their place on this prestigious list.
Take Louie Victorio Santos, for example, who appeared on the fall 2020 Dean’s List, marking the fourth time he achieved this goal. Louie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 2020 and now is pursuing his MBA and follows the scaffolding technique to tackle his assignments.
“Break down a big task into small tasks and stick to the plan,” he recommends, adding that time management is key.
Louie isn’t the only student who has solid advice on how to earn your place on the Dean’s List.
Read along for some more insightful tips and motivating recommendations on how you, too, can get your name onto the next UAGC Dean’s List.
Tips for Making it Onto the Dean’s List
Recently on the UAGC Facebook page, we asked students and alum to offer advice on how they made it onto the Dean’s List so that others can gain some inspiration and follow in their footsteps. Here are the top answers we received. Which tip (or tips) do you plan to follow so you can make it onto the list?
1. “I’m a visual person, so I write down all my assignments for the month/course I’m in. Also, ask questions if you are stuck on anything. Take advantage of all the free tools the school offers. If you are someone like me who's scared to ask a “silly question,” go to the Facebook group. I guarantee someone will have an answer and will guide you in the right direction.” - Minica M.
2. “Being aware of due dates, planning work/study time, and utilizing instructor feedback and the writing center greatly helped.” - Sarah W.
3. “I use the grading rubric as a starting point for writing my paper outlines.” - Leanne S.
4. “It's very important to have others (family, friends, spouse, colleagues, etc.) support your efforts and help sustain your grit, drive, and determination. That support system has been an integral part of pushing me beyond my perceived limitations! ” - Brandon R.
5. “I was shocked when I received the email that I made the Dean’s List and so proud of myself! I think what helped me achieve it is time management and writing down what’s due and when. Also don’t hesitate to contact your professors when you need help. I did a few times, and they were very helpful! Lastly, I stayed positive even when I felt like giving up. I remembered why I couldn’t and kept my goal in mind!” - Danielle M.
6. “I think the best advice I can give is to keep in mind that every note you take and every letter you type in a discussion post gets you that much closer to your dream. I am so impatient to be a kindergarten teacher*, but then I think, wow, this week I am a week closer to that dream; look at how far I've already come! It really puts things into perspective, especially when you're ready to throw in the towel!” - Amanda S.
7. “I have been able to maintain a 4.0 while working full time and having a toddler! Plan time in the future. Utilize a planner to write down when you will be studying or doing school work! A quiet place with no disruptions is key. I often sit in my recliner in my bedroom with the fan on to drown out noise. Put your all into every assignment. Use Grammarly for everything!” - Ashley T.
8. Don't give up! Set your study times and stick to it, even when you don't feel like it. The satisfaction of getting it done keeps me going to the next assignment. It is also important to pace yourself and take breaks so you don't burn yourself out. - Sarah M.
9. “I have committed days that I study or do homework. Regardless of how I feel about doing an assignment, I sit and get it done. I also look at the rubric the instructor has for the assignment so I know exactly what should be included. Finally, I look at the instructor guidance listed for the week. Each assignment is broken down with tips on how to do the assignment. I’ve followed these steps since I began at school 2.5 years ago and I have a GPA of 3.98.” - Athena M.
10. “Time management is the best. But even that doesn’t work for me all the time. Things happen that you just can’t stop, so you just roll with it. Make sure you work a little every day so it doesn’t get piled into one or two days, otherwise you just feel worse and overwhelmed.” - Simone F.
11. “What I did to accomplish this was think of it as a job. You need to show up and put in your best effort every day. Always strive for the best and don't feel bad if you don't get 100% on all your assignments. Always remember that you can communicate with your instructors. I had a death in the family and was able to work something out with my instructor and came out of the course with an A. So for me, it's communication, time management, dedication, and family motivation. Always remembering to utilize my support team. ” - NetoKrissy D.
12. “My advice would be to make sure you answer every requirement for your discussion questions. Always keep a line of communication open with your professor, especially if you don’t understand something. Also try and work ahead so you don’t have to rush to complete an assignment. Stay focused at all times and let nothing deter you from your goals!” - Colgate S.
13. “I have toddlers that don’t understand I’m doing schoolwork, so I schedule it before they wake up, during nap time, and when they’re asleep. I also recommend scheduling personal and family time. I pick one day out of each week to not do any schoolwork. Making sure that you get a break to focus on yourself and your family is just as important as studying.” - Kelly R.
14. "My advice is to always look through all of your assignments ahead of time so you can plan ahead how much time you need to complete each one. Lastly, I know a lot of us dread school but we should enjoy it. There are people around the world who don’t get the same opportunities as us, and so I am grateful to be able to attend school to work towards a better future for me and my family." - Vanessa S.
15. “Check in and do something every single day! If only for 20 minutes — read a chapter, do a discussion answer, make sure your quizzes are all done, re-read the directions for the assignment due at the end of the week, every single day. If you do that, you’ll be compelled to get everything done without being too stressed.” - Ashlee O.
16. "I made it, and the advice I would give someone is to have that grit and a growth mindset and always set the goals higher for yourself." - Chris M.
17. “Get your assignments done by setting a ‘do’ date—that way, when the actual ‘due’ date comes around, you’re ready to submit.” - Vicki K.
18. “Do not fear making mistakes. That is how you will learn, so do your best and submit your best work!” - Kerem Z.
19. "Lose the procrastination gene! I am one who has always procrastinated, but now I get my work done, either on time or early. Also, give yourself a break once in a while. And, don't be afraid to ask for help! Amy A.
20. “I do my homework when everyone in my house is asleep. I put in some earbuds, turn on some Pandora, and start typing away. If I have reading to do, I download my textbook onto my Kindle and take notes as I am reading. And most importantly, if I get stuck, I go to TutorMe and ask for help. The tutors are great.” - Katricia N.
21. “To keep me on track, I print out the list of assignments for the whole five weeks. I make a check mark on the items I have completed, and I cross out the assignment that I have uploaded for grading or when I am finished replying to discussion posts. Visually looking at items crossed off makes me feel like I am staying on track.” - Sharone T.
22. “Paste the requirements for each discussion or assignment into a Word document so as you are completing the work, you are sure to answer everything.” - Darrell F.
Looking Ahead
Although your true goal should be to do the best work you can do, it’s always great to have a target in mind, and striving to make it onto the Dean’s List is an excellent motivator. As you work toward this and any other goals, remember that you are not alone on your journey. Be sure to take advantage of the many resources available to you, including the Global Campus Writing Center, Library, and tutoring services. You can also join one or more of the UAGC Facebook groups or a UAGC organization to network with your peers. Just remember, you can do it!
*An online degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus does not lead to immediate teacher licensure in any state.