How does one get a 9 out of 9 as a final mark in an introductory social science university class?

Firstly, try not to become obsessed with the ‘mark’. Marking is quite subjective and you can absolutely do your head in trying to always get that perfect or close to perfect score. So, focus on the learning experience (easier said than done).

Other than that academic success is partly about learning the techniques. Some people find it easy to write the perfect essay. They can unpack questions easily, they are good at researching and finding appropriate information to form an argument and they can write a killer essay without too much stress. Others have to work at it. They have to work hard to understand exactly what is required to get good marks.

One of the things students often get wrong is understanding the question. They either don’t answer the question at all or they only partially answer the question. If you don’t get this part right, no matter how hard you work, you won’t be able to get high marks.

You have to be able to find appropriate information and then use it effectively. It isn’t about just regurgitating facts and ideas. You need to be able to use academic databases and develop good note making and taking skills. You then have to use the material gathered in an appropriate way. Careful attribution of your sources to support the point you are making and good referencing.

You also need to understand the different forms of writing. Reports, essays and of course oral presentations and the like.

@talljasperman, universities here (in Australia) all have departments with academic skills advisers. Their job is to help you develop these skills. Do a search for these units on-line and look through some of the self-help resources they have. I would suggest you also pull out some of those old assignments and take a good look at the feedback you were given. What common themes are there in the feedback? If you choose to start studying again, look for support services to help you develop the skills you need.

I believe you can do it. You just have to learn the techniques and work cleverly. It isn’t so much about working harder as about working more effectively. Good luck. I wish you well.

@Bellatrix is spot on. I would add that most universities have writing help centers and courses in study skills. You would probably find both of these useful.

Also, most professors are very helpful if you spend some time in their offices with good questions.

I will add that the courses that you screwed up on- if you are still at the same university, you should be able to retake the class, and they’ll trade out the grade. Of course, you’ll have to pay for it again, but maybe you will stil have the same text book…Oh, and ask the teacher to help you find a study group and/or tutor. The more you immerse yourself in the activities that hold you accountable, the better chance you have of following through. Just my experience talking…

Maybe if you take a lighter load and focus on one or two classes at a time. I have a friend who always wanted to be a nurse practitioner. Finally, at 50 she just finished and got a job in her chosen profession.

1. If you become obsessed with achieving a perfect score, you set yourself up for failure.
2. You could’ve asked classmates who where doing well, what was their secret.
3. We will not always be great at our passions. Everyone use to tell me I was a great singer when I was young. I loved singing. However, I could never get over the terror that would grip me if I had to sing alone.I was fine in a group singing along but if they tried to give me a solo I would choke. I could do it for a few people but never an audience.. My voice would become a whisper.
4. Take some community classes in something related. Once you break into the field, maybe you can work your way to better understanding it and later return to getting the degree you really want.