Zahide Alaca: Top student shares her secrets for a perfect GPA

Zahide Alaca: All accomplishments are achieved by the will of Allah, Glory be to Him in the Highest, so I thank Him first and foremost for granting me my degree and medals. Thinking back to 12th grade, I remember considering many different options for university and choosing social work because it was really what I was the most passionate about. So when I started university I was already quite motivated and wanted to do well in my classes. I put my best effort into every course, which meant studying regularly and taking even the smallest assignments very seriously.

I developed good relations with my professors and asked them a lot of questions both inside and outside class. Actually, one advice I would give to new students is to go to their professors' office hours regularly. Office hours are a great time to ask questions to professors, and to receive their feedback on your coursework.

I also had to manage my time very effectively, especially during my third and fourth years when I worked as a teaching assistant and a coordinator of a research project. Of course, like other students, I went many nights without sleep!

I learned a lot from my family at home. Although my parents, brother, sister and I are all in different fields, we regularly talk about school and academic topics with each other. This definitely had a major role in helping me to strengthen my own academic skills.