How hard is it to get an A in college if you study hard and know the material really well?

Usually it's pretty easy if you're intelligent and actually put effort in. Every class and every professor is different, but for the most part it isn't that hard to get an A.

Usually it's pretty easy if you're intelligent and actually put effort in. Every class and every professor is different, but for the most part it isn't that hard to get an A.

It's not all that hard. You can't go out partying every night, but you can be involved in a couple groups, start and maintain friendships, and actually have fun. The key is to actually study, of course, even if you'd rather not and take advantage of every opportunity in a class (i.e. extra credit if it's given... discussion groups... recitations... ancillary help if you need it). I found that if I psyched myself out about a class, even if it meant lying to myself like, "Oh this is so cool and interesting; I just love this junk"... it helped me get through some of the classes I didn't care for too much. It's better than sitting there resenting every moment of it. I very much doubt you'll be docked 30 points even in an ENGLISH class for debatable grammar. Heck, some of my professors or T.A.s wrote hella worse than I did.

No way. College is much easier than high school in my opinion. The collaboration and shared interest between people really spurs education and makes studying fun. Don't concentrate on the grade, no matter what you do. Focus on the material (I know it sounds cliche) and you will do very well. Take classes that you enjoy too. If you are miserable in a class, your grade will reflect that. I have had success in classes way out of my league (4.0 GPA) simply because I was dedicated and attended after-hour sessions and made study groups. Good luck and have a blast in college.

Some courses are easier than others, but it's normally possible to do very well if you put in the effort. Many people simply don't, and don't do very well. There is the occasional case of inappropriate marking, but that can often be resolved. A professor who docked 30 marks from an essay for a grammar mistake would be extremely unlikely, and if it happened, you'd have no trouble appealing that. Of course, the other thing to remember is that you do need to be sensible and choose your courses wisely. Some courses are indeed harder than others, and make sure you play to your strengths- if you're not mathematically inclined, then a maths course will be a challenge for you however hard you study.

Most professors do not do anything really crazy. They do formulate tricky test questions, though. You have to know the material VERY well to get an A. You need to know things "backwards and forwards." For example, you have to be able to go from the definition to the term and from the term to the definition. For science, math, etc. courses, I suggest doing ALL the problems at the end of the chapter. Check your work or ask a tutor or TA to go over the problems with you. It is not unusual for a professor to model test questions after the problems in the book that were not assigned.

Honestly, sometimes I think it's just the professor. ^.~* But it is easy to get an A. You just have to the put the work in. And no, I mean serious legit work. I'm totally guilty of this but you can't complain if you get a B because you skipped class and didn't raise your hand. An A constitutes superior work and effort. If you're smart, the only thing you'll need for the A is the motivation to study, go to class, and participate!

Some courses are easier than others, but it's normally possible to do very well if you put in the effort. Many people simply don't, and don't do very well. There is the occasional case of inappropriate marking, but that can often be resolved. A professor who docked 30 marks from an essay for a grammar mistake would be extremely unlikely, and if it happened, you'd have no trouble appealing that. Of course, the other thing to remember is that you do need to be sensible and choose your courses wisely. Some courses are indeed harder than others, and make sure you play to your strengths- if you're not mathematically inclined, then a maths course will be a challenge for you however hard you study.

Most professors do not do anything really crazy. They do formulate tricky test questions, though. You have to know the material VERY well to get an A. You need to know things "backwards and forwards." For example, you have to be able to go from the definition to the term and from the term to the definition. For science, math, etc. courses, I suggest doing ALL the problems at the end of the chapter. Check your work or ask a tutor or TA to go over the problems with you. It is not unusual for a professor to model test questions after the problems in the book that were not assigned.