Set your alarm clock for 8 a.m. and get your morning coffee ready, that extra cup of coffee could mean getting an A.
According to a study published by two researchers at St. Lawrence University, students who take earlier classes end up with a higher grade point average at the end of the semester.
The study showed students who were enrolled in early classes did not go out the night before class as much as students in later classes. As a result, these students were more engaged during class and were better prepared.
When Tonya Nye, a general studies senior, heard the statement college students who take early, morning classes get higher grades than students who take late afternoon and evening classes, she agreed.
“I agree that these students would earn higher grades, but it really depends on the student,” Nye said.
Nye said she would prefer taking morning classes because she is a morning person.
“My mind is more alert in the morning,” Nye said.
She said she would rather get up early in the morning to get classes over so she has the rest of the day to do other things.
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Jason Meriwether does not agree with this study. Meriwether said IU Southeast has many different types of students. This includes the traditional student coming from high school, the non-traditional student and even parents who work students.
“Success is knowing who your students are.” Meriwether said.
Meriwether said IUS tries to meet the needs of all the students on campus. He said there are a lot of other factors that can impact a student’s grade other than a class time. IU Southeast has many resources on campus to help students succeed such as the Adult Learning Center.
Some students have said they have to take night classes due to their work schedules. Jeremy Little, a business administration junior, is one student who works full time and goes to school.
“People who take earlier classes are more likely to be traditional students who are not working and have more time to spend on classes outside of classes,” Little said.
Little said students who enroll in later classes are more likely to be students that work and they have to fit their classes into their work schedule. Also, he said it really depends on the person if they are successful in morning or evening classes.
“I’ve taken morning classes and my attendance was lower and the tests seemed harder,” Little said.
Meriwether said students need to engage with the faculty on campus and they can help them be more successful.
For those looking for help with their classes Meriwether recommends that the students reach out to their advisers.
“We have great advisers who engage with our students,” Meriwether said.
