How to Get Good Grades in High School
Nothing makes students happier than getting good grades. In fact, none of them want to end up having poor grades on their academic transcript, and there are different reasons for that: some are just overly motivated, others are under too much pressure from their parents, others are on a scholarship they are too afraid to lose, others would like to gain admission to a reputable college/university, and yet others are too eager to get different academic awards, e.g., scholarships, bursaries, etc. Actually, there aren't any specific academic rules or laws to follow to achieve all that, but if you read our tips carefully, we guarantee that even an average run-of-the-mill student will be able to boost their chances of top grades and improve overall academic performance dramatically.
If you're looking to get straight A's in high school, you should start paying more attention to your homework. It is one of the most tried and tested ways of improving your grades. Despite doing generally well, some students still have trouble attending to their homework, which is, in fact, one of the easiest assignments to do. What's so easy about it? Well, the reason is quite simple: you get to do it from the comfort of your home without being nudged into action by your course instructor. So, start showing proper respect for your homework!
As a student, you may have a rigorous schedule requiring you to do a part-time job, take part in extracurricular activities, study a lot of subjects, etc., so prioritizing each of the tasks is really important. Conclusion? Get your priorities straight!
Sometimes, having a good relationship with your teacher (and it doesn't necessarily mean being your teacher's pet) can also be instrumental in helping students improve their grades. Professors like students who show their motivation by asking a lot of questions but be careful not to overdo it because you run the risk of ending up being a major nuisance.
Sometimes, students are too scared of their teachers, and that fear can hold them back from getting straight A's. Remember - it's their job to be there for you, so try and reach out to them to take advantage of all the help that they can offer you. Solution? Get on good terms with your teacher!
It is actually much easier to earn good grades in high school than in college or university where you get much less interaction with your teachers and, therefore, need to do the more critical thinking and rely extensively on your own experience. In fact, acquiring good grades and being at the top of the class shows the level of the student's maturity and their ability to study without being coerced. So, grow up!
Forcing themselves to study all the material they have learned in class isn't easy for most students, unless, of course, they have uber-strict parents that control each and every aspect of their studies. To do better in high school, they should, therefore, be really committed to their studies and never leave anything to chance. The key to their success lies in following one very simple and yet very effective guiding principle: 'You cannot answer anything unless you know it.' This means that during exams your teacher will test your knowledge of the material you were supposed to learn in class or at home. If you failed to do so, your further progress in high school would be greatly hampered. Lesson to be learned? Always make sure you've acquired enough knowledge, no matter how annoying it may be.
Tips for Getting Good Grades in High School
People are born with different IQs, but with due diligence and commitment, any student can get good grades in high school. Listed below are some grade-boosting tips you may find helpful:
- Get your teacher's attention
This can be achieved by taking a seat in the front of the class, participating in class, greeting your teacher, etc., which doesn't necessarily mean being a 'teacher's pet.' Making a good impression on your instructor, therefore, goes a long way towards improving your overall academic performance. - Behave yourself in class
Teachers find it distracting and irritating when students make noise in class, throw stuff at their classmates, play games on their phones, doze off, etc., So, try and behave yourself in class. - Participate in class
Do not be afraid to participate in class discussions. It does not mean you have to answer your teacher's every question - merely show your willingness to ask and answer questions without waiting for your teacher's urging. The manner you participate in class no doubt increases your grades due to the positive impression it makes on your teacher. - Feel free to consult your teacher
Teachers take note of students who are really committed to their studies. Keep in mind that your instructor is there to help you, so you can ask them any question you have, and they will always be happy to answer it. Of course, teachers may look rather stern and even intimidating in class, but when you approach them individually, you will see that they are actually very good-natured and helpful. - Find time to study without interruptions
Find a place that puts you in the mood for homework and offers no distractions (e.g., phone calls), such as your room or a library. These days, students tend to be addicted to the Internet, listening to music, playing games, etc., so giving yourself just two hours of total concentration is absolutely vital. - Do not skip classes
Getting up in the morning, especially in winter, is not easy for most students, so they often decide not to attend classes. However, that way they risk landing in trouble with their teacher who may get an impression that they do not really feel like studying. By skipping classes, you also miss out on a lot of useful information your teacher may provide you with. Another important point to keep in mind is that exam tasks are usually based on what you have learned in class.
There are many other ways to get good grades in high school, one of which lies in joining a study group. This is absolutely important because you get to share a lot of different information with your colleagues, including concepts you were previously unaware of. Before joining a group like this, make sure that all of its members are active contributors and attend it on a regular basis.
Many students often ask themselves a question, "How can I get good grades in high school?" And the reason for that is quite simple - they are not satisfied with their current grades and looking for a way to improve them. Actually, it's quite simple, and all they need to do is just follow these five simple steps:
- Always complete your homework on time.
- Find enough time to study.
- Always prepare for your next class.
- Always take notes of key points and avoiding using long sentences.
- Stay in good health.
Getting better grades in high school is not difficult, providing, of course, that students really look forward to excelling in their studies. However, there are quite a few challenges they face along that path that can hamper their learning progress. They can spend two to three hours a day studying, but by the end of the day, they realize that they've only spent 45 minutes doing the actual studying, while the rest of the time has been spent checking Facebook and Instagram messages, answering their friend's calls or merely idling about. Conclusion? Try not to get distracted and remain focused on what you're doing at all times. Another way of boosting your grades is taking notes in class, which can be really helpful if for some reason you forgot some of the things you've learned. Remember that your body, the brain included, is a system that requires rest, exercise and a well-balanced diet in order for you to study well. So, be sure to pay proper attention to all of the three components if you want to get the expected results.
