Weird Al Yankovic, Hillary Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Alicia Keys, Jodi Foster. What do all these celebrities have in common? They were all chosen in their classes to become "valedictorian", or to give the farewell speech at the end of high school. While becoming a valedictorian won't make you a supermodel or a secretary of state, it can still open up an impressive path for you, one that can lead to success throughout your career in college and the world at large. All you need is a combination of mental stamina, persistence and an unbeatable work ethic. So how do you get all of this? All you have to do is follow these steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Prepare yourself
Step 1. Start when you are little
Unfortunately, in most cases, you can't just walk into your high school on the first day of your first year and decide to become a valedictorian. You will need to have proven your skill and consistency in middle school by taking the more rigorous math and English courses the institution had to offer. Some middle schools do not present a survey of their lessons, but others offer Honor courses since the seventh and eighth grades. Attending these classes will put you on the path of Honor Courses in high school, so make sure you've done some preparatory work for this moment.
You can progress more easily in English, but once you are "stuck" on a math path, it will be harder to move forward. For example, if you take a regular 8th grade algebra course, you will need to take a regular 9th grade geometry class, unless you are really capable of demonstrating your excellent skills
Step 2. Understand how the school chooses its valedictorian
Some institutions rank students by taking unweighted GPAs into account, while others award extra points for more complex lessons. Most schools actually offer extra points for taking more difficult courses, so you should aim to enroll in them; and, even if your high school doesn't have extra points for more complicated courses, you should still integrate them into your education to achieve success; after all, if you want to become a valedictorian, then you probably want to enter a renowned college, which means you will have to attend the lessons that challenge you the most in every way.
- For example, if your school uses the weighted average of the GPA to choose the valedictorian, then you may receive a 4.0 for an A in regular courses, a 5.0 for an A in Honor Classes, and a 6.0 for an A in AP courses.
- A valedictorian also typically delivers a graduation speech in front of his classmates. But, if that's the part that appeals to you the most, then make sure the one giving the speech is the valedictorian. Some schools ask the student body president to prepare it, others ask students to vote to decide who should give the speech, still others require the valedictorian, student body president and another student to give the speech.
- Some schools have more than one valedictorian, some even 29!
Step 3. Choose your lessons wisely
If your school takes the weighted GPA into consideration when deciding who will become the valedictorian, then you should take the most rigorous courses whenever possible. If you think the more complex lessons are too complicated for you, then you should rethink wanting to be a valedictorian. To become one, you have to take A to your school's toughest courses almost always. Are you ready for the challenge?
- When you can and if they are worth more points, choose AP courses over Honor ones.
- Your elective subjects can really hurt your weighted GPA because they tend to be considered regular classes. In fact, all students in the school are likely to be expected to take elective classes, such as Gym or Art. Whenever you can, therefore, try to opt for an optional subject that is worth more points, assuming you have one. 'option. For example, do not take the Creating Writing course if it is considered regular, opt for AP Language and Composition if it is offered to everyone instead, but few choose it.
- Sure, you might end up missing out on some fun lessons over the course of your school career, but those courses will NOT make you valedictorian.
- If your school has the option of not having to take the Gym course in case you play a sport, then consider choosing one in case not attending the classes in the gym raises your GPA. If you want to become a valedictorian, then you should also be a well-rounded student, so that you stand out in college applications as well as only have good grades. Of course, you shouldn't play a sport just to get your GPA higher, because the extra time you put into physical activity will keep you away from your studies.
Step 4. Remember that being a valedictorian will NOT guarantee you a place in an elite college
If you want to become a valedictorian, then you have to be very ambitious, not losing sight of your ultimate goal, consisting of high-level schools such as Harvard, Yale, Duke or Amherst. But don't forget that when you apply for such a university, valedictorians will be on the agenda. Being valedictorian will keep you in the race and will hit the admissions clerks; Either way, it's best to avoid looking like a cold, vote-obsessed robot and show that you have depth and several other interests, as well as being a good citizen in your community.
- Even William R. Fitzsimmons, Harvard Dean of Admissions, recently said, “I think it's a bit of an anachronism. It's been a long tradition, but, in the world of college admissions, it doesn't make a real difference."
- In addition to proving that you are good at sports, community service, or the arts, becoming a valedictorian will help you be a great candidate. But being 10th in your class and doing these same things won't make you look less worthy of being admitted to an elite college.
- Your SAT score will also have some impact on your college acceptance. Many universities give equal weight to your GPA and SAT score, which means that your effort for the four years of high school courses will have the same value as the effort shown during a three and a half hour exam! Do you think it's correct? It isn't, but you have to get used to it.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Work Hard
Step 1. Study smart
If you want to become a valedictorian, then you need to study insightfully to get good grades. This does not mean that you should spend all your waking hours with your head bent over books, but that you should study as effectively and thoroughly as possible. Here are some tips to get you studying hard:
- Prepare an effective study program. Maybe you will spend two to three hours studying in the evening, or maybe you will study for three to four hours every other night. Whichever decision you make, plan ahead so you don't end up overwhelmed with study or procrastinate.
- Follow the right rhythm. Set a goal: 10-15 pages a day, and don't overdo it, or you will be destroyed in the long run.
- Take advantage of practice quizzes. History books, math textbooks, and other course materials have practice questions, which you can use to see how much you know in different subjects. Even if your teacher doesn't use these resources, they can come in handy.
- Create flashcards. If these cards help you memorize historical concepts, foreign languages or even math operations, use them.
Step 2. Stand out in class
You don't have to be the teacher's cuddly to be the best in class. You should, however, arrive on time for class, participate in class discussions, and ask questions when confused about a topic. Being focused in class will help you to better absorb the information you are given, which will lead you to take better tests, will also convince your teacher to feel more sympathy towards you and will help you earn any points awarded in class provided for the course, such as participation points.
- Keep chatting with other students to a minimum. You may be missing out on some important information.
- Take some great notes to study from. Do not just write what the teacher says word for word, try to write the notes in your own words, so that you really absorb the lessons.
- Occasionally, talk to your teacher after class. You don't have to bother him by always intervening, but getting to know your professors a little more will help you stand out in their eyes.
Step 3. Stay organized
If you want to be successful in class and throughout your studies, then you need to be organized. You must have a notebook for each class, clearly labeled binders, a clean cabinet, and a tidy desk at home. If your life is full of junk, then you won't be able to withhold information as easily and you won't have as much focus on your course work as you would like.
- Keep a journal in which to write down all the assignments you need to submit each day.
- Keep a calendar on your desk, where you can mark important test dates.
Step 4. Read ahead
Open the books to read what the teacher will explain the next day or week: this will give you an edge in the content of the course and will prevent you from getting confused or absorbing as much information as you could. As long as you don't read about topics that are too difficult, which would be easier to understand if they were first explained by your professor, you will go a long way by following this passage.
Reading ahead is a great way to give yourself a distinct advantage. But just remember not to bring the subject up when you attend class, or the teacher may be annoyed that you are stealing their job or confusing other students with additional information
Step 5. Get some extra help
You might be thinking, "If I'm looking to become a valedictorian, then why would I need any more help?". This is precisely where you are wrong. If you want to become a valedictorian, then you have to find yourself ahead of the competition. Get more information or do more repetitions on the subject of study, whether you ask your teacher for a hand after class or your parents if they understand your homework better than you; you could also turn to an older successful student for assistance.
You can also invest in a private tutor, but this service can be quite expensive
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Stay Centered
Step 1. Participate in extra-curricular activities
Always leave some free time for clubs, sports, volunteering or any other activities outside of class. Believe it or not, extra-curricular commitments can boost your grades because they can help you organize your time better. Studies also show that student-athletes tend to do better in school than those who don't play sports.
This will also help keep your feet on the ground and keep you from getting too obsessed with your studies
Step 2. Maintain your social life
You don't want to lock yourself in your room, studying for 10 hours under the glare of an overly bright light bulb. You must have time to study, yes, but you should also find some space to cultivate your friendships, go to parties, go out to the movies or even attend school events. If you spend 100% of your time on books, you may begin to feel crazy or lonely. You don't have to be the life of the party, having at least some meaningful friendships will make you feel more motivated to study.
Find friends to study with. Having a group of like-minded peers can help you make learning more fun and productive. Try starting a study group for one of your courses and see how it works; if you can keep your focus, then you've just improved your chances of succeeding in exams
Step 3. Watch out for the competition, but don't obsess over your rivals
You don't want to waste your time on narcissism or stab others in the back. Don't go around asking questions about your competitors to find out what grades they got on tests, how much time they spent studying for the very latest exam, or what grade they think they'll get on a course. This will cause you to focus your efforts in the wrong places and take your focus away from what you need to do for yourself.
Remember that everyone is different. Maybe you have to study for four hours to succeed on an exam, and the student at your side only needs three hours to get a good grade. You don't have to be the person with the greatest natural gift for study in order to become a valedictorian, you just have to work harder than others
Step 4. Treat your body with care
Becoming a valedictorian is not a test of pure intellect, it tests your stamina. So you have to stay healthy. Eat breakfast and steer clear of drugs and alcohol. Only when your body is strong can you reach your highest level. While you may indulge in a pizza or dessert every now and then, eating potent nutritious foods like nuts, vegetables, and protein-rich ones will keep you focused on your work and keep you from collapsing or losing strength.
You can still have a social life while avoiding drugs and alcohol. If you want to be a valedictorian, then you need to hang out with the right people
Step 5. Get enough rest
Sleeping for seven to eight hours a night and going to bed and waking up around the same time will keep your body energized and strong, and give you the fuel you need to stay alert in class, to succeed in exams and to be a model student. Make sure you give yourself enough time to study so that you don't end up going to bed at three in the morning and sleeping in class.
Try going to bed around 10 or 11 pm, no later, and having at least 45 minutes or an hour of preparation before leaving the house in the morning, so that you feel awake once in class
Step 6. Don't put too much pressure on yourself
If you want to become a valedictorian, then you need to relax a little. Don't tell yourself that every little vote counts and that it will affect your fate and your chances of getting into Harvard. Sure, grades are important, but so is being mentally healthy and having great friendships. Remind yourself that it's not the end of the world if you don't get a perfect grade on a test, it will be for next time.
- To become a valedictorian, you will need to be in a calm state of mind, or you may find that the pressure will suddenly be too much to handle.
- Stay positive and always look ahead, don't waste your time stressing yourself out for a grade on a test a month or a year ago. It's not worth it, period.
Advice
- Try to take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. If your school is based on the weighted GPA, these courses will give you more points than the regular ones, allowing you to achieve a GPA above 4.0.
- If you want to become a valedictorian, make sure you don't get distracted by others and never give them a chance to excel and outdo you when they shouldn't.
- Stay focused. If you really want to become a valedictorian, then you have to strive to succeed.
- Becoming a valedictorian is only half the battle. In fact, it only gets you halfway down your path. You must also write a valedictorian speech.
Warnings
- Remember: there is more to life than just your class leaderboard! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. In 10 years, it will no longer count who has been chosen as a valedictorian. What will matter will be the friendships you have maintained and the passions you have discovered. Try to keep your head held high and pursue your dreams.
- Becoming a valedictorian is not a significant advantage that guarantees you acceptance into an Ivy League school. Valedictorians can also be rejected, it happens many times, often second or third place students are chosen. Also do sports or other extra-curricular activities, unless they consume too much time.
