Getting the best grades in school requires commitment, creativity and organizational skills. Getting the best grade is a sign of academic excellence, as well as a thorough knowledge of a subject. You don't have to be the teacher's "cuddly" to get the best grade, but you sure have to be determined, at home and in the classroom.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part 1: Plan Ahead
Step 1. Read the study program carefully
Try to know immediately what is expected of you, at the beginning of the course, to save yourself any surprises at the exam.
Step 2. Pay attention to how individual tests are rated
If a single written test or report has a weight of 50% on the final evaluation, you should know what to write. Spend as much time as possible on the projects that will have the most weight on the final grade.
Step 3. Schedule time to devote to studying each subject
The course schedule should also indicate how many hours of study per week are typically needed: write down on your diary or calendar at the beginning of the course which days you decide to dedicate to that particular subject.
- Buy a diary and organize your study time.
- Plan to change subjects every 3-4 hours to stay more alert and focused.
Step 4. Use the benefits of technology
Record the lessons and listen to them later, take notes or record videos of the lessons, depending on your character and what works best for you.
Step 5. Be proud of your good grades and the effectiveness of your study method
Don't let your friends call you "nerd" or "nerd". In most courses, you will not get the best grade without study and dedication.
Step 6. Take a break every 45 minutes of study time
The brain needs to stop every now and then, take a break and then refocus.
Method 2 of 4: Part 2: Shine in the classroom
Step 1. Sit as far forward as possible in the classroom so you can hear better, see better, and be noticed immediately by the teacher if you have a question
Step 2. Read and reread the course material
Just rereading once or twice is surprisingly effective at memorizing information.
Step 3. Review immediately before bed
Make bulleted lists as you read or do your homework, or when you go through your notes. Even as you fall asleep, the brain continues to process information.
Step 4. Read carefully the text of tests and exercises assigned
Ask questions if something is not clear to you. Critically analyze what is required of you before you throw yourself into it.
Step 5. Start working on your assigned tests right away, the same day they are assigned to you, even if you have days or weeks to do so
Having the topic still fresh in your head will help you carry out the test better.
Step 6. Take notes on everything you read
Write in the margins, highlight terms, and scribble small patterns to help you impress concepts. The annotations will then be easier and quicker to review than the entire text, and reviewing them will help you focus on key concepts better.
Make photocopies, or write in pencil if the books aren't yours
Step 7. Don't hesitate to hire a private teacher if you think you have some gaps in the fundamentals of the subject
It may take extra time, beyond normal study hours, to learn how to solve math problems or assimilate scientific concepts. The extra time spent will come in handy for future courses.
Step 8. Prepare several versions
It's always about the first draft. Reread carefully, and ask someone else to read the final draft before turning it in.
Method 3 of 4: Part 3: Shine in the Test
Step 1. Study for tests in different places
Changing the study location helps to memorize information.
Step 2. Try to mix familiar material with new material
The brain has been shown to be able to make structural connections between what you already know and new information.
Step 3. Try to study for shorter periods and on a weekly basis, rather than for a single extended period
If you get used to having to remember information for the test more often, it will be easier to remember it during the test.
Step 4. Search the Internet for sample tests
Search for the subject or topic in question and then "quiz" or "test". Calculate the time taken for the test. If you don't find anything, use the textbook or ask a friend to review together by asking each other 10 questions.
Step 5. Take a moment to release the tension and visualize your success before an exam
Try to look positively at the difficulty, as a personal test, instead of holding back or intimidating yourself. Treat yourself, indulge in your favorite snack or watch a YouTube video before the test.
Step 6. In multiple choice questions, eliminate the ones you already know are wrong
You will find satisfaction in reducing the possible choices!
Step 7. Think of grades as a curve:
these will be compared with those of others, so you will always have to be above average in tests. Think of your study, in each course, as something that must progressively lead towards perfection: it is the only way to get the highest grade in a test.
If it is an advanced course, most students will be interested in the subject, and getting the highest grade will be more difficult
Method 4 of 4: Part 4: Doing More Than Necessary
Step 1. Visit the teacher during office hours if you have any questions or if you think you are behind
Ask questions about the material, or ask for an authoritative opinion on how to understand it better.
Step 2. Ask to retake a test
If you get a low grade in a test or trial, ask if it was possible to do at least part of it again to have a chance of getting a better grade. Some teachers may not allow this, but others may appreciate your desire to learn.
Step 3. Offer to complete additional work to earn more credits
Get started right away, at the beginning of the course, and keep doing it. If you show willingness to do more than required, you may even pass the highest grade, perhaps with a +!
Step 4. Attend classroom lessons
Attending classes is a good way to convince a teacher of your interest in the subject. Listen, show yourself involved in the lesson and you will see that the teacher will be inclined to give you more possibilities.
