I’m going into my junior year of high school this year, and if there’s one thing I learned, it’s the best techniques to be efficient and get good grades.
I’ve always put a lot of stress on myself to get good grades. Especially in high school.
But, going into freshman year I was NOT prepared for what was to come. I never really had to study for tests and quizzes before, but boy I learned quickly that this was not going to fly in high school.
I got a 42 on my first bio test! 🙁
That being said, I have learned a TON about what works for me. These tips have not only worked for myself, but they’ve worked for everyone that I’ve shared my secrets to!
I KNOW that these tips will help you to get better grades in school too!
11 Tips That Will Guarantee You Better Grades In School
1. Use online tools
Online tools are seriously the best!
They’re there for a reason, and they have helped me SO much.
Here’s some of my favorite (FREE) online tools!
2. Manage your time
I never realized how important managing your time was until I was forced to do it.
Here’s some time management tips for high school that I’d recommend to anyone:
- Keep track of due dates
- Keep all of your deadlines and homework in one area
- Make an agenda that is easily accessible
- Plan out what you want to get done each day
- Know when you have things such as sport games, appointments, or work
- Space out projects, don’t do it all last minute
3. Write everything out
This has to be my most important overall.
Remember that bio test I mentioned in the beginning? The one I got a 42 on?
Well, it took a while for my grades to improve in that class. It was easily the most difficult class I had ever taken and I couldn’t figure out how to ‘beat it.’
That was until I learned to write everything out.
I wholeheartedly believe that writing things out physically and onto paper helps you to remember things easier. I still write most things out to this day!
4. Ask questions
I used to be terrified about asking questions, especially in front of the class. I used to get so self conscious about it.
Is it a dumb question? Am I missing the whole point? Will people judge me?
The answer is no.
If you’re ever confused about something, ask a question. Because if you don’t, you’re just going to get even more confused.
Remember, a teacher’s job is to teach you and to help you.
5. Don’t check your grades too much
I used to stink at this one.
I used to check my grades multiple times per day because I was so worried about them.
The truth is, when you do that, your life becomes invested in grades. This resulted in SO much stress and anxiety for me!
Remember that grades don’t define you and as long as your trying your best, it’s enough!
6. Set reasonable goals
Goals are great. And you should have some! It gives you something to work for.
BUT…
Don’t set goals that you are going to ruin yourself over. I made that mistake.
I set goals that were WAY too high and I spent so much time, effort, and stress on it. On top of that, I barely went out with friends and I was working on school nearly four hours a night or MORE.
Don’t overwork yourself, but work yourself. I promise it’s better.
Follow me!
7. Use blue pens
I used to hear about a ton of studies that said ‘blue pens help you remember things better.’
I was skeptical, but after trying it out for two years, I really do feel that it works.
Of course I don’t know if it actually does scientifically, but give it a shot and let me know that you think! I honestly feel more comfortable walking into a classroom to take a test after writing everything with a blue pen, but maybe it’s me just thinking it. 🙂
I’d love to hear your feedback!
8. Know what to prioritize
This tip would’ve saved me HOURS if I figured it out sooner.
In high school, you’re going to learn that each teacher is different. They’ll count grades different, assign different types of work, and have a different general style.
My sophomore year I had two teachers that just checked to see if our homework was completed. Not the grade you got. And you’d get just a completion grade.
I spent the entire first semester working countless hours to do this homework, which I sometimes wouldn’t understand, and make sure that I got everything right. I’d even watch YouTube videos for hours if I didn’t understand it.
I got so stressed because I was overworking myself.
That’s when I was told this life-changing advice:
Know what you need to spend more time on, and know what you need to spend less time on.
After I realized this, I learned to try every problem, but not worry about getting it right since it’s not an actual grade.
Then, the next day I’d go into school and ask any questions that I had.
This tip is seriously a life saver.
It might not be the same exact way for you, but figure out these things:
- What takes you the most time to complete?
- What weighs heaviest on your grade?
- How does your teacher count each assignment?
- What is most difficult for you or what is your most challenging class?
9. Create your own study guides
A lot of high schoolers don’t put much effort in.
I was known for making study guides, and I can’t tell you how many times people would ask me for them.
I’d gladly send them their way, but I knew that I had the real advantage.
When you make a study guide, write everything out, and decide where everything goes yourself, it helps you SO MUCH so remember things more.
Putting in the extra effort there REALLY paid off!
I suggest you go that extra mile just to do yourself a favor.
10. Take breaks
Let’s get real. We all need breaks.
I don’t know how someone could study for two hours and NOT take a break.
Even if it’s just to go get a glass of water, to stretch, a quick walk outside. Anything!
Do yourself the favor and treat your body and mind right.
Take breaks. It’s okay. You’re not going to fail a test or quiz or class for doing it.
11. Make time for the things you love
Make time for the things you love. Because they keep you sane.
When I really overwhelmed myself with school, I stopped doing things that I enjoyed. I cancelled my plans. I didn’t talk to people.
And that just made me miserable.
School is not life. You’re going to make it through the year, through the class, and through the test. But don’t forget about what makes you happy.
Unless school is the thing that truly makes you happy, make SURE that you set aside time for the things you love.
You’ll be so thankful you did.
No matter where you are right now, I have confidence in you that you can do excellent in school this year. And every year. And that you’ll be insanely successful someday!
You’ve got this!
When I say that these tips were life-changing, I fully mean it. Remind yourself of these tips as you go on your way throughout the school year.
Best of luck!
– Leah
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