How do you become the best student?



Some Tips for You

You can't necessarily become the best since you can't control what other students are getting on their grades. You can, however, be the best you can be. That is more important and actually obtainable. Here are a few tips:


1. Use a planner or notebook to write down all your assignments when they are given. That way you won't forget your homework, dates of quizzes, tests or projects. If you plan ahead, you will not only be more prepared, but you should have less stress. This can be used to organize more than just the academic part of school. If you are in a sport, you can schedule in team practices, games, and strategy meetings. If you are in a club, then you can write down when your next club activity is.


2. Do all your daily homework. This is good for your grade. I am personally amazed by how many students say they need a better grade but yet they do not always do the homework. It not only gets you a good homework grade but also helps you understand and remember the information. If needed, check over your work. The checking over thing especially applies to math classes.



3. Do extra credit when your teacher offers it, even if you don't need it now. The teacher might not offer extra credit again in the near future, maybe when you need it. It could come in handy in the future if you don't do so well on a future assignment or test. It is always nice to have some of that cushioning, especially if you are on a borderline between two letter grades. In addition, doing some extra credit shows the teacher that you really care about your grade since you are willing to go the extra mile.


4. Study more than just the cramming. It helps to study in smaller study sessions more than one large one the night before. Find ways of studying that help you. I find that reading the stuff out loud helps me because I'm reading it, saying it, and hearing it. That means I get in it my mind three ways instead of one when I just read it. But there are so many other techniques like flashcards, making study aids, burn a CD of you saying the material and then listen to it, form a study group, and rereading the chapters in the textbook.


5. Take notes on lectures. Pay attention! Some teachers in high school take a grade on having your notes done. Getting a grade for notes means easy points for you. You get a good grade for doing something that will further help you with assignments. Even if you are not being graded, it is important to take good notes. Notes show you what your teacher thinks is important out of the chapter you are studying in class. Anything the teacher emphasizes will probably be on the test. So if he or she is repeating something, writes it on the board, or comes out directly and says, "This will be on the test," take note of that. Make some kind of mark or highlight it. Read over these notes and make sure you understand all of it. If you don't get something, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or another classmate. If you think you will look stupid by asking, think of how stupid you will look when you don't do so well when you're tested over that material.

6. Stay organized. It stinks when you do your homework but left it at home or cannot find it in your folder. Have a separate folder each class and keep all your papers in that folder. It helps some people to make the color of the folder that same color as the textbook. For example, if your science book is red, use a red folder for all your science papers. Basic color coding helps you grab the right book and folder if you are in a rush.

7. Be prepared. Come to class on time and with your needed supplies. Usually this includes paper, textbook, folder with all your papers, and something to write with. Your teacher should tell you what you will need. It is easier to just have it with you than to constantly ask people around you if you can borrow or to go back to your locker.


These tips, along with others, can help you in your schoolwork. Be the best you can be.