How To Get Straight A's In School
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Teachers, parents and students like to see A's. Straight A's are even better, especially when they are earned by hard work and discipline. Is there a secret? Is it only attainable for geeks and the super intellectuals? Are there tips that can help the average student learn how to become a straight A student?
Yes, there are tips that can ensure more success in school. While not able to guarantee a perfect report card, these tips and strategies will give confidence and clarity to any student who honestly wants to earn A grades by putting forth the effort and work required.
Tips On How To Get Straight A's
1. Know your motivation! Why is it important to you? What are your reasons for wanting straight A's? Write down your reasons and post it somewhere where you can remind yourself often.
- get into a good college/university
- learn how to think and reason
- please your parents
- qualify for a scholarship
- get into a special summer program/honors class
- want to attend a private school
- impress your friends/social status
- feel good about yourself!
(Some of the above are clearly not the best reasons, so be honest with yourself. It helps to want A's for the right reasons.)
2. Learn how to listen and focus while in class.
- follow
along with the instructor/teacher
- sit up in class
- take good notes (use diagrams to make it easier)
3. Know your learning style. Are you an auditory, visual or kinesthetic learner?
- auditory- you learn best when you HEAR information, lectures, tapes, reading out loud
- visual- you learn best with VISUAL cues, illustrations, diagrams, flashcards, documentaries
- kinesthetic- you learn best by DOING; hands on projects, role playing, performing, using your body while studying (dancing, drawing, knitting, molding, etc.)
4. Use key words when taking notes that will explain and describe the subject, don't include unnecessary words.
- use
highlighting tape in different colors for textbooks
- use highlighter markers for notes only highlighting key words
5. Have an allotted study time and stick to it, but vary your study area to break monotony.
Venn Diagram
How To Prepare For a Test
School Supplies
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"If a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life." Plato
6. Use different kinds of diagrams to make note taking easier.
- mindmaps- draw a picture of the subject and label with facts
- bubbles- have a main subject and make related bubbles stating one fact
- venn diagrams- commonly used for math problems, two circles can be used to describe subjects with same characteristics overlapping
7. Splurge on fun supplies to give yourself a perk!
8. Start preparing for a test 3 or 4 days in advance.
- ask teacher for any specific study hints
- study for a period of time each day
- be well rested
- eat a healthy breakfast (your brain can feel the difference!)
9. Choose a subject you are passionate about if you have a choice with book reports and essays/term papers.
- read your finished paper out loud
- revise and rewrite until it reads like an A paper
- have someone you trust read your paper and point out any errors
10. Use an assignment booklet or notepad and write down each assignment and note when it is due.
- when assignments are completed, put them in your backpack right away ( double check!)
- clean and organize backpack (at least weekly) and throw away anything not needed
Study Habits of Notable Men and Women
Albert Einstein's parents encouraged him even though his teachers didn't believe he was that intelligent. He was a true genius and received a Nobel Prize.
Sandra Day O'Conner, the first woman Supreme Court Justice, read a lot of newspapers and magazines including National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, and the Saturday Evening Post. She lived with her grandmother so that she could attend a private school.
Martin Luther King, Jr. did so well in class through his reading that he skipped ninth and twelfth grades.
Hillary Clinton worked hard during school and was very active in the school government and wrote for the school newspaper. She was vice president of her senior class. Her mother taught her how to remain balanced and to keep her equilibrium even while debating issues.
Benjamin Franklin struggled with math, so he made up math games to help raise his grades.
Tips For Straight A Students
11. Reward yourself after a study session, Acing a test, or that perfect report card. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just something you enjoy, like a tv program or chatting with a friend, ice cream with a friend or your parent, a new pair of jeans.
12. Do the hardest assignment first when your mind is freshest. You'll feel much better knowing it's done!
13. It's least distracting if devices are off limits while studying (i.e., texting, tv). Refer back to#11.
14. Use your resources well; books, computers, online access, libraries, teachers, family BUT do not let parents or siblings do your homework!
15. Keep your study area clean and organized and well lit. Have supplies you need before a study session.
Straight A Essentials
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16. Eat a healthy breakfast before going to school.
- fresh fruit and low- fat cheese
- hard boiled eggs and whole wheat toast
- wheat toast cinnamon raisin bagel with ricotta cheese
- peanut butter on whole grain waffles
- plain yogurt with fresh or dried fruit and nuts
- orange juice along with your food
- leftovers from dinner
- drink water throughout the day
17. Be active, exercise, move your body and make sure you get enough sleep! If involved in sports, make sure you allow study time.
18. Communicate with your parents. Let them know what you're working on, special assignments that are due. They want to help you do your best. Allow them to help if you're having a problem or if you're feeling stressed about something.
19. Communicate with your teachers. Ask questions. Look at the teacher during instruction. Be sure to ask about special assignments if you're unclear about what's required. Teachers want you do do well!
20. Be proud of your work and ambitions! Stay focused and don't get down on yourself if you don't get the grades you desire. It's OK! It's the path to knowledge and the desire to learn that can be your most important A+.
copyright. rebekahELLE.
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RebekaELLE,
Very wise advice to the students! This hub will help me when I'll step in Grade 12 in the ensuing month. I believe, when studying, one must devote his/her hundred percent to grab immense knowledge. In the end, knowledge will be our companion; our power. One should not run for good grades, but one should have thirst for knowledge. You've provided excellent information. It's quite educative. Thanks for sharing this valuable hub!
Great tips on how to get straight A's in school. I have two daughters and they have always gotten straight A's as classes get harder and more intense I could use all this great info on how to maintain straight A's. I will def have the girls give this a review, book mark, and rate up plus all that's good. Peace :)
mentalist, you're almost always first to comment. thanks so much! always love to see your visit.
@Surabhi, thanks for visiting and reading. I'm glad to hear it has helped you as you soon enter Grade 12. good luck and yes, I agree, it's the thirst for knowledge that must be the foundation for good grades.
@katiem, thanks for reading. good for your daughters for working hard and caring enough to make straight A's. and kudos to you for helping to inspire them. :]
Great tips Rebeccah. I love the graphics you used too. rate up and useful.
lol good advice. If only I followed these when I was still in school :)
Nr 14 gave me a smile. My kids do study at the moment, I will get them to read it. Excellent advice, neatly packed into one article. thanks.
Great tips. I love tip 3 especially. I have some tips here too! http://hubpages.com/hub/score-A-for-exams
I have emailed this to my son. I can at least dream, can't I? :-))
thanks kimh for reading! I'm glad you found it useful.
@lava, thanks, I'm sure many of us could have used these tips while in school. I had some A's, but not straight! :]
@equealla, that #14 is a big one. a teacher can always tell if a parent did the homework, including the science projects! :)
@thanks lilian. it does help a lot to know how we learn, or how our children/students learn. thanks for the link, I'll be sure to take a look!
@there you go, DeGreek, that's the way to help! you're being a good resource. and yes, dream big! :]
Really good hub~ I was an average student in grade school, but graduated from college with a perfect GPA. Motivation was key- I picked a major I loved. Eating well is such an important tip. I have to disagree with #12 though. I used to start with the easiest assignment first- it gave me confidence to glide right through a tough assignment.
Hi, rebekahELLE
Good tips.
Great Hub, Thanks for sharing !!
i made nothing but A's till the 6th grade . . . then i learned to make B's(smiles) good hub!
Great Hub, thanks for sharing ^_^
Hey - I made straight A's in school several times, and I followed this advice religiously! As an adult, I'm passing this on to my school-grade friends!
Hi. I've managed to get straight A's in school way back when I was still a student. Now, it's my kids turn. I needed this list of tips to remind myself how to assist my kids in getting A's as well. Will show them the video, too. Thanks for sharing.
thanks everyone for commenting. I appreciate your reading and taking the time to share your experiences.
@izetti, I think from students interviewed, they suggested completing the most difficult first, but I realize that isn't always the preferred method. I suppose it's what you know works best for you. It falls along the same concept as work or accomplishing our to-do list. experts generally recommend doing the hardest or most dreaded task first as it helps you to feel accomplished and you know the hard part is done. I know that works for me. everyone has to find their own bit of magic!
thanks for sharing!
Very informative, my friend. As a teacher, I support this hub. Thank you very much. ~prasetio
Great advice for children studying to get straight A's.
..I tell them that I follow your hubs .......
im trying to get into my private hs and i have b's and c's what can i do too get those C's up to B's or A's
thanks prasetio and Pam, I appreciate your comments.
@nick, you can follow some of the tips here and that will help. be sure to set aside time for each subject and do your best. if you feel you need more help, you can always ask your teacher for advice on what to study. if you need more help, perhaps a tutor can help or a family member/relative who understands your goal to get into a private school.
try to enjoy the learning process and don't get discouraged! good luck!! :]
I could never see the point in working your butt off to get an A. For me I preferred to ride my horse each day, read what I wanted, relax, do no homework and get a B or a C. For me that was a far better use of my time.
That's so true, love this hub check out my hub on college success.
This is a great hub, Rebekah. I'm glad you mentioned the part about knowing your learning style. It's too bad schools don't help students identify this critical part of the puzzle. Long story short, I had this strange eye problem/mixed dominance thing going on that made reading comprehension quite difficult. It took years for it to be identified and dealt with. When I finally learned tricks to get around the problem, my grades skyrocketed. I used to read my textbooks into a recorder and just play it back. I could learn almost anything auditorily, but visually I was at a disadvantage. Great information.
thanks Sammy. I'll take a look at your hub!
@wordscribe, nice to see you. I know some teachers try hard to help their students learn their style, and for many, it's a combination of the styles. It's great that you were able to identify your problem and figure out ways to overcome it! I think that's a great idea to read into a recording device. Sometimes I will find myself reading books out loud on my own, because it helps me visualize what is taking place.
Wow, Rebekkah this is a very comprehensive account. I came across another hubber who posted a you tube video of a very unusual experiment in India. Hole in the wall computers were put into slum districts and the kids worked together and taught themselves to use it and learnt English at the same time.
They were tested and compared favourably with kids who had attended prestigious private schools. when kids are focussed they can achieve amazing things.
Very good tips.
After highlighting the keywords, I use the first letter of the keyword to create "acronym". That really helps in remembering the keywords.
hi ppl. i am not doing well in school and my momis threatening to take all my things away so i am hoping this site will help me with my straight A's so far it works. exept for my science class. But i will fix that soon!!!!! I want to thank the people who posted this!!!! i love u! p.s. Happy Valentines Day!!
Melissa, I'm sorry to hear about your mom's threats. it doesn't help you, I am sure. I'm sure your mom is simply concerned about you and wants you to do your best. Sometimes it's hard to talk about school problems with parents. Perhaps you could talk with your science teacher and see if she has some tips to helps you succeed. If you show her you're interested in doing better, I'm sure she can help you with your concerns. When you mom sees that you are making effort, hopefully she will encourage you and show support. Good luck!! you can do it!
Vinn circles? I think they're really called Venn Diagrams. It's named after John Venn, who was British and spoke English, so there is no question about the spelling of his name, there is no transliteration possible into several ways!
Great Hub Rebekah! One of the most important skills a student can ascertain is learning how to learn. You've definitely put some ideas on how to achieve that in this hub. I don't think schools put enough emphasis on this. Thanks for bringing attention to it! Every student should see read the hub and watch the video...
thank you
Umm... I think I will try these tips right now I have A's and B's
Fish breathe air in water, not water.
Yes, both whales and fish breathe oxygen, whales from the oxygen in the air, and fish breathe the oxygen in the water.
I have added clarification to the image. Thank you for reading.
i think u should just do it
That was good tips!!
you should become a writer!!!!
I especially loved the SCHOLARSHIP PART
People must try
I thought this hub boosted my self-esteem by a gazillion! Thanks for the useful info! :D
worriedsenior, It's for you and others that I wrote this hub!
Good luck, you can do it. Thanks for reading and taking time to leave a comment.
hmm I hope it'll works! because im desperate! my parents keep bugging me about straight A's and it is annoying me!
thank u so much 4 the good advice i just have some few questions?
Pamela 101, you're welcome. I don't know if I can answer your questions, but feel free to ask.
Wow, lot of super tips on this hub.
Thanks!!! Now I can get a cell phone since I got all A+. :-)
Very nice Maya! Keep up the great work!
i need sraight a's i whant a phone
great article. helps a ton
I want to get straight A's for a game console X-Box 360!
rebekahELLE: You have presented some excellent ideas and precepts. I totally concur. In this postmodern, postindustrialized, and computerized, it is so important that a child is on top of his/her academic arena. Grades are of tantamount importance and many top colleges will not admit students if they do not have top grades.
So, it is best to motivate our children to achieve for their own satifaction and self of achievement. The most important lesson a parent can give his/her child is the lesson of self-motivation. A child who is self-motivated, even if he/she possesses an average IQ, is more likely to strive and probably make straight-As than a child with a higher, even genius IQ, who is outer motivated, who makes straight-As for purely external reasons. Self-motivation is an important characteristic to acquire for if a child has self0motivation, barring some circumstances, there is nothing that he/she cannot achieve! Excellent hub!
To rebekahELLE: I meant to say in this postmodern, postindustrialized, and computerized world. I typed it correctly but unfortunately my computer crashed and I thought that the sentence was complete. However, when I read my comments , I did not see the word world. Sorry.
Rebakahelle,
When I was in high school in the late 50s and early 60s I was a straight A student. I followed just about all of the tips which you outlined in this excellent hub. Let me suggest another way of being a straight A student. It doesn't hurt to be the teacher's pet, especially if you attend a small high school which I did. Straight As in high school, however, did not help me when I went off to a big state university where there was a lot more competition. I used the same study methods which I used in high school, but I was busting my ass just to get Bs. Part of the problem is that if any kid studies and gives the teacher what he or she wants, they'll do well on tests which only usually have students recall information. In college I found out that I had to apply the facts and concepts which I had memorized. I had a hard time doing this, because I seldom had to do this in high school. I guess I should have seen the writing on the wall when I took a standardized physics test towards the end of my senior year. Although I was getting an A in that course, students who were only pulling Cs did better than me. Why? Because it was test where you had to apply what you knew. The same was true when I took the SAT and ACT. My scores were lower than what you would expect an A student to get. Yes, anyone can get straight As in high school, but it will be very hard to repeat in college. Voted up and sharing.
gmwilliams, Thanks for reading and commenting. Self-motivation truly is a gift and something that is quite hard to teach. It must come from within. I think there can be many different sources of influence, but ultimately, human beings of any age can be motivated by self. It's a beautiful thing to see, especially when a parent or teacher sees it transform a child into a eager learner. Thanks for sharing your insight.
@Paul, thanks for adding such valuable insight, especially from your own experience. It's true how that A is harder to attain in college, and it should be. When I was in school, it was much harder to get A's, especially straight A's. It's not so much the grade itself, but all that it should represent.
This was really great! I cant wait to share your helpful tips with my friends at school!! Thanks!!!
GREAT TIPS!! I'll follow all of them and I'll try the hardest to get straight A's. I have difficulties in reading so I will like to know how can I improve my reading..
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You Can Do It!
Mentalist acer Level 6 Commenter 21 months ago
AHhh there's nothing like a good lecture and a teacher who loves to give them...Great Hub RebekaELLE;)