Becoming a better and successful student?

Question

I'm starting High School in about two weeks and I'm pretty nervous. I know for a fact that High School doesn't last forever, and I need to start building a strong educational foundation that will appeal to the college of my choice. The thing is, I don't want to sacrifice my social life for academics all the time.

My question: How do I manage my time between friends, family, schoolwork and college? How can I become a better student, one who receives top notch grades on tests, homework and projects?

I'm not perfect, I tend to forget assignments and sometimes my work isn't completed at the best of my ability, so how do I turn this all around? All methods are welcome, including personal experiences and stories. Share some love.

Answer 1

The first thing is congratulations on beng young and goal oriented. I'm just finishing up my bachelors degree and going straight into my masters. (shhh i'm 45)

Here's a scoop. Buy a notebook and folder for each subject. i write the subject on the folder and of course I buy matching folders and notebooks.

This way any notes for that class are not at the bottom of your backpack or in another notebook you know right where everything is for that class.

In the folder I buy wide ruled paper to take notes in and before each test i pull all my notes for that class together.

Write your schedule out on a small calender organizer where you can see it.  I write mine out and put it in my phone too. Doing one or the other is good enough though.

I schedule in two hours a night to study.

When you get to college they say for every hour you spend in class you need that much time to study and it's true. What helps with this is making study friends from each class you are in. People to split the research, the definitions etc. and study with. Keep it honest and don't give up no matter what and you will be successful.

Good luck honey. You can do it!!!

Answer 2

I must say to you first - now digest this - PLEASE don't let your social life get in the way of your grades. When I'm talking about your social life, I mean everything that's in the span of it, including the typical middle/high school drama, smoking/drinking/early relationship peer pressure, and just the usual gossip. If you hear something, like the outrageous thing so-and-so did at last weekend's party, or how some dumb jock isn't a virgin anymore, dismiss it. If it's a friend that's telling you, just reply with a question, like "Oh really? How stupid. By the way, did you get that English assignment?"

Make sure you always do your homework and study for tests, they're so important. I know there's no excuse, but I used to do poorly on tests and never answered questions in some classes, because my crush was in them, and it distracted me so much. Now I really regret that because I could have done so much better because I'm smart, and I just let that go because of a stupid guy. Don't do that. High school relationships aren't worthy anyway. I'm doing my best now and I've been better than I ever have.

Friends. Well, this will get harder. I know this might sound like a cliche, but sometimes once you reach the high school some of your old friends may drift away. Keep the friends that you know love you no matter what, and stay true to them. Make new friends by just being YOU. On the first day, try to get to know a lot of new people. I'm an outgoing person, and that does help. If you're a bit shy, try hanging around some more talkative friends.

Family. Always stick with your family, they're important no matter what. Save mom and dad the grief by avoiding drugs/alcohol/underage s*x.

Tips for academics in general:

1) Don't get distracted (l mentioned above)

2) Don't procrastinate. If you can get it done today, do so. One of my best friends is a straight-A student. She concentrates and she gets it done.

2) Enjoy your classes. If you aren't really "into" a subject, this will be harder for you. Really focus. Try to find at least one thing you like about that class.

3) To get exceptional test/homework grades: Stand out in your ideas. Enough said.

4) Get in your extracurriculars. Want to have an A-class pick for college? Get into a system of trying new things, whether it be sports, arts, anything.

5) Get to know your teachers. This will make answering questions in class (also another crucial thing) easier.

Answer 3

get a planner and plan out time for school life, family time and your social life. and give your self some relaxing time if things get stressful. high school only happens once so best enjoy it i think. but try and keep a pretty good balence between the three. don't over do it on any one. plan ahead and you'll do fine.

Answer 4

What i'd do is plan my time efficiently, not get stressed out (:O) and just try my best and not freak out like me in piano. Lol.

I hope this helped. =]

Answer 5

from my experience, don't let boys distract you, and don't party every weekend :x

i almost failed the ninth grade because i was too busy getting ****** up and sleeping with guys.. now i'm worried it'll affect my chances of getting into a good university.

good luck though hun, you'll manage i'm sure :)