How to have a social life and still be top in academic performance?

Question

Summer is about to end, and i'm going to become a 9th grader soon.

For the past few years, I've been setting goals on getting top 3, but i never make it. I realized that my problem was that i keep slacking off near the end of the semester, so i was hoping for some advice on how to keep myself focused and ways to achieve good grades. Please, dont post suggestions like study for the whole day, cuz i still want a social life. Please, i really need some help! thx

Answer 1

The only advice I can give you is work on your time management and prioritize.  It's obvious you have goals; all you have to do is meet them.  Make schedules on both school work and your social life, that way you have time for both.

Some say to keep yourself focused is to look forward to the things that come in the near future.  For example, if you're in the midst of taking your finals, think of it as, "When I'm done with these finals, I can have as much free time as I want!" And the only way to get good grades is to work hard :P

Answer 2

At my private school its either one or the other. I mean, the really popular kids aren't necessarily dumb...they just aren't focussed.  

Answer 3

if you can, finish work in class and get your assignments early

Answer 4

If you go to public school, your life will be a breeze, however; I never got to go to public school. :'(

All I've ever heard was public school is easy, so SHUT UP and DO YOUR WORK. then play.  

Answer 5

That's a tough one. A lot of kids slack off like this. Do you use a planner? Why not write a couple notes to yourself now when the planner is new --in the December or November spaces to help you realize what you're doing. Also, when it comes around that time, change your routine so that you don't get bored and slack off. Find some ways to make your subjects new again. Talk to your teachers then and ask for help making things fresh.

Endurance is the toughest of the races, but it's the most valuable skill we can master for this life. Keep on trying.

Answer 6

I had so much extra time, it was insane. I'd do my homework during class or during off periods (if your school offers that). The best thing about it was that my friends and I would help each other out and have cram study groups before tests/quizzes. Those really do help out.

The best tip I have to offer to you is to do your work -- all of it -- on Friday so you have Saturday and Sunday to kick back and relax with friends!

Answer 7

The most important thing in life is balance, but if you want to be a very high achiever, then you may have to sacrifice much of your social life, at least in the short term.

Plan you time carefully and make sure you try and finish assignments early. Give yourself a reward for finishing an assignment, like a meeting friends or going to a concert or the movies. Try and agree a set time each week for meeting friends and times when you will not be available because you are working.

Good luck with your studies.