Is 10th grade significantly harder than 9th grade?

Question

I'm going to be in grade 10 in September, and I've heard from some people that tenth grade will be "totally different" (according to one guy who told my Dad when my Dad inquired him about high school), and it will be so hard, that those who used to get really good marks will notice that their marks have dropped significantly. I just want to hear your opinions about how different grade 10 was from grade 9, and how you managed to survive the year. Tips on maintaining good marks is welcome as well!

Answer 1

I actually teach 10th grade World Civilizations in KY.  I would say that the culture shock of 9th is harder than 10th.  Psychologists call it "Top Dog" which basically means that in 8th grade kids are the highest respected and probably smartest in the school.  When they move into 9th grade they are completely reversed to the lowest level of kids in the school.

If you were in the same school last year you are now; you should be fine.

Public High School is designed for you to pass (schools get federal funding based on pass rates, attendance rates, and GPA).  If you apply yourself and focus only on school there is no reason you can not pass with an "A" in any high school class.

I have been blown away by the number of students who have come back to me after graduation and told me they wish they tried harder because "college is hard" or cost too much since they missed out on scholarships due to poor GPA's.  

Answer 2

I think the higher the grade, the more fun it is. It isn't necissarly harder, it just depends on your classes. You can pretty much take whatever level you want if your smart enough. Or if you want to slack off, you could choose a general class, which is fun cause there is less people and you don't have to do as much.