<p>So right now, I'm 21/430, really without trying.
I'm in the highest level classes I can take, but I don't necessarily try my hardest to achieve a good grade in any of my classes.</p>
<p>I'm a sophomore taking...
AP Language
AP Human Geography
IB Math SL 1 (Pre-Calc)
Physics H
Spanish III
Chemistry H</p>
<p>Today, we received our progress reports, and I saw my class rank, which has not changed since last year. I wasn't too concerned with the rank, but I started talking with some other students who aren't in as advanced classes as me, whose ranks are a lot better than mine. (Don't get my wrong, a majority of the people beating me are hardworking, high-grade achievers who fully earn their rank.)</p>
<p>So here I am, the smart, lazy student, going up against the students who use Honors classes and electives to boost their GPA.</p>
<p>I'm #21, with a GPA of 4.314 and I found out that the person at rank 13 only has a GPA of 4.39, which should be incredibly easy to surpass within the year.</p>
<p>I'm tired of only being in the top 5%, and I want to change that. My overall goal is top 10... I want to be a member of the NHS (for ranks 1-12) and I wouldn't mind the nice parking spot for top 10ers. (To be 10, I'd need a GPA of around 4.52, which is achievable.)</p>
<p>The “smart, lazy student”? The answer to your question lies there in and of itself. Success takes hard work regardless of your natural prowess, and you need to put in the time if you want results. As simple as that.</p>
<p>I’m sure I can do better, but I simply don’t ‘attempt’ to be better. What can I do to help motivate myself to improve my grades/rank/etc.?</p>
<p>…
Chill out man. I’m simply asking a question, and I did not create this to brag. I’m simply saying that I can do mediocre without much effort. Everyone wants to improve, and I’m not happy with where I am right now. I posted this, assuming you, as a forum, could aide me in the ‘thing’ I’m trying to accomplish, whether it be a ‘problem’ or not.</p>
<p>If you seriously think top 5% is “mediocre,” then you have problems. Open up to the real world, kiddo. Not everyone is as smart as you. Don’t be ignorant. I mean, I’m not offended by this but I’m sure someone who is struggling to even be in the top 30% is reading this right now and hates your guts for basically calling them ultra-mega-super mediocre</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound cocky. But no matter where you are, whether it’s rank 10 or rank 100, you always want to beat the next person, and become rank 9 or 99. Everyone has some goal or objective that they’re trying to reach, and it’s completely relative to that person.</p>
<p>609, i think you are being a tad unfair. Should we be happy with C’s knowing that there are students who get D’s? It’s all relative, cut dartmouthbound some slack. When applying to top colleges, rank does matter so it is a valid concern.</p>
<p>dartmouthbound, honestly, there isn’t much more advice than work harder b/c you’re self-identified lazy. Ask for some help in your subjects if you need to.</p>
<p>Heh. No but seriously, I am sorry DMBound for lashing at you, I was venting 1 month of frustration on you.</p>
<p>But seriously, just find ANYTHIG, ANYTHING at all that makes you happy, and strive to become better at it. Develop a new hobby that can keep you focused. Just be in the mindset that there are only a couple years left, I should just work my hardest now so that it pays off in the future. Hope i helped.</p>
<p>What, you want the people of CC to do your homework for you? To improve your rank you get good grades. If you aren’t motivated to get good grades, then you clearly don’t deserve a higher rank. If you want to find motivation, go ask yourself again why you want the rank in the first place. The reason for wanting something is, in itself, the motivation you’re looking for.</p>