<p>Hi, everyone, I'm new to this forum and am still a freshman in HS. I recently shifted my entire courseload to rigorous honors courses, on top of the fact that my school is rather competitive to begin with. My first test of the semester was a Mythology Test in which i received a 94. This was conceivably a horrible grade, as most of the class was used to the teacher's testing format and most received 100's, hence the depression I was left in upon receiving my 94. On my biology test I scored 100 along with 6 other kids in my class; the rest scored above 90. The other honors track scored mostly 100's. I also did not do so well on my math final due to careless mistakes and received an 83. It is truly a horrid grade and left me feeling as an abject failure. On all of my finals I received 90's and higher and I had a 94 average which is also despicable (since my courses weren't honors yet). I was wondering if any of you genius CCers (sounds like sarcasm, so sorry) can give me any tips on how to compete with the upper echelon of my class and score higher more "certainly and definitely" on tests (in need of a better phrase, but typing this hastily). I am mainly an A student, but I need to get the A plus, the higher average, and whichever way one chooses to look at it, both positively or negatively, I have espoused to the harsh, competitive curriculum. Please advise me on how to do much better and be the top in my class.</p>
<p>Study harder.</p>
<p>Studying basically. Tests in school are 100% based on studying. If you studied alot you’ll know everything. Teachers tell you whats going to be on the test, its all up to you truely.</p>
<p>Protip: your GPA is meaningless.</p>
<p>Stop and think for a second how useful it is to compare different GPAs between high schools. Then realize that you need to relax.</p>
<p>Study less and focus more on standardized tests. Study for some APs, teach yourself Calculus, do SAT practice tests.</p>
<p>Loosen up, you’re fine.</p>
<p>He’s trying to become the valedictorian - his class rank is significant. If you make valedictorian, you’ll have a huge advantage. Maintaining a 4.0 UW is also very important</p>
<p>Don’t listen to bassir.</p>
<p>… he has posted this over 6 times and I am sick of seeing the exact same thread…</p>
<p>i think you should just drop out of high school!! then you can stop stressing!!</p>
<p>There’s no way he’s going to be valedictorian if he apparently already screw up. Valedictorians get head starts, this guy’s up to a rough start.</p>
<p>Bassir, you just said I was fine. Furthermore, a consistent trend in high school hrades is exponentially more significant than any standardized test.</p>
<p>Love what you learn. Delving into the material rather than just studying for the grades - it’ll help you a lot more in the long run. Be meticulous on tests… making careless mistakes is usually a sign that you’re being a little overconfident.</p>
<p>-your felllow high school-er giving out random advice on the internet:)</p>
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<p>lol, that would depend on what kind of trend…</p>
<p>haha the nieve-ness of that statement. “Exponentially more significant?” Please. Think with a 5.0 and hardest curriculum but a 29 on the ACT and a 1900 on the SAT will get you into Harvard or any Ivy? Psh good luck.</p>
<p>lol: “upper echelon”, “typing this hastily”, “espoused to the harsh, competitive curriculum”…</p>
<p>Jacobtess, I can’t tell whether you’re being serious or is this meant to some kind of a joke. Either way though, I enjoyed reading your post:D</p>
<p>Olleger is spot in. I would just add, you could be last in your class but if you score a 36 on the ACT and 2400 on the SAT you will be able to go anywhere you want (probably with a full scholarship). </p>
<p>That said, there is no “quick fix” to getting better grades. Study and practice.</p>
<p>First off, whining will get you no where. Secondly, stop focusing on grades and work on actually understanding the material. That in itself should naturally result in high grades. For math, if it’s not naturally simple practice a lot. Most careless mistakes can be amended by practicing so much, that you can catch the mistakes you tend to make, and avoid them on the real test. As for Lang classes, review your book several times to prepare. And stop freaking about a 94…-_-. You really should re-evaluate your priorities. Try this: [Study</a> Hacks](<a href=“http://www.calnewport.com/blog/]Study”>Study Hacks - Decoding Patterns of Success - Cal Newport)</p>
<p>And also if there is one general tip I can give, please do not skip over sleep. That’s probably the worst thing I ever did.</p>
<p>haha the nieve-ness of that statement. “Exponentially more significant?” Please. Think with a 5.0 and hardest curriculum but a 29 on the ACT and a 1900 on the SAT will get you into Harvard or any Ivy? Psh good luck.</p>
<p>thanks for stressing my point jacobtess</p>
<p>■■■■■, ■■■■■ is obvious.</p>