Tips for getting amazing grades in 8th grade

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hey, so I’m going to 8th grade and would like to have some tips on getting amazing grades 95+, my lowest grade was an 89 in Math PreAP last year but I didn’t study in most subjects (Only for some tests). I really wanna start studying a lot but a lot since I love the feeling of studying but tend to procrastinate and end up not studying. My schedule this year is:
English 8 PreAP
Algebra 1
Social Studies PreAP
Science PreAP
PE
Art 1
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1

I’d really appreciate some studying tips and not procrastinating, I wanna score higher than 95 and study a lot but a lot.

2

For math, its just a matter of memorizing terms and practicing A LOT of problems before quizzes and tests (never take quizzes for granted, grades add up!)

Science is usually straight from the textbook. My science book used to have questions as Headers for certain sections, or say something like “in this chapter you’ll be learning how…” I’d always make sure I knew how to answer the header questions or questions at the end of the chapter (highlight questions throughout the chapter as well). The is term memorization, but its mostly about understanding the logic behind how things work. If you love the feeling of studying, this should be enjoyable–I’m the same way.

US History is all about memorizing people, places, and events and connecting them to each other. Know whether things happened before or after one another, but like science, you should understand why things happened a certain way. Like “this person reacted because this happened and that lead to…”

As for English, all I can say is know how to interpret your books (its all about putting yourself into the story-- at least in the kinds of things you read in 8th grade). Take note of your teacher’s criticism to your writing to improve.

3

@Pitusky I thought you were a rising freshman…

4

Why are you lying? According to [here[/url], [url=<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798377-where-to-take-ap-classes-online.html%5Dhere%5B/url”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798377-where-to-take-ap-classes-online.html]here[/url], [url=<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798371-is-there-a-chance-for-me-to-become-a-4-0-gpa-student.html%5Dand”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798371-is-there-a-chance-for-me-to-become-a-4-0-gpa-student.html]and here](Is this a good highschool plan? - High School Life - College Confidential Forums), You seem to be a rising freshman, but here you say you are a rising 8th grader. Are you skipping a grade or something? Or posting your 8th grade schedule as some type of ‘better late than never’ mindset?

In all seriousness, you need to calm down. Asking us to rate your high school [“shedule”[/url] and making decisions about whether you should take [url=<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798374-should-i-take-ap-biology-or-anatomy-and-physiology-of-human-systems.html%5DAP”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1798374-should-i-take-ap-biology-or-anatomy-and-physiology-of-human-systems.html]AP Bio or Anatomy and Physiology](Rate my highschool shedule. - High School Life - College Confidential Forums) is at least two years away. While it’s great you are mindful of your future, take things one step at a time.

5

Actually, science is not always memorizing from the textbook. In my freshmen biology class, it was not memorizing terms, but being able to apply concepts and things like that. Be sure to go in for extra help if you don’t understand somethinf

6

I’m not lying, it clearly says in the thread “Is this a good high school plan?” that I’m entering 8th grade.
In the thread about taking AP classes online I just wanted to understand how they work and have some websites I can go to when I have extra time when I go to high school.
And in the thread about “Is there a chance for me to become a 4.0 GPA student” it says that I’m going into High School next year.

7

Next year implies next school year, ie. the 2015-2016 school year.

Use ‘@’ to inform someone that they are being mentioned.

8

@TheSlacker16 Is 3 years enough of foreign language or should I take 4 years?

9

What a subtle way to change the topic. I hardly even noticed. 8-|

Anyway, to be competitive some people take 4 years unless they either maxed out (took all of the courses in a certain language, like Spanish) or have other interests (Doubling up in Math or Science, taking 2 electives, etc). Some classes meet more times than others, so dropping a class or having more than one free period. I took three years but I haven’t applied to colleges yet.

10

@Pitusky I know the question wasn’t directed at me, but 3 years of a foreign language should suffice. Most colleges look for about 2 years of a foreign language, but make sure you check out your college’s freshmen requirements (by freshmen I mean undergrad). While 2 years are a minimum for most, they recommend 3 years of the SAME language (not one year Spanish, then French, then Latin, but Spanish I - III). However, 4 years of a language looks good as well. Contact me with any questions!

11

@Pitusky You need to slam down the brakes. I got straight As my eighth grade year without even trying. I didn’t even know what was going on in my classes 25% of the time (I brisked over stuff at home). And colleges will not care what your grades are middle school, so why is this a concern?
As for high school and college concerns, calm yourself. It’s too early to start worrying about that. Start thinking about high school the summer before freshman year. Don’t lay out a plan right now, because I can guarantee you you will throw it out the window. I completely scrapped my high school plan after a very successful freshman year. I experienced failure, yes, but I think I’ve learned so much.

As for foreign language: I recommend 4 years. I started in Chinese 4H my freshman year (so already “4” years of experience) and wrapped it up with AP my sophomore year. If you need help with anything (I’m extremely blunt, but I’m not a mean person I promise), feel free to message me.

12

For me, 8th grade was my best year (My lowest average was a 97 in English). I’m a freshman now, and I’d say that 8th grade matters a lot! Not only will it determine what classes you take in 9th grade, but it’s your last chance to do whatever before high school.

Now, in English, all you really need to do is be able to point out literary devices and be able to interpret various stories. For example, To Kill a Mockingvird: the theme is racism. It’s pretty self explanatory. Now, take this with a grain of salt because English isn’t my best subject.

Algebra I. If you’re good at math, then you’ll succeed in this class. Considering you got an 89 in 7th grade math PreAP, you should do fine. If you want an A, just practice and follow along with the teacher.

History is mainly memorization. Don’t worry. If you’re struggling, just study and ask for help.

Science is pretty much the same as above. I don’t know about your curriculum, but in 8th grade science we learned a bit of biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. It’s memorization and somewhat application.

PE…just participate.

Art, I don’t know much about it, but just listen and let the creativity flow haha.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I shouldn’t be bad since you already speak Spanish haha.

Good luck!

13

LOL sorry I just thought this was really funny (+cute) coming from a freshman hahaha you’ll learn baby you’ll learn

14

You’re worrying way too much. When you get to senior year you’ll hardly remember 8th grade. Don’t study too hard, but your determination and motivation so young is a good trait you shouldn’t weaken. And you’ll weaken it by exhausting yourself too early and becoming lazy, you’re already prone to procrastination :slight_smile:

15

@Pitusky ,
First things first: “wanna” is not a word :slight_smile:

OK, beyond that: lots of people are saying you should back off, because from their perspective, 8th grade barely mattered.

But that’s not what you’re asking. From YOUR perspective, it’s incredibly important. And you’re right to be concerned-- concerned, not worried. And I’m guessing you aren’t trying to be “cute” or anything else, just to get started on the path to academic success.

Apparently you have good grades and a good head on your shoulders. Great. So it sounds like you need organization. You’re taking 5 major subjects (I omit art and Phys Ed, thinking that most prep for those classes would take place in school, not at home.)

Would you consider devoting one school night to each of them, to brush up, read and highlight your notes, get organized?

16

You explained exactly the reason why I created these threads. I just need organization, some people are against me, I don´t know why, I just want academic success like you mentioned.
I am completely in favor of devoting one school night to each of the subjects, I really like studying but I kinda need a path, organization.

Thanks, you´re the first person in CC who understood me :slight_smile:

17

8th grade performance means nothing except where they are used to get you into the best 9th grade classes.

I think you need to stop posting and buy a wall or desk calendar, so you can write down homework assignments and test dates.

Doing well in school is a moving target, you need to prioritize what is most important but not let smaller assignments slip. You also need to put a strict limit on ECs, not just college app worthy ECs but things like hanging out and playing video games.

You will NOT learn much about organization from an anonymous online forum. You CAN learn a lot about organization from your school’s learning consultant or guidance counselors. If you have a teacher who seems to be organized and intelligent, meet with them and ask for advice.

When you are in college, it is best to meet with all your professors to see if they have any advice. It is even better to start this process in HS (or even 8th grade) - make sure your teachers know you and make sure you know what they expect.

18

What about your folks? What are they like? Are they supportive of academics and studying?

19

Skipped over all the posts, sorry if I missed any critical info but words of advice, don’t sweat 8th grade. It’s really your last chance to be a kid before HS if you’re serious and motivated, and I get that grades are important to you, and that’s fantastic, but just be careful that you don’t burn out!

20

Some pointers to getting good grades:

Tip 1: Have an Even Healthier Attitude Toward Learning
While you’re doing well in school, there might be a few subjects that may not truly interest you. They may not seem relevant - at least not now. Just keep in mind that an education in a wide variety of subjects will enhance your understanding of the world around you, allow you to engage with outside reading material and to talk with a variety of people with different backgrounds.

Tip 2: Unearth Dormant Abilities
The subjects in school can reveal your hidden talents. This could be the penchant to write insightful, clever essays, the gift to see the world through the lens of a mathematician, or the talent to express your personality and attitude through music, art and dance. Regardless, the discovered talents you have are unique to you. So as you go through your schooling, ask yourself what your strengths are and nurture them along the way.

Tip 3: Good Study Habits
There are no short cuts to success at school. To maintain, or to improve (even more) good study habits, it will be important to organize your time (as some posters have already alluded to). In other words, while you’re in school, you will need to prioritize your time. Will answering questions about Mark Twain’s background and influence on his novels take center stage when you come back home tired from school, or will the latest Netflix, Amazon Prime or popular T.V episode take precedence? True, it doesn’t all have to be study. Strike a healthy balance by studying first, and playing second.

There’s an old saying: “If an iron tool is dull and one does not sharpen its edge, he will need to exert much effort, but wisdom helps to achieve success.” The lesson? Sharpen you ax, so-to-speak, by planning ahead so that you can make the most effective use of your time. This will mean that you will have to confront and change your procrastination tendencies (we’re all guilty of that). Set aside nonessential task, and should you free up some time after completing a day’s work, why not work on material that may be due later on down the line. By thinking ahead, you increase your productivity, just like a wise workman who sharpens his ax.

Do these things my old sausage and you’ll be off to an even better start for the school year.