How to Get Better Grades in High School
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on July 1, 2024
Getting better or good grades in high school might take some effort. It can seem like a daunting task at first, but there is a lot you can do to meet your full potential. Ways to get good grades include doing homework, actively participating and taking good notes in class, and asking for extra help.
But it does not end there. Whether you are trying to get your grades up for your GPA or pave the path for future academic success in college, it’s important to be consistent. With the right steps on how to get good grades in mind, you will ace high school like a piece of cake!
How to get good grades
To get good grades in high school, there are two essential things you can do:
- Find your motivation
- Spot what’s holding you back
- Be proactive
- Do your homework
- Check in with your teacher
- Remove distractions
- Find a study group
- Ask for help
- Take breaks
- Sleep well
Note: Getting good grades is an important goal for many students. Juggling tests, projects, and homework can be tough, especially when you are going through this awkward age when it’s hard to even pay attention to what’s going on in class, let alone better grades. If this sounds like you, figuring out your motivation and identifying areas where you might fall short would be the first stes to take.
Figuring out your motivation
If you’re struggling to find motivation for improving your grades in high school, you have probably received some not-so-convincing “reasoning” from teachers and parents that did not really resonate with you:
“Your friends all have good grades. Do you want to be left out?”
“Being the top of your class will make us all proud”
“Good grades are important for landing a high-paying job in the future”
It’s completely normal to feel frustrated and unmotivated when it comes to getting your grades up, especially when you have little to no interest in certain subjects. But finding what motivates you specifically will ease some of the irritation you might feel. And when you fall short, you can always go back to what motivates you personally to complete whatever it is you’re doing.
Identifying areas where you might fall short
Thinking about your weaknesses is not always pleasant, but without doing so, you won’t likely understand what is to be improved. And getting those good grades in school isn’t really possible without understanding your academic weaknesses.
If you can’t do it on your own, talk with a teacher you trust, a parent, or your friend. Sometimes, all you need is a broader perspective from somebody you rely on.
After identifying areas where you might fall short, pick one (up to three) you want to get better at. But remember, you don’t want to tire yourself out too much. For example, if you have problems with math, a solution might be to sit at the front of the class. Or, if simple tricks like this don’t work for you, you might look into professional help, like math tutoring.
How Brighterly can help you get better grades
Math tutoring platforms like Brighterly offer professional math tutoring for kids and teens in grades 1 to 12. Brighterly doesn’t just teach children to memorize math concepts but teaches them how to understand and apply them in the real world.
Also, Brighterly uses a diagnostic math test that evaluates and identifies gaps in kids’ and teens’ math knowledge. With that information in mind, Brighterly’s tutors create personalized, interactive programs that improve children’s math skills — all without endless and boring mathematical equations.
By focusing on improving your weak spots, you can build a strong foundation for high grades in school. Let your teachers and parents know you’re trying to get better so they can support you.
Tips for getting better grades in high school
The biggest tip on how to get good grades is to create a study plan because:
- The study plan lessens the stress levels
- When you finish a task, that offers encouragement to accomplish another
- Routine studying hours increase focus and teach a feeling of self-control
- Following a study plan always keeps you in the loop of what’s next
- Finding time for other activities is easier, thanks to a structured schedule
Coordinating your study always involves creating a study plan. A study plan is a structured schedule with a specified study time and learning objectives. This timeline should include tests, quizzes, evaluations, and project deadlines.
Here are some steps that will help you create a study plan and keep your grades up:
Design a plan with regular activities
Your regular activities, like going out, doing sports, and spending time with family matter. You don’t have to adjust everything, but seeing where your time goes is important.
Create a schedule
It should include doing homework, preparing for tests, practicing subjects, etc. The important thing here is to maintain practical expectations for the study. Don’t overdo it all in one single day, or you will get burned out pretty quickly. Collect and arrange all your textbooks, handouts, and papers together and manage them in one place — that will save you time when you have to switch between the subjects.
Study at a determined time and place
Habits do make a difference. For example, you don’t want to study in your bed in order not to disrupt your sleeping pattern. The same goes for learning. Knowing what and when you will be studying sets a scene for better performance whilst learning.
How to be top 10 in high school
Achieving a top 10 ranking in high school requires motivation, strategic planning, and a balanced approach between school and private life. By setting clear goals, time-managing, actively participating in class, maintaining consistent study habits, and taking care of yourself, you can significantly improve your grades in high school.
If you really want to get to that top 10, you can look into tutoring. One-on-one tutoring can result in a 20% increase in grades and test scores. Tutoring services, like one-on-one tutoring online platforms, Brighterly focuses on the most effective methods and tactics for teaching children and teens. Claim a free trial math lesson to explore more about how Brighterly can help you get into the top 10!
10 ways to improve your grades
Here are some essential ways to get good grades you should consider:
- Doing homework
- Participating in class
- Taking good notes
- Attending all your classes
- Staying organized
- Asking for help
- Keeping yourself motivated
- Taking time for yourself
- Finding your study place
- Working on your confidence
Doing homework
Homework is actually a crucial part of how you digest the material you learn in class. Without repeating what you’ve done in school, you won’t understand most concepts taught in class.
Additionally, not doing your homework will cost you an understanding of what knowledge gaps you have, which means you won’t be able to ask the right questions and get the right help. Sounds contradictory to what going to school means, right?
Participating in class
Participating in class mainly depends on your teacher, what class it is, and your personality. But it doesn’t mean you have to be the star of the show to participate. Sometimes, active listening is enough to be involved.
Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to ask questions, participate in group talk, and do assignments — doing all that is a great way to master the material and show teachers how hard you’re trying.
Taking good notes
Have you ever seen a straight-A student who doesn’t take good notes? Getting a good grade doesn’t just come from nowhere. Good class notes are clear, well-organized, and concise, covering all key points with accurate information. This includes headings, bullet points, and highlights for easy navigation. You should also summarize information in your own words, making connections to your prior notes.
Attending all your classes
Not skipping classes is crucial, and here’s why: you will gain a better understanding of the subject, which means getting better grades in the long run. But not quite that — connecting with teachers and peers is also an important part of the high school experience. Not to mention, this will show dedication to your teacher, leading to a better rapport between the both of you.
Staying organized
Managing your time and prioritizing tasks will help you excel in whatever you do, especially when it comes to keeping your grades up in high school. Creating study schedules, learning in small chunks, and keeping a calendar or agenda book is a great way to be more organized.
Asking for help
If you think that you should only ask for extra help if you’re getting bad grades, you’re wrong. Teachers or parents would love to help you with whatever your problem might be. Whether you’re trying to get a better look at your test scores, homework assignments, class involvement, or essay comments, setting up a time to talk about your troubles is always a good idea.
Keeping yourself motivated
Before you learn how to get good grades, ask yourself a fundamental question: “Why am I doing this?”. It can be that you want to attend a specific college or be eligible to play sports, or even that your parents leave you alone and let you go out more. Your answer should reflect on what motivates you and not somebody else. Your “why” is the secret recipe for staying motivated and putting that extra effort into schoolwork.
Taking time for yourself
Being proactive is great, but if you don’t rest, you won’t last long. Mental health is critically important for excelling in school. Taking short rests, as well as having days off, will positively affect your mood and ability to comprehend the material.
Finding your study place
A quiet place to study is as crucial as having a study plan. A separate room is perfect, but if you struggle with finding a place, just ask your family to support you by letting you study in peace.
Working on your confidence
Finally, maintaining a positive attitude towards yourself will allow you to approach every step of your studying with confidence and ease! Talk to yourself as you would with a best friend. And remember, sometimes your attitude towards things matters a lot more than the actual thing!
Conclusion
Getting good grades in high school requires a combination of clear goal-setting, effective time management, active class participation, and consistent study habits.
Asking for help, staying organized, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are key strategies. It’s also important to find what motivates you and take time for yourself. Additionally, by focusing on weak areas and staying positive, you can significantly improve your grades and set a strong foundation for your future academic endeavors.
Brighterly tutoring can be a valuable resource on your way to better grades. Our dedicated tutors provide you with a personalized curriculum that caters to your specific needs with an interactive approach.
Book your first free session today and see how easy it is to be one of the best.
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