How To Become An "A" Student in 2022

Whether you were struggling last year or not, becoming an "A" student or maintaining an "A" average is a goal that every student should have. Grades are very important, but even more, so is understanding the concepts.

Here are some ways to become an "A" student this school year.

Organizational Skills 

Being organized is an essential skill to have if you want to be an "A" student. This means you have to become very familiar with to-do lists and planners. Have a folder with sections for each subject that you do so that you can easily and effectively file handouts, worksheets, notes and test papers. 

Studying: As it relates to studying, create a list with the topics or points that you wish to study based on the time that you have to study. However, be realistic with what you can achieve in each study session. There are also various study techniques that you can make use of! 

Homework: When it comes to homework, be sure to create a list of your homework and important tasks. Update the list frequently by adding new tasks and crossing off completed ones. Not only does this keep you organized, but it also makes you feel accomplished when you complete your tasks and your list becomes shorter,

Time Management

As the popular saying goes, time waits on no man! It is your responsibility as a student to effectively manage your time and make the most out of what you are given. First, acknowledge the ways in which you waste the most time, whether that is playing video games or browsing through TikTok. Then assess and compare the ways in which you can cut back on these actions and unhealthy habits. Time management tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and planners, are also a great way to get organized, set reminders and most importantly, better manage your time. This doesn’t mean that you should not make time for fun and games, afterall, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". However, be honest with yourself and your limitations. 

Once you have better control of how you spend your time, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your grades. If you want more time management tips, check out our blogpost on the Top 10 Time Management Tips .

Your Physical Health Matters

Taking care of yourself is just as important as getting good grades in school, and it just so happens that one depends on the other. In order to stay focused and achieve your academic goals, you have to prioritize your health, which includes healthy eating, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly enough. 

✔ Try getting 8 hours of sleep each night to maintain focus while studying 
✔ Drink water regularly to stay hydrated
✔Exercise weekly to improve memory and study skills

Healthy Study Habits

Developing healthy study habits is one of the most important keys to becoming an A student, at any level of education. Incorporating these habits into your day-to-day life can lead to significant improvements in not only your grades, but how you experience studying and learning overall. Here are some healthy habits to learn:

✔Reward yourself after you accomplish a goal; the bigger the goal accomplished, the bigger the reward.  

✔Make use of practice tests, past papers, quizzes and other revision materials during your study sessions. 

✔Minimize distractions during study sessions. This can be accomplished by removing electronic devices, turning off notifications and reducing contact with friends during your sessions. 

✔Set study hours as a part of your daily routine. Not only does this get you into the habit of studying, but it also reduces the possibility of cramming and other bad study habits.

✔ Join a study group. This will introduce you to new materials, opinions and perspectives that will make study sessions more effective.

✔ Take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and allow your thoughts to flow freely without getting overwhelmed.

Participate in Class

Participating in class may seem like such a drag, especially for students that struggle with their confidence and anxiety. Do you hope and pray that the teacher doesn’t call on you or avoid all eye contact in an attempt to dissuade the teacher from asking any questions? Well, if you want to be a better student, you can’t keep flying under the radar. Students who regularly participate in class are usually more involved with and more likely to understand the course material. It also helps with your memory, critical thinking and comprehension when you ask questions and provide your own thoughts and opinions on certain topics. One way to curb your fear of participation is to establish a relationship with your teacher that allows you to be comfortable enough to be wrong in front of them. You can also find different methods and see which one works for you. Is it asking questions when you don't understand? Sharing a thought or adding to the discussion? Other methods involve:

✔ Be prepared for class, even if you have to memorize what you will say before class starts. This reduces the fear of being wrong and encourages participation.

✔ Pay attention in class. You might be surprised at how much information you retain and how many questions you can answer when you stay focused on the lesson.  

Sometimes studying is not enough to be a straight "A" student. Much more emphasis should be placed on developing healthy habits that encourage studying, positivity and productivity.

Now that you know how to become a straight "A" student, you are all set to start this school year right!