Freshman year means a ramp-up in course difficulty, having to run across a huge campus 4 times a day, and trying to add to your college resume. It’s hard to keep good grades and balance school with your extracurriculars. Some days it feels like you’re drowning in stress. So today, I’ll break down the methods I used to maintain a great average (102.67) my first year of high school.
Now that number may seem practically impossible; But with the right guidance- and hard work- having above a 4.0 is easier than you may think.
Take Challenging Classes
The first important step you should take to have a good GPA in your Freshman year is to take rigorous classes. Now, for some people this may be a lot, so I would recommend taking these more difficult classes in the fields that you’re strongest in. So, if you had a barely passing grade in Science last year, you should probably just stick to regular level Biology or Earth Science.
But with the risk of more homework and studying, there’s the reward of class weighting. Honors level courses (SI, BC, etc.) are weighted 5% while AP courses are weighted 10% (meaning these classes count for a larger chunk of your average). Get high grades in an honors class and your average can go above 100.
Balance Your Workload
The next phase after course selection is properly balancing workload. So, for example, if you’re taking Algebra II BC and regular English, try to focus more on your Algebra II work, while of course still keeping up in English. The reason why you need to be locked in on your Honors and AP courses (for the few of you taking them in 9th) is that once again, they’re weighting. Weighting can hurt your average too if you’re not careful.
Study Strategies
Now, the most important part of doing well is your studying tactics. First off, make sure to take as many notes as you can in classes where notes are vital (biology, social studies, Spanish, and especially math). These courses are pretty content heavy compared to a middle school level curriculum. Blocking out time to study is a necessary adjustment.
Next, use those notes as well as your classwork to compile review sheets for entire units or just certain topics that you are weak in. Finally, study periodically. Don’t cram the day of or the night before, because that is how you fail. Do short study sessions every night starting from a week before the assessment, and adjust the sessions to durations that work for you. (I recommend 20 minutes a session for 5 total sessions).
And one more recommendation you might not know about: After School Academic Place or ASAP. Teachers and student tutors are in the library from 3-4 to help you in any core subject. The schedule is posted in the library windows.
Pay Attention (For Real)
Finally, you must pay attention in class. I know it sounds really cliche but most people overlook this crucial step when they’re trying to do well. You have to really engage in class and practice your skills, not just listen. Or else the lesson will go in one ear and out the other.
I’ve now shared all of my grade-earning wisdom with you, and I seriously encourage you to use this advice throughout this school year and your entire high school career. Freshmen, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
