For years, students have been questioning what it takes to become an all A student. Although sometimes it can be obvious, many students struggle with making good grades, especially all As. Is it the way they study, or the way they write essays? Is it the way they prepare for class, or turn in their homework? Earring the top grade requires successfully balancing extracurricular activities with classwork, along with the ability to learn from challenges, while maintaining motivation to work towards goals.
To be able to complete courses with all A’s, you must first understand how important balancing extracurriculars can be. Although becoming involved with sports, clubs, and perhaps a part-time job are fun, extracurricular activities tend to sometimes be in the way of academic success. Most classes, along with college courses, can be demanding on students, needing all their time and energy for studying and mastering the course work.
The ability to handle extracurricular activities along with maintaining good grades can be difficult for anyone, and the key is simply balance. According to Julia Baker, a senior at Great Crossing, handling extracurriculars along with school can be difficult. “It can be really hard to balance extracurricular activities with school. I’ve learned over the years the key is staying prepared, and staying on top of all school work.”
Peyton Broaddus, a senior at Great Crossing, shared similar experiences as Baker. “To me, academic success means staying focused, achieving good grades, and being able to balance personal, work, and school life while also keeping good grades.” Extracurricular activities, if balanced correctly, are great for students to connect, and can even help them better understand themselves along the key to making the A.
Another major aspect to becoming a straight A student is how you approach challenges. Overcoming and learning from challenges is a major aspect that is highly important to overall become a successful student in and out of the classroom. Bad grades, a failed test, difficult partners, busy schedules and more are simple examples of daily challenges for students.
Broaddus, like most students, has suffered from the challenges of school. She, unlike others, has decided to learn from these experiences. “The worst grade I ever received was a 70% on my psychology exam. I studied a lot, but it made me realize how some classes require you to study in different ways.”
Instead of feeling defeated, Broaddus realized this setback was simply a lesson in itself. She explained, “To study now I read the passages, print out notes, copy down notes, use studying tools like Quizlet, and constantly study throughout the week. I would now say the key to making the A is staying diligent and keeping up with your work. Procrastination is not an option.”
An extremely large part in becoming a successful student includes having a personal mindset connecting to motivation and goals. Without motivation or a goal students are much less likely to overall succeed within the classroom. Many students struggle with finding motivation to complete work, study, and more essential factors. “I struggle strongly with motivation and goal making skills,” said Elle Rodgers, a Junior at Great Crossing. Since Rodgers has suffered from a lack of motivation, she has learned to overcome these challenges with making goals. To remain motivated, Rodgers stays on top of current assignments, along with reminding herself why academic success is important.
Baker has realized that making specific goals helps with both motivation and success. “I would say the overall key to making the A is to stay focused with one overall goal. Throughout my time at ECS, and through soccer I’ve learned the importance of goal making, along with how benefiting making goals can be!”
Baker has also now realized what factors help keep her motivated. “What motivates me is the thought of hopefully having a successful career someday later on.”
