How to Raise Your GPA and Keep it High

Getting good grades in high school is important because it makes it easier to get into college or an apprentice program after your graduate. The good news is that there are several easy strategies that you can use to improve your GPA and keep it at your preferred level.

Learn Your Strengths and Weaknesses as a Student

It is critical that you understand how you learn and how you retain information. For instance, if you are a visual learner, it may be possible to ask your teacher to record lectures so that you can watch them at home. If you're an auditory learner, be sure to sit close to the front so that you can hear your teacher speak. Once you understand your strengths, you can determine how extra help from teachers or tutors could be beneficial. If you learn better in a group setting, consider joining a study group or club that can help you with your academics.

When considering taking a class, look into the teaching style of that teacher to see if you would work well in the class. Many teachers are willing to adapt to help you learn so don’t be afraid to reach out. A lot of the time students are fully capable of doing well but struggle to find the motivation to do work or turn in assignments. Finding motivation is difficult but keep in mind that you are working for something in the long term. Colleges do not strictly look at GPA but having a solid GPA will always help. It can be daunting to ask for help especially when it seems like others do not have the same needs. However, about 20% of high schoolers have used tutors and more have used other resources. It is common for students to receive help with the SAT and college essays as well. So even if you feel alone, chances are you aren’t.

Don't Stress Over Grades

As GPA Calculator explains, "College applications are sent in before you complete your senior year, so your first three years of high school are the only ones reflected on your application." However, it isn't the only thing that colleges or other programs look for when deciding who to admit. Other factors that determine who gets into a school include athletic ability, a willingness to volunteer, and connections that you may have to those at a school. However, understand that colleges are also looking for consistency, so make sure to get involved as a Freshman or Sophomore and stick with it for the rest of high school. It looks good especially when you join a group as a freshman and work your way up to a leadership role by senior year. By learning how to relax and engage with the learning process itself, you can develop skills that will help you get good grades naturally.

Go For Those Extra Credit Assignments

Teachers will sometimes offer extra credit to help struggling students raise their grades. In many cases, these assignments may involve simply following directions or paying attention to a current event. According to Jackie Appell from Inklings News, “It is a great system because it allows to you help your grade a bit while still learning about the subject in another setting rather than just the classroom.” They can be a fun and easy way to keep your grades up even when you are struggling with a certain subject or unit within a subject. Even some college courses offer extra credit, so make sure to participate, even if it feels like too much work.

Take Academic Opportunities

Look into what can boost your GPA. Most high schools offer AP/IB classes and/or dual enrollment classes with their local community college. If you struggle in AP classes or do well in the class but struggle with the pressure put on the AP exam then maybe dual enrollment classes are a better fit. Often dual enrollment classes put less stress on an end of year final and more on the overall class grades, or have multiple exams throughout the class. They also prepare you for college since they are taught by college professors in a more professional setting. However, taking too many difficult classes at a time can be overwhelming, so learning to pace yourself and work with your schedule is equally as important. Some enrollment programs have minimester options, which is a shorter class for the same credit. If you are confident in your ability, consider taking these as fifth periods. Since many dual enrollment classes are online, it makes it easier to take a class on top of a heavy schedule. Always reach out to your school counselor or advisor to look into these opportunities.

Take Your Education Seriously

While you don't want to stress over each test or homework assignment, it is important to put yourself in the best position to succeed. According to Udemy, “Getting a good education is the key to our growth as people, as it allows knowledge to be advanced from generation to generation.” This may mean skipping parties on the weekend before a big test or limiting how many hours you work during the school year. If you play a sport, be sure to allocate enough time after practice or after games to focus on your studies. Although extracurriculars can boost your college resume, do not let them limit your success academically, make sure to balance your schedule.

Getting good grades in school is your primary job as a teenager. Therefore, you should spend as much time as it takes to learn a subject or to master the material enough to do well on a test or project. If you are having trouble in school, never hesitate to ask your parents or teachers for help. A great resource to use is Student Coaching Services, which is a personalized coaching service for students who are looking for academic advice.

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