There may also be behavioral requirements related to being on the honor roll. So make sure you behave well and treat others with respect. You can also try talking to your guidance counselor to find out more about what it takes to meet the honor roll requirements.
In most schools, you can still be on the honor roll without taking honors or AP classes. So it might be a smarter idea to take the regular classes where you have a better chance of making an A. However, if you plan on attending college, taking AP classes is important. So it’s probably worth the extra effort to take the honors/AP classes. For example, you might have to work really hard to make a B in an AP class whereas you could have made an A in the regular version of the same class. [2] X Research source
Keep track of upcoming tests, quizzes and exams so that you can plan to study them. Generally, these assignments are worth a very large amount of your grade so getting good grades on them is important. Never stay up late before such an assignment so you can be well-rested and awake.
If you have excellent grades in one class, you’ll just need to work hard enough to maintain that grade. But if you have a lower grade in another class, you’ll have to work harder to make up the difference. Remember to always communicate with your teachers. If you have questions about class assignments or your performance in class, talk to your teachers about it. They are there to help you. Similarly, if you are struggling with a subject or if you have a schedule conflict and have to miss a few classes, be sure to tell your teacher as soon as possible. The more advanced notice you give them, the more flexible they can be to help you.
If you don’t pay attention, you’ll miss learning the material as well as comments about homework assignments, projects, and other graded assignments.
Remember – homework is intended to increase your understanding and help you find what you need to learn. Take advantage of that, and come to class with questions about it if you don’t understand. Never leave assignments and study time for the last minute. Procrastinating will not get you the grades you need to get on the honor roll.
If you can, choose a topic you’re excited about. This will make the assignment more interesting to read for your teacher. Answer the assignment question thoroughly and don’t get off topic. Develop a clear thesis statement that helps you stay on topic throughout. If your teacher gives a specific essay format, be sure to follow it in order to avoid losing points that could have been saved easily. Make sure you proofread your writing assignments thoroughly before handing them in. You don’t want to turn in assignments with careless mistakes you could have easily fixed.
If you don’t get one concept, or have a question, be sure to ask the teacher. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you’re studying or doing homework at home and don’t get a problem, ask your parents or call a friend who has the same class. If they don’t know the answer, make sure to come into school, ready to ask your teacher.
Reviewing for exams a little bit each night means you will absorb much more of the information than if you wait to cram it all in at the last minute the night before the test. Always have time set aside to study and search for techniques that work for you.
Try to organize your notes as you write them (with bullet points) so that they make sense later.
For instance, do independent research so you have thorough background knowledge of the subject. This is especially helpful if you will have to answer essay questions on the topic.
You could run for class president, become the treasurer of your school’s chapter of the Environmental Society, or start playing the violin in orchestra class.
Go to a movie with your friends or go on a weekend trip with your family. Spend some time reading a book for pleasure or playing sports with your neighbors. Avoid expecting too much from yourself or setting unrealistic expectations. Don’t focus on school so much that it consumes your life. While school is always the priority, be sure to get involved in other things as well.
