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Reader questions and feedback on getting good grades in school. Also refer to teachers, friends, studying, homework, middle, high school, college, tests, cheating, anxiety, success, confidence, presentations, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Getting Good Grades
Avoid Failing
The following 11 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Extremely nervous that I may fail courses in college
- I have a tendency to fail
- I want to get better grades in school
- Teachers say I am failing
- Grades dropped after going to a private school
- Failing all my classes because I'm like my father
- Falls asleep while studying for exams
- Worried about final exams
- Know I will get bad grades, so I don't study
- Not getting high grades drives me crazy
Extremely nervous that I may fail courses in college
Question
October 16, 2009
I'm currently in college. I'm extremely nervous about the business calculus courses and other classes i signed up for. I completely messed up on the assignments for business calculus.That's because, I would procrastinate on the assignments. Now,I'm in a sad situation. I'm in danger of failing the class. I just took a midterm for the business calculus and it's 80%. I think I failed the midterm. :( Now,I'm willing to work hard to get a better marks on the test and to actually do the homework. I've never actually failed a class in high school other than world history.
This is honestly a huge transition from High school to college. College is way harder and more expectations. :( Now, what do you think I should do if I'm failing the class?
what's hard for me is being distracted and,not taking school seriously for the first time. I don't want to make the same mistakes my brother did in college. He didn't do well during his first two years. Eventually, he patched up and got better marks during his 3rd and 4th year.
- USA
18517
Answer
It is not uncommon for a student who did well in high school to overestimate his or her ability to do just as well in college. One big problem is when a student finds high school easy and does not learn important study skills.
Putting off doing assignments may be a result of poor study habits or it may be because you don't really like the subject. What is needed is long-range goals. Envision what you want to do when you graduate from college. The courses you take should lead you to that goal or dream. With plans for the future, you can even be motivated to work hard in unpleasant courses.
If you goof around in the beginning, the later school years are more difficult, and the quality of job upon graduation is not as good as compared to doing well throughout college.
Keep a focus on your schoolwork. If you set up a good routine, you can get through your homework and still be able to have free time for fun.
Note that if it looks like you may fail a class or that one difficult class is affecting the grades in your other classes, it is better to drop the class. In college, you usually have the option to drop a class and perhaps take it over in a later semester. You don't want a failing grade on your records.
Write down your goals, your dream job and the grades you want to get. That will be a good reminder to help you stay focused.
Best wishes on turning things around in school.
I have a tendency to fail
Question
September 21, 2009
I'm a student myself and I have a tendency to fail in some classes at school. but my problem is that I do work hard and try to keep up with the rest of my classmates, but sometimes the material is to hard or the assignments are not easy to understand and sometimes the teacher is in a bad mood and he/she shouldn't be messed with. What do I do?
Taylor - USA
18356
Answer
One thing to do is to try to work smarter instead of harder. Keeping notes or marking your textbook helps to study for tests. You also should look for hints from the teacher as to what is important.
Set a goal of what grades you would like to get in your classes. Preferably, write them down as a reminder.
If you have trouble keeping up with the rest of the class, perhaps you are taking subjects that are either too hard or not within your talents. Evaluate yourself to determine what you are really good at and enjoy doing. That is the direction you should be taking in school. If you can, try to get classes in those areas.
Be sure to sit close to the front of the class. Those in the fronts rows usually get better grades than those in the back rows.
Ask your teacher for suggestions on how you can get better grades in class. teachers like students who are trying, but often they aren't aware of it.
Finally, don't think in terms of having a tendency of failing. Instead, tell yourself that you have a tendency of doing well in school. Much of it is in your mind.
I hope this helps you get top grades in school.
I want to get better grades in school
Question
January 21, 2009
Dear to whom this may concern,
I am in 7th grade and all my grades are either a d or a f and i would like to improve. unlike other students i care for my grades and academics. i know i can do better do u guys have tips because i also go out with my friends a lot!!!!
thank you
mahnam - USA
17132
Answer
It is good that you know that you can do better and that you want to improve yourself. It is important to set goals for the grades that you would like to have. Write down while a piece of paper the great you would like to have in each of your classes and pin that up on the wall where you can see it every day. This will remind you of what you want to achieve and will help you because you know you can do it.
Find out when your friends do their homework. If they also get poor grades and do not study, you need to consider how much time you want to spend with them. You don't want their bad habits to drag you down. But if they study before going out with you, then you would need to be able to manage your time so that you can do your homework and still go out to have fun.
Although it is difficult to do, it is a good idea to let your teachers know that you want to get better grades and to ask for suggestions on how you can improve. You may alert something that you are doing wrong, and it helps if the teachers know that you are trying hard to get good grades.
You are on the right track to try to improve your grades, and I am sure that you are going to be able to meet the challenge and become a top student.
Teachers say I am failing
Question
January 3, 2009
I THINK I AM NOT DOING GOOD IN SCHOOL CAUSE MY TEACHERS SAY I AM FAILING. SO WHAT DO I DO TO GET GOOD GRADES??
MY FAMILY THINKS I NEED HELP SO WHATS Y I ASKED U!!
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
DANISA - USA
17044
Answer
You really need to find out why you are not getting good grades. Is it because you get distracted and don't finish your homework? Do you have trouble understanding the teacher? Are the subjects too hard for you? Do you do poorly in tests?
There are a lot of possible reasons. But it is important for you to think about it and get an idea of why you are having trouble.
If it is something that you are doing that affects the way you study--like watching too much television when you should be doing your homework--then these are things you can change.
Also, perhaps your teacher can help. Tell your teacher you would like to get better grades in class and ask for suggestions of how you can do better. Many teachers will try to give you some sort of assistance or ideas that can help you do better in class.
Also, look through our other lessons in Getting Good Grades, including Answers to Reader Questions.
I hope these idea help you get good grades and become a top student.
Grades dropped after going to a private school
Question
June 2, 2008
I'm an average student and i go to a private school. Before i went to the private school i was a very sharp student and i also skipped grade 4 because i was too smart for that grade. I've never went to a public school before but now i don't know why when i went to a new school everything became harder. I should be getting 80's but I'm getting 70's.
Akash - Canada
16030
Answer
Switching schools can be difficult, because they often do things differently. It is even more difficult when you go from a public to a private school. It takes time to learn how they do things. Also, something may have been taught last year in this school that you weren't taught in your old school. So, you may be required to catch up.
It might be a good idea to talk to your teacher or counselor and say that you are having a little trouble adjusting to the new way of doing things and that you want to get better grades. Often they don't realize that a new student can have problems with a different system. Hopefully, they would give some help or guidance.
Don't get discouraged. When I was in the 5th grade, I changed schools to a completely different area. Right away I started to do poorly and got in trouble in school. So they transferred me to the class for the "slow" students and trouble-makers. I soon became the top student in that class was later a top student in school. So, it can work out.
Finally, don't accept being an average student, just getting 80s. If you skipped a grade, you should think of yourself as an excellent or outstanding student. Set your goals and sights on getting grades in the 90s. You know you have the ability.
Best wishes in making adjustments to become a top student at your new school.
Failing all my classes because I'm like my father
Question
May 19, 2008
i've just lost all will to try. I have faild at every damn subject i have in one way or another, and its gotten to the point that i dont even want to try because all i can expect is failure. I dont even go to school some times, because its easier than 'facing the music' as it were. I know im intelegent, people even think im smart just based on how i present myself verbally. But inside i feel like a worthless academic failure, and id ont want anyone to know that ive fallen so hard. i dont know what else to do. I just cant bring myself to the point where i want to try, i know tha tif i dont try i cant possibly succeed, but if i try i often dont succeed. I am scared for my future. and that i'll end up 'like your father' he quit after highschool and just works for a living. These failures have pushed into my psycie to the point where i dont even want to get up in the morning. I have a good job, am blessed with so many things. To make matters worse, my little sister is really good at everything, and is even graduating the same time i am, what kind of a man is stupider than his little sister is all i hear in my head.
is there anything you guys can help me with?
Adam - USA, California
15969
Answer
One of the meanest things people (usually relatives) can do is to repeatedly tell someone that he will "end up like your father," especially if his father is not all that successful. The person will start to believe it and start to act in a way that will make this prophecy come true.
But your father doesn't sound like a drug addict, someone in prison or a complete loser. If he is working and supporting his family, he is doing the best he can. Take some time to talk to your father. Ask him why he quit high school. Find out what he thinks he is really good at. Sometimes people miss out on doing the things they really wanted to do. I think you will get some insight about yourself from talking to him.
Then ask yourself, "What are my dreams?" What would you like to be doing in your life? If you are good at presenting yourself verbally, do you see yourself as a high-level salesman or as someone who makes a good living making presentations to companies? Or maybe someone in politics? Unless you have some dreams, you will be a like a ship without a rudder and floundering in school and going nowhere.
If you have something you want to achieve, you will have greater motivation to study and do well in school. Write down what you want and put it on the wall where you can see it every day. Or put it in your wallet to look at every day.
Never, ever call yourself a failure or think of yourself in a negative manner. Recognize your skills and your achievements. Every time you do something successful, pat yourself on the back and say, "Good job." This will improve your outlook and increase your confidence.
If you are failing every class, you certainly must be doing something wrong. Or perhaps you are doing the wrong things really well. Sit by yourself and do some soul-searching to determine all the wrong things you have been doing that are causing you to get poor grades.
If you really want to change, go up to your teachers and tell each you want to turn over a new leaf. Ask them for suggestions on how you can get your grades up. You may hear things you don't want to hear, but just take it all in. Note that teachers do not like to fail students. It doesn't look good on their records, so most should try to help you.
If you can, start sitting near the front row in your classes. Show your speaking skills by trying to answer the teacher's questions. Make a good effort.
Finally, tell your little sister how proud you are of her. You goofed up a couple of times, but now you are going to be back on the right track. It won't be easy to change your bad habits or your reputation, but you know you can do it.
I expect you to be a champion in school soon.
Falls asleep while studying for exams
Question
April 12, 2008
Hi,
everytime i try to study i feel so tired and end up going to sleep.I don't know what to do because my exams are a few week's time, please give me some advice.
Thank you
Hajen - UK
15716
Answer
Some students are able to stay up all night studying, but others are more effective in the morning or at other times of the day. You can try going to bed early and then studying in the morning before school. Another thing to do is to do your studying in small pieces, whenever you get a chance during the day and right after school.
One trick a friend used to do was to study for no more than one half hour on a subject. Then he would switch to another subject. He claimed changing subjects kept his mind fresh. You might try something like that to see if it keeps you from falling asleep.
I hope these ideas help and that you will get good grades in your exams.
Worried about final exams
Question
February 6, 2008
Hi. Im doing good in school but when i have to take the end of the year test and stuff im not doing good and im wondering if ill make it tro high school cuz i do good in testes and quizes but its jus the ones at the end of the year that i dont pass im really worried if im going to make it tro high school please reply back and let me what would or could happen please thank you!!!!
Randy - USA
15294
Answer
One thing to do is to find out how much the tests and quizzes count and how much the final exam will count toward your grade. If you got good grades during the year and goof up the final, you still should pass. Also, the teacher may consider that since you did well all year but not good on the year-end exams, they won't count too much.
It is a good idea to bring up your concerns with your teachers. Tell them that you are worried, because you often freeze up in the final exams. They can tell you where you stand, and perhaps give some pointers.
Start getting things ready for studying for the final exams. You want to have your notes, homework and old tests organized, so that you can easily review them for the exams. Often students will throw everything in a drawer and then have trouble finding material. Studying from the book is good, but this other material makes things easier.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes on getting top grades in your classes. Let me know how things work out.
Know I will get bad grades, so I don't study
Question
January 8, 2008
Lets say I am really trying the best i can and still i don't seem to get the grades i think i should be getting. Sometimes its so frustrating I just quit and won't study because i know I'm going to get a bad grade anyway. What should I do to help myself become better at life (when it comes to test). Is there something I can do to help me not freeze while taking any test?
Thank you for your time
Sincerly Class of 2010
Desiree - USA
15068
Answer
It is good that you are trying to do your best. But you may be missing some important things in your classes. One thing is that teachers often give clues of what they feel is important in class and will probably be on the test. Keep your eyes open for these hints. It is good to take notes of things you think will be important. This is a good way to prepare the the test way ahead of time.
Being good at taking tests is a skill in itself. Practice taking tests. One way is to set an alarm clock as a time limit on doing a homework assignment. This pressure gets you used to the same type of pressure when you take a test.
Write down what grades you think you should be getting and post that sheet where you can see it every day. This will be a goal to achieve and allow you to visualize getting those grades. The worse thing in the world is to assume you will get a bad grade. Not only don't you study enough, but you almost force yourself to do poorly, even if you know the material.
Instead, just picture the good grade and do your best to achieve it. If you don't get that grade, try to figure out what you did wrong and make some adjustments for the next time around.
With some good preparation and thoughts about taking the test, you won't need to worry that can cause you to freeze up.
I hope these ideas help. I know you have it in you to do real well in your classes and in your tests.
Best wishes on top grades.
Not getting high grades drives me crazy
Question
December 5, 2007
hi my name is selin and i do all my homwork i participate i do my classwork but i still dont get high grades which drives me crazy and i get depressed that way.....in my school test is the most percentage that adds up from class participation and classwork also homework...And if you can help me out with my problem i would really appreciate it.
selin - USA
14911
Answer
There must be some area that is holding down your grades. Some students may do their homework and participate in class, but they do not do well in their tests. Doing well in tests is a special skill. One thing is to be able to get clues from the teacher of what will probably be on the test. Often teachers will emphasize certain items or problems. Practicing taking tests helps gain ability in that area.
It might be a good idea to talk to your teacher and tell him or her that you want to get better grades in class. Then ask for some suggestions. Often the teacher will point out areas in your work that need improvement. This is invaluable information, because usually students don't realize their own weak areas.
Once you get an idea of areas in which to improve in the class, you can concentrate on those items.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes in achieving your goals and in getting the top grades you want.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Grades issues.
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