SfC Home > Good Grades >
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
Excellence
The following 11 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Don't like math needed as Economics major
- Grades dropped after moving to Canada
- Used to get good grades, but they have dropped
- I am a slow learner and get poor grades
- Moving to Canada
- Can't excel in math
- Others don't have to study as hard
- Wants to do excellent before high school
- What if I tried my best?
- Not getting as good grades as before
Don't like math needed as Economics major
Question
December 23, 2007
i really lije the website, but i have this question, i am economics major, i love it, but what disappoint me is math! i do not like math and this makes me not doing well as i know i can! but the year 2008 i want to do so so well in math classes and economics, but i dont know where to start. how should i start?i mean how can i motivate my self?
yohan - USA
15016
Answer
One way to be more motivated in studying math is to look at the type of work that you would be doing in an economics job. Perhaps ask your professor or, better yet, seek out some people who are doing economics. (Talking to people in the field is also useful in opening doors for jobs when you graduate.)
Find out what mathematical tasks are necessary in the job. If you like economics, you will probably enjoy those applications of math, because they are needed to get results. Now in school, there are math courses that are boring or difficult, but that lead up to the interesting math applications. Realizing that you must "jump through some hoops" to get what you want, you can increase your motivation to do well in the unpleasant math courses.
Look toward your ultimate goal of working in economics. Visualize yourself with a good job in that field. That should be enough to motivate you to learn as much as you can about economics and the math needed to work in the field.
Best wishes in getting top grades this next year.
Grades dropped after moving to Canada
Question
July 4, 2006
I've been going to a Canadian high school for grade 11. I missed the first two months of grade 11 and I just got my final grade 11 report card - I'm doing poorly compared to my grade 10. I don't know how to explain to any universities that, for example, my math teacher did not grade us on anything except two tests for the entire year, but I guess that's just my problem. My average is now an 83 and I go to a Canadian public high school, where about half the people complain about their 94s. I used to do very well at my old American private school where I got A+'s in pretty much everything and had a 3.94 GPA, but everyone is telling me that no university would look at grade 10 marks. My brother had a 91 average in grade 11 and he got rejected by lots of U's, which means I don't think I'd ever be able to apply for Univeristy in America let alone get any scholarships.
-Bettie, Canada
Betty - Canada
11429
Answer
It is often difficult for students to change to a different school, and it often shows up in their grades being reduced. To a degree, it is not fair if a college is only judging on grade point average. But note that many schools are aware of "grade inflation" in high school, where many students have very high averages. Thus, they use entrance exams and other test scores to get a better idea of how much a student knows.
Although it is glamorous to go to a top university that rejects many students because their grades aren't at the high end, you might also find that the atmosphere in such a school is so competitive that it can be unpleasant. They are also extremely expensive.
Another route is to find schools that have reasonable tuition and less stringent entrance requirements. Also, look for a school that has a good program in your desired specialty. If you have your heart set on a specific school, it is often easier to transfer after a year or two in another college than to get in as a freshman.
Scholarships offered by a school are rare and difficult to get. But you can do research on scholarships. There are many obscure scholarships that students don't know about.
In the meanwhile, try to adjust to the new way of doing things in your Canadian high school. At the very least, it will make you a stronger student when you do get to college.
Best wishes in your future education.
Used to get good grades, but they have dropped
Question
November 14, 2005
Hi. I am a grade 10 student and i used to get good marks(88s) in grade 9 and other previous grades, but in high school(gr.10-12), i am stuggling with math and english (50s n 60s). Can u tell me how to get better marks in high school? Also, do universities look at your grade 10 marks? If so, do they look at your final marks or interm marks or both? Don't they only look at your grade 11 and 12 marks in Canadian universities? Holla back. thank you.
Rouvina - Canada
8944
Answer
Although school gets more difficult as you advance, your grades should not drop so much unless something else is going on. Take a look at what you hae been doing to see if you have been getting side-tracked in your studies.
You want to learn to study smarter and make the most of your study time.
Talk to your Math and English teacher and ask for advice on how you can improve your grades. For one thing, it is good that they know you really care about your grades. Secondly, they may give some good pointers. Teachers want their students to do well, because it reflects on their teaching abilities.
Universities usually look at your total grade point average. Some may just look at the upper grades. But in any case, you want to do as well as possible in preparation for college. But even if you don't get top grades, there are always schools that will give you a chance.
I hope these ideas help and that you will be able to get good grades in high school and do well in college. You've already taken the first step in trying to improve your abilities.
I am a slow learner and get poor grades
Question
November 14, 2005
Hello. I live in Calgary,Alberta, Canada and i just wanted to know if the universities/ post-secondary education people look at your grade 10 marks, not just grade 11 and 12 marks? Also I used to do go in jr.high (average 88%'s), but now im sitting on average of 65%. I think it's because i am a slow learner and high school's pace is really fast, but could you help me how to do better in high school? Thanks.
- Canada
8943
Answer
Most colleges look at your total grade point average, but some look at just the last years. Either way, you need to improve your grades.
If you feel that the pace in high school is too fast, then you need to make some adjustments in how you work and what classes you take. The assumption in school is often that you learned some of the material in previous years, so they don't need to cover it very well. The problem is when a student was not taught the material in the lower grades or did not pay attention at that time.
Look at where your weak areas are. If the present class is too hard and you can't keep up, then you will need to take slightly easier classes. You want to be pushed and have the classes to be a challenge but not so much of a challenge that you get poor grades.
Never call yourself a slow learner. Instead consider the fact that you need to improve your study habits in various areas. If you read slowly, you can work on improving your reading speed and skills. But in the meanwhile, allocate extra time to complete the reading assignment. Everyone does not work at the same speed.
Much of learning is "catching on" to the main points. Taking notes in class is good to help you review what is said in class. You can also get an idea of what the teacher considers is important, because that will often be on a test.
I hope these ideas help you excel in school.
Moving to Canada
Question
July 21, 2005
hi,my question is that my family is shifting to canada.I have just given my 9th grade examinations my parents are shifting because we can get good education as the country we are living in has no standard as compared to canada and other countries.my question is that what subjects i would be having in the 10th grade, i want to have some knowledge about the education system.please tell me in detail so i can make my self prepared.
osama - pakistan
7595
Answer
It is smart to be prepared for the new educational system. Most cities in Canada have their own educational system and emphasize different subjects. Certainly math, science, writing and English are important.
You probably can't do anything until you actually move to the city in Canada. Then you can find out the high school where you will be going. You can then the city school board, as well as the school to ask for information on preparations you should make and what to expect.
Another thing to do is to try to find others from Pakistan who live in that city. Your parents probably will want to do this too. In this way, you can get information from people who have already settled in. Also, you might find some students your own age who can give you pointers.
One big adjustment is the different culture. People and students probably do many things differently than you are used to. It will take a little time to adjust and to get new friends.
Best wishes in your new country and new school. It will be an exciting adventure for you.
Can't excel in math
Question
May 10, 2003
I really want to do well in school, but it's already May and final exams are a month away. They start on June 16th.
I'm in grade 9 going on to grade 10, and my teachers were telling me that universities look at grade 9 marks as well. I'm doing really poorly in math, because I find it really hard. It's a big change from grade 8 to grade 9 math. I haven't learned half the things the teacher teaches.
I have a really good teacher, but I just don't seem to understand anything. And then I don't know what questions to ask her, because I just don't seem to understand anything.
When I get home and start to do my homework, I sometimes get it, but when the test rolls around I forget how to do the questions and how to apply the formulas and things like that.
My mark in math during midterm was 56%. I’m barely passing, and I can't go to summer school, because I want to go to summer school to do grade 10 History to get a bit ahead. And this year, along with my math exam, I have a science, French and religion exam.
I'm really stressed out, and I have no idea how to improve my marks. My parents get really mad if my average isn't 80% or above, and at midterm it was 76%. I really want an 80+ average so I can get on the honor roll and make my parents proud, but math is keeping me from getting it.
I play soccer, which takes up some of my time after school for three or two days a week. And I also try to exercise to keep fit cause I’m not in too great of a shape.
My parents have told me to get a tutor, but I don't want to. I keep telling myself that if I really try hard enough I can get an 80, but it's just not working. When I tell myself I’m going to study for a good two hours or so, it just never happens. I say I’ll study in the morning, but in the morning I’m too tired. So I say I’ll study during my lunch, but it just never gets done. And when the test comes around, I’m just like it's okay if I fail this one. I’ll do really well on the other one. But do I do well on the next one? No.
And now I have a month before exams, and I’m in panic mode to improve my marks. All my other marks are in the 70's and 80's, but my math mark is in the 50's, and it really makes me mad!
I've cheated on math tests by writing down the formula's sometimes. And now I’m worried that the exam is going to come, and I’m not going to know anything. I don't know how to study properly for any tests or for the tests. So if you can please, please, please help me figure something out I would be so grateful.
Kelly - USA
7476
Answer
It is good that you want to do well in school, because that desire is important in succeeding. Certainly 9th grade is different than 8th, since you are now more in the "big time." Of course, the step to college is another big jump.
Math can be difficult until you really catch on and get into the flow. It consists of a number of simple rules and formulas that you combine to solve problems. The idea of math homework is often to practice combining those concepts and solving the tricky problems. Just like some people are good at playing chess, some catch on to math right away, while others have to struggle. But that doesn’t mean that those that don’t catch on right away should fail or do poorly. It is just a little more work involved.
Right now, you are in "crunch time", so you need to set some priorities and make some changes to make sure you get a passing grade in math, as well as good grades in the other classes. You might look at how much time soccer is taking for you and consider whether to drop out for the rest of the semester. You still want to get some exercise, because that does help your thinking abilities.
Don’t be too proud to get a tutor. Your big goal is to get a decent grade in math. Getting a poor grade on your own isn’t worth it. First of all, I would go to your math teacher and tell her you are concerned about your grades. Ask her if she can recommend a tutor or some other way to help your understanding. If your teacher knows you are really concerned, she may give you some special considerations.
Let your parents know that you would be willing to use a tutor. The person can help you review concepts you don’t understand and help you prepare for the finals.
As far as cheating on your math test go, of course that is not a good idea. If you get caught, the stigma will follow you, plus it will affect your grades. Also, it is not the right thing to do. Another thing is not to tell anyone that you did cheat on previous tests. You shouldn’t even tell your best friends, because it can slip out to someone else, and word gets around.
One thing to do is to take notes in class and write down important points the teacher makes. Good college students are dedicated note-takers. Then when you study, you can review your notes and they will help you remember things.
Trying to study a subject for two hours can actually discourage you from doing it. Break your math studying into smaller pieces and then try to blitz through them. Make sure you get something done each night instead of waiting until the morning to get started. Then it is too late.
I hope these ideas will help you get a better grade in math and your other subjects. I think one of the most important is to let your teacher know you want to get a better grade and to ask for some advise. Your teacher wants you to get a good grade too.
Others don't have to study as hard
Question
June 21, 2005
Hi,I study really hard for maths test and i do well but when it comes to the exam i do not do so well and i found out that i even read more than those that even got a higher grade than i did and when i am studing they are just wasting there time doing something irrelivant.What is my problem.
Mary - Nigeria
7332
Answer
It is important to do well in tests. That is a skill that will help you in all classes. See our lessons on being good in tests.
Sometimes students get too nervous in a test, and that affects their grade. You need to make sure you know what is important in class, because that is what is often in the test.
In mathematics, doing the homework is important, because being able to solve problems is considered more than memorizing things in the exams. Homework is practice for the test.
Never worry about how much other students study or how well they do. Just be concerned that you do the best job you can. Then you can be proud of yourself. If someone can get by with less studying than you in maths, then good for that person. But don't concern yourself. In fact, there are other things that you can do that is better than them. So it all evens out.
I hope these ideas help you become a champion in school. I am sure you will.
Wants to do excellent before high school
Question
May 10, 2005
Hey,
-May 10th, 2005
I go 2 grde 8, goin 2 grde 9. The problem is that...I want to do excellent this last 3rd term...grde 8 is almost comin 2 n end, n i wana go 2 a very gud high school, 2 mke my parenz proud...especially my dad, my dad sez dat if i get 4 A's/80%'z (or higher) den i get w/e i want, not only dat it mkez every1 in my family proud. I did so well in 1st term, but not in 2nd, n now diz last term i want 2 da best i can. But itz so hard 2 get 80%z n 90%z how do i go from a level 3/3+ student 2 a level 4...i'm close but i wana b da closest n do da best! How DO I MKE DIZ POSSIBLE!?!?!? I awlwayz say 2 my-self i do alwayz study, cuz datz wat my parenz wana c, but i neva get da chance 2 study. Help plz!! Plz giv me da best advice u can! I wana do DA BEST!:'(
Mugnin - Canada
6925
Answer
I am glad to hear that you want to be excellent in school, because that is the start of becoming a champion in school. If you want it, then it will happen. But it may take work.
One thing is that you feel that you have done the best you can. That is important to you. But besides doing your best, you also need to use techniques that will make your work easier and more efficient.
Set aside a time for study, because that is important. You can still have time for other things, but assign your times so you will get everything done.
One big advice I have for going to high school is that you should be careful using the slang or shortcuts from instant messages and email. Although it is popular and easier, you also can get into a bad habit in using the slang and not learn how to properly spell words. A high school teacher that saw the sentence "cuz datz wat my parenz wana c" would probably give you an F. So, it is just a warning to avoid in your schoolwork.
I hope these ideas help, and best wishes in becoming the excellent student that you are able to be.
What if I tried my best?
Question
April 25, 2005
i would tell a teaher he doesn't know what he's talking about if he gave me a low grade on something that i tried my best on
so you better change you answer
Wardah - USA
6776
Answer
If you tried your best but got a poor grade, it would be good to let the teacher know you did as good as you can. But note that often the grades are determined by test scores, even if you tried your best. That may not be fair, but that is the way they do things.
Letting the teacher know you are trying to do well can get him to give you a break and try to help you get better grades.
I hope you get top grades in school.
Not getting as good grades as before
Question
March 19, 2005
i used to get good marks during my school life but now i am studying in Ist year mca but now i am not able to maintain the same standard.now it is difficult for me to pass. why ?
vivek - india
6389
Answer
One problem is that as you get older, there are more distractions that keep you from concentrating as much. Also, classes may be getting more difficult and it is harder to understand the material. Redcuing your work load may help. It is always good to ask the teacher to give some suggestion on improving your grades. Sometimes they can point out things where you can improve.
Do not get discouraged. Give yourself praise but then set goals to do better next time.
Best wishes in getting good grades and a good job.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Grades issues.
Always do your best
Resources
The following are some resources on this topic.
Websites
Books
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Feel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site.
Where are you now?
Answers to Readers' Questions