You can move up in English more easily, but once you’re “locked” into a math track, it’ll be harder to move ahead. For example, if you’re in regular Algebra in 8th grade, you’ll have to go to regular Geometry in 9th unless you’ve really proven yourself. If you can take two math classes, as this can help you get ahead.
For example, if your school does use a weighted GPA to determine valedictorian, then you may receive a 4. 0 for an “A” in regular classes, a 5. 0 for an “A” in honors classes and a 6. 0 for an “A” in AP classes. A valedictorian also typically gives a graduation speech in front of their classmates. But if this is the part that appeals to you the most, then make sure that the speech-giver is the valedictorian. Some schools have the student body president give a speech, some have students vote for which student should give the speech, while others have the valedictorian and the student body president and another student give a speech. Some schools have more than one valedictorian – or as many as 29![2] X Research source
Take AP classes over honors classes when you can, if they are worth more points. Your electives can really hurt your weighted GPA because they tend to be considered regular classes. However, all students in your school will most likely be expected to take some electives, such as gym or art class. Whenever you can, though, try to take an elective that is worth more points, if you have the option. For example, don’t take Creative Writing if it is considered a regular class; take AP Language and Composition if it is offered to everyone instead. Sure, you may end up missing out on some fun classes over the course of your high school career. But those classes will NOT get you to be the valedictorian. If your school has the option of not having to take gym if you do a sport, then consider picking up a sport if not taking gym will boost your GPA. If you want to be valedictorian, then you should also be well-rounded so you stand out in college applications for more than just your grades. You should obviously not take a sport, though, just to make your GPA higher, because the extra time you devote to sports may keep you away from your studies.
Even William R. Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions at Harvard, recently said, “I think, it’s a bit of an anachronism. This has been a long tradition, but in the world of college admissions, it makes no real difference. ”[3] X Research source Being valedictorian in addition to showing strengths in sports, community service, or the arts will help you be an amazing candidate. But being ranked #10 in your class and doing these same things won’t make you look much worse. Your SAT score will also have a major impact on your college acceptances. Many colleges place equal weight on your GPA and your SAT score – that means your effort for four years of high school courses will amount to about as much as your efforts on a 3. 5 hour exam! Sound fair? It isn’t, but you’ve got to get used to it.
Make an efficient study schedule. Maybe you will spend 2-3 hours of studying a night, or maybe you will study for 3-4 hours every other night. Whatever you do, make a plan in advance so you don’t end up getting overwhelmed or procrastinate. Pace yourself. Set a goal – 10-15 pages per day, and don’t go overboard too much or you’ll burn out. Take advantage of practice quizzes. Your history books, math textbooks, or other course material may come with practice questions that you can use to see how well you know the course materials. Even if your teacher doesn’t use these resources, they can be valuable to you. Make flashcards. If flashcards help you memorize historical concepts, foreign languages, or even mathematical operations, use them.
Keep your chatter with other students to a minimum. You may be missing some important information. Take stellar notes to study from. Don’t just write down what the teacher is saying word for word – try to put the notes in your own words so you really absorb the material. Talk to your teacher after class occasionally. You don’t have to annoy your teacher by always being there, but getting to know your teachers a bit more will help you stand out in their eyes.
Keep a planner where you write down all of the homework due each day. Keep a calendar over your desk where you can mark important test dates.
Reading ahead is a great way to give yourself an edge. Just don’t bring it up when you participate in class or the teacher may get annoyed that you’re stealing her thunder or confusing other students with additional information.
You can also invest in a private tutor, but those can get pretty pricey.
This will also help you stay grounded and will keep you from obsessing over your studies too much.
Find some friends that you can study with. Having a group of like-minded students can help you make studying more fun and productive. Try starting a study group for one of your classes and see how it works out; if you’re able to stay focused, then you’ve just improved your chances of acing your classes.
Remember that everyone is different. Maybe you need to study for 4 hours to ace an exam and the student next to you only needs to study for 3 hours to do well. You don’t have to be the most naturally gifted to be the valedictorian – you just have to work the hardest.
You can still have a social life while avoiding drugs or alcohol. If you want to be valedictorian, then you have to stick with the right crowd.
Try to go to bed no later than 10 or 11 PM and give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour before you leave the house in the morning so you feel alert when you head to class.
To be the valedictorian, you’ll have to be in a calm state of mind or you may find that the pressure is suddenly too much to deal with. Stay positive and always look forward – doesn’t waste your time stressing about your test grade from a month or a year ago. It just isn’t worth it.
