How can I get better grades?

Question

I already get good grades (93% average), but I think I can do better. Any strategies, tips, foods, or supplements I can use/take to get better grades

Answer 1

I have a 3.8 in college right now and I'm not any smarter than my friends, but I study smarter. Firstly, you have to study in the manner that fits the test being given. If you're studying for an essay test (or short answer) I would simply make out an outline of the material that you need to learn, then memorize it. This is because, if you are writing an essay, (or short response) you will have a structured memory of the concept. If you simply memorize flash cards, your thoughts will be fragmented. Remember: when you're writing, you're mind can fill in the details, you must have a structured essay! I have noted through college a correlation between people who study poorly for essays (i.e., they use flashcards) and poor performance. Also, you may read the book to fill in those details; the book may also offer a guideline on how to structure your outline (follow links below on how to outline).
If you are studying for a multiple choice test, it might be better to study flash cards. There are multiple reasons for this. One, it forces you to consciously process the information (because you are reading one side and trying to remember the other, rather than just passively reading). This results in better recall and longer lasting memory. Also, you can mix your cards up, so you aren't subject to what is refered to order effects (basically meaning that you remember the first and last of any series of information: test yourself, try remember a list of numbers, you'll remember the first few and last few). You can break the information up into 3 or 4 cards, making it easier to "chunk" the information. If you're trying to remember TONS of info at once, you're memory won't be as efficient as if you break the info up.
Here are a few memory strategies (told to me by a phd in cognitive psychology):
1. Chunk the information, break it up into categories, then memorize
2. Make the information meaningful. Relate the information to something you KNOW (if you relate it to something already in memory, the new information will likely be stored easier).
3. Pay attention to the information. Memory requires "active engagement"
4. Use Mnemonics, or tricks that help you memorize something. There are two types of mnemonics: pegword technique, in which you associate what you're trying to memorize with something you already know about and visualize it. For example, if you were trying to remember what the word "cavalcade" means, (which means a procession) you could think of "procession" of "cavalry" (which sounds like "cavalcade"). Another mnemonic is the Method of Loci, which you visualize what you are trying to remember in a familiar location. If I were trying to remember the words "Bun," "Tire," Asteroid," "Catfood" I would walk myself through my house, thinking of a bun on my kitchen counter, a tire in my bed, and asteroid crashing through my living room and catfood on my front porch. Follow the link for other mnemonics

Answer 2

Good Lord. I think you're doing great. The fact that you have done so well yet want to do better is commendable. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find a balance in life. Do your best but don't get overloaded , you will burn out.....or get obsessed with perfection...that's how anorexia starts and all sorts of other problems. You are the only one who can judge if you can do better. There are some people who are smart...so smart that they did not have to struggle very hard and they can breeze through high school without really knowing how to study or push themselves to do better. It can be a wake up call to go to college and suddenly find out what its like to have to put time into study. I don't know how hard you are having to push or how much time you have to put in to get the grades you already have. But grades are usually better the more time you put into study and reading and practice. As is everything else in life.

Answer 3

Good that you already get good grades :-)
There are many other activities to do as well like learning some music instrument,trying out some sport,working out,reading some bestseller book, hanging out with friends, appreciating fine music, movies, watching interviews of bigshots and figuring out secret behind their success,grooming your communication skills etc etc,. These things help you in long run and definitely deserve your precious time and energy :-)
So dont let the grades be your only focus!!

Answer 4

Take easier classes

Get to know the teacher, they will give you better grades if they have a more personal relationship with you and like you.

Join a study group, teaching information to others and get different points of view helps reinforce the lesson in your mind.

Answer 5

even though a 93 iz pretty high, i suggest that u study with your freetime and ask you teachers for extra credit, tutoring is an option too

Answer 6

Study more.

Answer 7

ahhhh go to school and stop asking dumb questions on yahoo and maybe you will graduate and won't have to stand in the welfare line to get money

Answer 8

For what? Enjoy your life.