13 Ways To Become A Straight A+ Student - WikiHow

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How to Become a Straight A+ Student Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Review your notes from class immediately after. 2 Do the bulk of your studying during the day. 3 Try to read ahead rather than play catch-up. 4 Teach the material to someone else. 5 Create a study schedule from day one. 6 Organize your books and materials. 7 Participate in every class session. 8 Take good notes on lectures and readings. 9 Ask your teacher questions if you don't understand. 10 Complete all assignments and turn them in on time. 11 Build an outline of the entire course. 12 Supplement your learning outside of class. 13 Prioritize your mental and physical health. + Show 10 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: September 3, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 224,595 times.

Making an A+ in every single class is quite an accomplishment as a student. Do you think you have what it takes? Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily have to be the smartest person to make great grades—but you do need a strong sense of self-discipline and good time management skills. Here, we've gathered some of the best tips you can use to perform well in all of your classes. By using these methods you can become a straight A+ student.

Steps

1

Review your notes from class immediately after.

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1. Your notes are more helpful when the class is still fresh in your head. Schedule a 10- to 15-minute study session as soon as possible after your class (maybe in between classes, if you have enough time). Fill in any blanks in your notes so they'll be understandable later and highlight any unanswered questions you had or anything you don't understand.[1]
   • For example, suppose you have an hour between classes. You might schedule a 30-minute study session and spend half of that time reviewing your notes from the first class. Then, devote the second half of that session to looking over your notes or assignments for the second class.
   • In a regular study session later, you might type your notes up in narrative or outline form. That will make them more accessible when you're studying.
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2

Do the bulk of your studying during the day.

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1. Studying during the day is more effective than studying at night. It's best to leave your evenings free to relax and wind down from the day. Carve out time in the morning to study, as well as time between classes. Make it your goal to have all of your studying done before dinnertime each day.[2]
   • Your intuition might tell you to study at the end of the day after your classes are over. But by the time the sun sets, your body and mind are starting to shut down and you just won't remember as much of what you study if you try to burn the midnight oil.
   • Sometimes you just can't work studying into the daytime hours, and that's okay too! If your class schedule, work, and extra-curricular activities mean your only time to study is in the evening, take more frequent breaks (say a 5-minute break every 15 minutes). It'll help you retain the information better.

3

Try to read ahead rather than play catch-up.

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1. Skim the material a week ahead so you know what to expect. Reading ahead helps you get more out of each class because you'll know what the teacher is going to talk about. Prepare questions about anything you didn't understand so you can ask the teacher about it.[3]
   • Reading ahead can also help you understand where the material you're covering now fits into the overall course.
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4

Teach the material to someone else.

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1. You gain a deeper understanding of the material after teaching it. If someone in your class is struggling with something that you think you've got a good handle on, teaching them will help you retain that knowledge even better. Perhaps more importantly, teaching requires you to retrieve the knowledge you've already learned, which makes it easier for you to retrieve it again (such as for a test).[4]
   • Study groups are good for this, but you might also want to venture outside of your class. Does your mom or dad always ask you what you're studying in school? Tell them!
   • Teaching a younger child is also beneficial because it forces you to explain technical terms and use more simplistic language, so you can't just regurgitate what your teacher said or what you read in a textbook.

5

Create a study schedule from day one.

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1. Schedule in 30-minute increments to make the best use of your time. Scheduling your time in blocks allows you to be more productive during your day. Put in your classes and other appointments first, then schedule in study time around that.[5]
   • For example, you might study for a half-hour in the morning before classes, then another half-hour at lunchtime, then another half-hour in the afternoon. If you fit in another half-hour immediately before or after dinner, that means you've studied for a full 2 hours over the course of the day!
   • By breaking your study time up into smaller increments, you'll barely notice it. Plus, you'll retain more of the stuff that you study.[6]
   • Don't study more than an hour at a time before you take a break.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 789 wikiHow readers if they think taking breaks increases productivity, and 69% of them said yes. [Take Poll]
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6

Organize your books and materials.

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1. Make sure you have everything you need for the class before it starts. If there are required books or other resources, have them available before the first day of the course. It's typically a good idea to get them several days before class starts, if you can, so you have the opportunity to look through them and familiarize yourself with the topics the class will cover.[7]
   • For example, you might have a binder for each class with sections for notes, assignments, and returned papers. If you have a syllabus for the class, put it at the very front. If you have tools for class, such as a calculator, get a 3-hole pouch so you can slide those things right into your binder.
   • Another organizational trick is to create a homework binder with a section for each class. Put your assignments in the right section and always carry your homework binder with you—then you don't have to worry about forgetting your homework!
   • Being organized makes everything easier. You won't have to worry about hunting for that book or not having the supplies you need when class starts.
   • Keep your study area neat and organized as well. Having all of your study materials close at hand helps stave off procrastination.

7

Participate in every class session.

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1. Set a goal to contribute at least once in every class period. This could mean asking a question, answering a question the teacher asked, or adding a comment to participate in a class discussion.[8] However you participate, making your voice heard lets your teacher know that you're paying attention and want to learn.[9]
   • If part of the grade in your class is based on participation, consider this a way to get a few free points! Otherwise, it still gives you a good foundation and can help you understand the material better.
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8

Take good notes on lectures and readings.

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1. Write down the main points and anything your teacher focuses on. Generally, if your teacher spends a lot of time on something in class, you can guarantee that it's important to know for the course and will probably be on a test. Write down keywords or phrases that your teacher repeats or writes on the board. Under each keyword or phrase, jot down any examples or details.[10]
   • It can be hard to figure out what's most important at first, but don't try to write down everything—your notes won't be very helpful if you do. Watch others in the class to see when they all go to write something down. That'll help you figure out what's important.
   • If you have any questions or something you don't understand, either in your readings or in class, make a note of it! It'll help you remember if you don't have a chance to bring it up in class and want to ask your teacher about it later.

9

Ask your teacher questions if you don't understand.

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1. Let your teacher know early on if you're having problems. Never hesitate to recognize that you need help and ask for it.[11] Your teacher can help you with different resources or approaches to the material. They'll appreciate it if you come to them as soon as possible and they'll have more options to help you than if you want until the last minute. This might require swallowing your pride, but remember—that's what your teacher is there for.[12]
   • For example, suppose you're having difficulty getting a formula in physics class to work. If you go to your teacher immediately, they might connect you with a former student who can tutor you. But if you waited until the day before the exam, they wouldn't be able to do that for you on such short notice.
   • In most courses, everything you learn builds on what you learned before. That means if you don't get something this week, you might have a hard time understanding what you study next week and the week after next.
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10

Complete all assignments and turn them in on time.

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1. Break large assignments into smaller chunks so they're easier to manage. Basic homework assignments typically shouldn't take too long and will help you better understand the coursework. For larger papers and research projects, though, avoid trying to do them all at once.[13]
   • For example, if you have a research paper due in 2 weeks, you might schedule four 30-minute blocks in the first week for researching and outlining, then another two 30-minute blocks in the next week to draft the paper. That leaves you another two 30-minute blocks to proofread and polish the final draft and get it ready by the due date.
   • Keep in mind that most teachers will deduct from the grade for late assignments, if they even accept them at all. You can't afford this if you're trying to get an A+ in the class.

11

Build an outline of the entire course.

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1. Synthesize all of your notes into a single document. Start from the first week of class building a summary of what you've covered so far. Incorporate comments from your teacher, information from homework assignments, notes from class or assigned readings, and material covered on quizzes and tests.[14]
   • Creating an outline helps you focus on the most important parts of the subject. As you get deeper into the course, you'll also start to see connections between different parts of the course that you can use to tie everything together.
   • Outlines are a major study method in law school, but this skill comes in handy for any course. Not only does it provide a productive way to review, but it also results in a single, compact document you can use to study for the final exam.
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12

Supplement your learning outside of class.

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1. Read and watch documentaries about the subjects you're studying. Engaging with material outside the assigned reading for class adds a new dimension to what you're learning. It also makes it easier to internalize the material when you're seeing it in a different way.[15]
   • Even novels related to the subject can help you understand more—just make sure you can separate fact from fiction!

13

Prioritize your mental and physical health.

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1. Sleep at least 8 hours each night and exercise 30 minutes most days. You'll perform better in class and on tests and assignments if you're well-rested and healthy. Choose an activity you enjoy for exercise and schedule it just as you schedule classes, work, and study sessions.[16]
   • Build a consistent routine so that you're going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This will help you feel more rested and also ensure that you get better quality sleep each night.
   • Remember to allow time for relaxing and self-reflection! These are important self-care activities that will greatly improve your mental health and keep you from getting burnt out.
   • Focus on food as a source of brain fuel. Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and protein that will give you plenty of energy throughout the day. Candy, sweets, and other "comfort" foods can certainly make you happy in the moment, but they're not the best for your body—use them as occasional treats in moderation.[17]
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Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles. 1 Study For Exams 2 Study So You Can Remember Everything 3 11 Simple Tips to Create the Ideal Study Space 4 Create Good Study Habits for Exams 5 Learn Without Forgetting 6 Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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• Question How should I balance my schedule? Ted Coopersmith, MBA Academic Tutor Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University. Ted Coopersmith, MBA Academic Tutor Expert Answer To some extent, you probably need to limit the amount of extracurricular sports, hobbies, and club activities that you participate in. While it's important to stay physically active and engaged in your family and community, too many outside activities will make it impossible to do independent reading and studying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 35 Helpful 65
• Question How can I put these methods to good use right away? Community Answer The best way to do this is just to start. Don't procrastinate and make sure to make time for studying. The best way to become a good student is be aware of the classroom and the teacher and try to contribute to the class. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 145
• Question How do I turn a C into an A? Community Answer First, find out why you have a C. Do you have missing homework assignments, class projects, notes, etc.? Once you find out why, complete what is missing and turn it in to your teacher. Eventually (or very quickly) your grade will bounce back up to an A. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 161

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Tips

• If your school offers free tutoring, take advantage of it! Even if you don't feel like you need a lot of help in a particular class, a tutor can open your eyes to things you might've otherwise glossed over or missed.[18] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Grades aren't everything! You'll burn out if you put too much pressure on yourself. Study hard, but don't forget to have fun every now and then. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• If you end up not getting the grades you want, don't beat yourself up! Figure out what you did wrong and learn from your mistakes so you can continue to improve. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2

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References

1. ↑ https://www.theedadvocate.org/how-to-get-straight-as-in-high-school-and-college/
2. ↑ http://www.gompersprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/How-to-Become-a-Straight-A-Student.pdf
3. ↑ https://www.solacc.edu/academics/academic-success-center/index
4. ↑ https://www.impactimagemarketing.com/post/learning-by-teaching-others-is-extremely-effective-a-new-study-tested-a-key-reason-why
5. ↑ http://www.gompersprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/How-to-Become-a-Straight-A-Student.pdf
6. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
8. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview
9. ↑ https://www.theedadvocate.org/how-to-get-straight-as-in-high-school-and-college/

More References (9)

10. ↑ https://scoutlife.org/hobbies-projects/funstuff/2301/how-to-get-straight-as/comment-page-7/
11. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview
12. ↑ https://www.theedadvocate.org/4-simple-rules-for-becoming-a-straight-a-student/
13. ↑ https://scoutlife.org/hobbies-projects/funstuff/2301/how-to-get-straight-as/comment-page-7/
14. ↑ https://law.ucdavis.edu/academic-success/files/Outlining-Law-School-Courses.pdf
15. ↑ https://www.theedadvocate.org/how-to-get-straight-as-in-high-school-and-college/
16. ↑ https://www.theedadvocate.org/4-simple-rules-for-becoming-a-straight-a-student/
17. ↑ http://www.gompersprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/How-to-Become-a-Straight-A-Student.pdf
18. ↑ https://www.solacc.edu/academics/academic-success-center/index

About This Article

Co-authored by: Ashley Pritchard, MA School Counselor This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 224,595 times. 199 votes - 87% Co-authors: 38 Updated: September 3, 2025 Views: 224,595 Categories: Studying In other languagesJapanese

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ashley Pritchard, MA School Counselor Co-authors: 38 Updated: September 3, 2025 Views: 224,595 87% of readers found this article helpful. 199 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote

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