To be a good student, you may be willing to resort to the age-old trick of bringing your teacher an apple. While it may not hurt (who doesn’t like apples?), it may not be the best way to boost your grades. The good news is that there are effective strategies and tools you can use to improve your performance. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to be the best student you can be.

3

Organize all of your school materials.

  1. Keep everything in its place so you can stay on top of your studies. Organize your assignments and class information by subject. Put all of your materials in binders, notebooks, or folders so they’re kept together. It’s also helpful to periodically reorganize and clean out your backpack or bag to keep everything in order and get rid of things you don’t need anymore.[3]
    • Organization is a simple way to make your life as a student much easier.
    • If it helps, keep all of your folders and materials in a large binder so everything is kept together.
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5

Participate in online forums for virtual classes.

  1. Actively engage and discuss the material with your classmates. If you’re taking an online or virtual class, check out the forum or discussion board where students can post assignments and questions. Participate in the discussions and ask questions if you aren’t sure about something. The more you can engage with the class, the more you’ll learn and the more your teacher will notice.[5]
    • For instance, if you’re unsure about a homework assignment, you can usually post on the forum or discussion board and ask people for help.
    • You can also use the discussion board to put together study groups. Try posting and asking people if they’d like to study as a group.
    • Some online classes may require you to post and respond on the discussion board, so don’t lose points by not participating!
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6

Go to every class.

  1. Just by being there you’re already setting yourself up for success. It may seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is, going to class really is one of the most effective things you can do to be a good student. If you don’t miss class, you’ll stay up to speed on all of the new material and you’ll be able to ask questions about things that you aren’t sure of or that you find confusing. You’ll also get in the good graces of your teacher, which may come in handy if you need a deadline extension or help with an assignment.[6]
    • Try to get to class on time as well and sit somewhere where your teacher can see you. You don’t have to sit in the front row, but avoid hiding in the corner.
    • The simple truth is that if you don’t show up for class, it’s much tougher to get good grades.[7]
7

Do all of your homework and assignments.

  1. They’ll help you stay on top of the subjects you’re studying. Homework isn’t just a boring thing that you have to do to get a good grade. It’s actually really useful for retaining the knowledge you’re learning in class. It can also help identify any areas where you’re confused or that you’re struggling with. Do all of your homework so you can be as knowledgeable about the subject matter as possible.[8]
    • Plus, if you’re a student who completes all of their assignments on time, if you ever need an extension or maybe even a small bump in your grade, your teacher may be more willing to help you out.
    • Try to do your assignments as soon as you can. For instance, if a report is due by Monday and you've had three weeks to do it, don't wait until Sunday the night before to get started. Try to work on it daily for a while until you are finished with the report.[9]
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9

Create a schedule.

  1. Keep all of your life activities organized so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Just because you’re focused on your studies doesn’t mean you can’t hang out with friends or have any fun. The key is to find a balance. Use a calendar or planner to make a schedule that includes all of your activities such as work, classes, study time, free time, exercise, or whatever else you want to do. Stay on top of your schedule and you won’t be as stressed out.[11]
    • Check your class syllabus and add big tests and projects to your calendar so you can keep track of them as well.
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10

Study in time chunks.

11

Prepare for exams well ahead of time.

  1. If you know your stuff, you won’t be as nervous come test day. Stick to a consistent study schedule a few weeks ahead of any upcoming tests or exams. Concentrate your studies on the most significant topics first, then work your way into the smaller details. Try to summarize or outline the information that you learn in class and in your textbooks in your own words to make sure you fully understand it. When it’s time for your test, you’ll be as prepared as you can be.[13]
    • If you have access to old exams, try studying them to get an idea of what the test looks like.
    • Look for study groups you can join to go over the material with other people if that’s helpful for you.
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    What should I do if I'm struggling in class?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Talk to your teacher about it. They're a resource for you, and they'll be more than happy to help you get back on track if you make an active effort to reach out.
  • Question
    How do I stand out to my teachers?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you want to make a great impression, try to be engaged in class. Your teachers chose their subject areas, which means the material excites them. So, if you show some interest in each class, your teachers are going to respond positively to that and take note.
  • Question
    How would you describe a good student?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    A good student is going to be engaged, kind. active in their community, and enthusiastic about their academic work. That would probably be the most broad overview of what a good student looks like.
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Warnings

  • If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression over your grades, talk to a mental health professional such as a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist.
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About This Article

Alicia Oglesby
Co-authored by:
Professional School Counselor
This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby. Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. This article has been viewed 445,647 times.
26 votes - 77%
Co-authors: 156
Updated: March 8, 2023
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