Being an excellent student has more benefits than just getting good grades. Good students aren’t afraid to ask questions or perform in the class. They can earn you some fairly hefty scholarships. You don’t need to naturally be a mega genius, you just need to work hard.

Work hard. Getting good grades in school is not a walk in the park. A+ Grades cannot be summoned with a flick of the wrist and poof!, there is a grade you can be proud of. Make sure you understand that.

Be prepared. Take everything you need with you to class. It would be a good idea to take books, folders, pens, pencils, homework, review sheets, highlighters, sticky notes, bookmarks and anything else you need. Make sure you have everything ready every night.

Pay attention in class. When a teacher is giving a lesson, take notes from their lecture and if you don’t understand something, raise your hand and ask questions. The more questions you ask, the smarter you’ll get, believe it or not. Taking notes will help you think and help you understand what is being taught more so be sure to take notes even when it is not necessary for the classroom.

A student here at Pitman, who wishes to stay anonymous, has some wisdom to share: “I am very attentive in the class and ask questions from the teacher at the time.”

Avoid distractions in class. Do not distract others and don’t be distracted by them. May your friends will be talking or passing comments. Do not give attention there otherwise, you will be distracted.

Study. It is advised to start studying at least a few days before a test. Make a study schedule and if a curricular activity gets in the way of your studying, tell the person in charge of that certain event that you will not be able to attend that event, or that you will have to leave earlier.

However, there will be certain situations where you will have to attend. In this kind of situation, you will just have to study another day. This is where your study schedule comes in. Write out a schedule of the week of your test and find your free time. Always remember, use your time wisely. Study as if you are motivated for the outcome of your hard work.

Do your homework. Teachers give you homework for you to review what you have learned that day. Take advantage of your free time and do your homework in any spare time. Do as much at school as you can so you can ask the teacher just in case you need help. Make sure not to rush on your homework and be sure to check it and make it as neat as possible.

The same anonymous student comments, “Do your homework as soon as you get home so you don’t end up staying up all night.”

If you really want to be a successful student, you should know right from the beginning when you want to be great at anything, and when you have to put up with things that just don’t seem fair. Doing your homework is not a big deal. Always remember that homework can also help you develop good studying habits and attitudes. Always do what is asked of you.