As a high school student, you’re juggling a lot—extracurriculars, standardized tests, social life, and academics—so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all these responsibilities! One key factor that can significantly impact your future is your GPA, which stands for Grade Point Average. But raising your GPA isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
Take Emily, a sophomore who struggled to maintain a competitive GPA while balancing her passion for soccer and her role on the school’s debate team. Despite her best efforts, her grades started to slip, and the pressure was building. Emily realized she needed to change her approach to keep her GPA on track and still enjoy her extracurriculars.
With careful planning and new strategies, Emily turned things around. She discovered that raising her GPA wasn’t just about cramming for tests or doing extra credit; it required a thoughtful approach to time management, study habits, and self-care!
Inspired by students like Emily, we’ve compiled 25 smart tips to help you raise your GPA effectively. Below, you’ll find detailed guidance on implementing these strategies to achieve the desired results—without sacrificing your well-being.
Top Tips to Raise Your GPA
1. Set Clear Academic Goals
Our first tip to help improve your GPA is to establish clear academic goals. As you progress through high school, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine—going to school, attending practice or club meetings, doing homework, and then repeating it all the next day. With each passing day, it’s easy to see your motivation slip, and your priorities may shift without realizing it! This is where developing goals can become a game-changer.
Setting clear academic goals is essential because it gives you a roadmap for success; instead of vaguely wishing for a “better GPA,” set specific targets for each class. For instance, if you currently have a B in math, aim to raise it to a B+ or an A- by the end of the semester. Write down these goals and break them into actionable steps, such as improving test scores or participating more in class. Regularly review your progress and adjust your goals as needed. By developing clarity and direction, you’ll stay focused and motivated throughout the academic year, boosting your confidence and comfort levels as each day passes!
2. Prioritize Your Courses
Another important way to raise your GPA is to prioritize the classes you’re taking! While you have to take a certain number of classes each semester, not every class holds the same weight regarding your GPA. Core subjects like math, science, and English usually impact your overall GPA more than electives, so be sure to focus your energy on these classes, especially if they are challenging. Allocate more study time, seek extra help if needed, and ensure you put your best effort into these subjects! You can significantly improve your GPA by prioritizing your time and resources on the most important classes, so take advantage of setting goals within these classes and use them to help add a boost!
3. Create a Study Schedule
Another great way to raise your grades and GPA is the power of a study schedule. Creating a solid study schedule is a powerful tool that helps you manage your time effectively and stay on track with your studies. Without a schedule, it’s easy to procrastinate or spend too much time on one subject while neglecting others, or you may even fall into time-wasting activities such as going on your phone a little too much or spending time focusing your attention on things that may not be of importance at the moment.
To create an effective schedule, list all your classes and the time you must dedicate to each one. Then, block out specific times each day for studying, reviewing notes, and completing assignments. Stick to this routine as much as possible and adjust it if necessary to accommodate unexpected events. Consistency is critical, and a well-planned schedule will help you maintain it!
4. Attend All Classes
Another essential tip to help you in high school and throughout your higher education journey is prioritizing attending your classes! Showing up and being present at each of your classes (even the ones you may not enjoy as much) is crucial because it ensures you don’t miss essential lectures, discussions, or assignments. Even if you think you can catch up later, nothing replaces the value of being present in class.
Teachers also often share insights and hints for exams and engage in discussions you can’t fully capture from notes alone. Moreover, regular attendance shows your commitment to the course, which can positively impact your participation grade. Make it a point to attend every class and actively participate to reinforce your understanding of the material.
5. Take Detailed Notes
Our fifth tip to help raise your GPA is to improve the way you take your notes! Taking detailed notes during class is essential for effective studying. Good notes will be a personalized study guide to help you review key concepts, prepare for exams, and complete assignments!
Develop a note-taking system that works for you, such as the Cornell method, which organizes notes into easy-to-review sections. Focus on capturing the main points, examples, and information your teacher emphasizes. After class, take a few minutes to review and organize your notes while the material is still fresh.
6. Participate in Class
Another excellent way to improve your GPA is by participating actively in your classes! Class participation is more than just raising your hand; it’s about engaging with the material meaningfully. When you actively participate, you demonstrate your interest in the subject and reinforce your learning. While it may be intimidating initially, asking questions, contributing to discussions, and sharing your insights can deepen your understanding and help you retain information better. Additionally, many teachers consider class participation when calculating final grades, so being active can raise your GPA. Approach each class to contribute; you’ll find it pays off in understanding and grades.
7. Form Study Groups
Study groups can be another incredibly beneficial tool for mastering complex subjects and, in turn, boosting your GPA. When you study with others, you gain new perspectives and can fill in gaps in your knowledge. Group members can explain concepts in ways that might resonate more with you than a teacher’s explanation. Furthermore, teaching others in the group reinforces your understanding of the material. To get the most out of a study group, choose members who are serious about their studies. Schedule regular sessions, and be sure the group stays focused and productive by setting clear goals for each meeting!
8. Seek Extra Help When Needed
Need help determining where you need support? There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it! If you’re struggling with a particular subject or concept, seek extra help immediately. This could mean attending office hours, working with a tutor, hiring a college admissions team like Empowerly, or using online resources like Khan Academy or Coursera. The sooner you address your difficulties, the easier it will be to overcome them and prevent them from affecting your GPA. Don’t wait until you’re falling behind to seek help; being proactive can make all the difference in your academic performance.
9. Review Your Grades Regularly
Another great way to stay on top of your GPA is to check your grades regularly! We know it can be anxiety-inducing, but regularly reviewing your grades lets you stay informed about your academic performance and identify areas for improvement. Most schools have online portals to track your grades in real time, so be sure to make it a habit to check your grades weekly and note trends, such as declining scores in a particular subject. If you notice a problem, address it immediately by speaking with your teacher or adjusting your study habits. Staying on top of your grades will help you make necessary changes before it’s too late to impact your GPA!
10. Master Time Management
Effective time management is another one of our top tips to ensure your GPA remains in tip-top shape! With it, you can easily handle assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities that come your way, all without missing a beat.
Start by identifying how you currently spend your time and look for areas where you can be more efficient! Use planners, calendars, or time management apps to organize your tasks and set priorities. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps, and allocate time for each task. By mastering time management, you can reduce stress, avoid last-minute cramming, and ensure you give each subject the attention it deserves.
11. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Spending long hours studying doesn’t necessarily lead to better grades – It’s more important to focus on the quality of your study sessions. This means understanding the material deeply rather than just memorizing facts. Use active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching it to someone else, or applying concepts to real-world situations. Quality study sessions are more effective and less tiring, allowing you to retain information better and perform well on exams.
12. Take Care of Your Health
Your physical and mental health directly impacts your academic performance. If you’re not feeling well, focusing on your studies is difficult. Prioritize getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising regularly. Physical activity can improve your concentration and memory, while a healthy diet fuels your brain. Don’t forget about your mental health; stress management and relaxation are as important as studying. When you take care of your health, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of school and perform at your best.
Need a break? Try this simple desk yoga routine to give yourself a little rest and recuperation!
13. Limit Distractions
Another important tip that can significantly help your study habits and further raise your GPA is limiting your distractions when learning and studying. Distractions can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of your study sessions, and common distractions include smartphones, social media, and noisy environments. To limit these, create a study environment that is conducive to concentration. This might mean studying quietly, turning off your phone, or using apps that block distracting websites during study time! Also, consider breaking your study sessions into focused intervals (such as the Pomodoro Technique) with short breaks in between to keep your mind fresh!
14. Use School Resources
Most schools offer various resources to help students succeed, including libraries, tutoring centers, writing labs, and academic advisors. Take full advantage of these resources to support your studies and help improve your GPA! For example, visit the writing center for feedback if you’re struggling with an essay. If you’re preparing for an exam, use the library’s quiet study spaces or attend tutor review sessions. These resources are often free and can provide valuable support that enhances learning and improves grades.
15. Stay Organized
Stay organized is an often-overlooked tip that can truly make all of the difference when working to improve your study habits, GPA, and daily activities in high school. Keeping your items and tasks organized is essential to track assignments, exams, and deadlines, as a disorganized approach can lead to missed deadlines and last-minute stress.
Use binders, folders, or digital tools to organize your notes, assignments, and syllabi. Create to-do lists, prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance, and regularly update your planner or calendar with upcoming due dates and exam schedules.
16. Prepare for Exams Early
Nobody enjoys staying up late after a long school day just to have to cram for an exam tomorrow; you’re hurting your chances of success this way! In fact, in a study of thousands of university students, scientists found that procrastination led to a variety of poor outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and physical and emotional pain.
While it may feel challenging at times, starting to prepare for your exams early can make all of the difference in helping to improve your grades and GPA! Starting your exam preparation early can significantly reduce the stress and pressure of cramming! Review your notes and course materials at least two weeks before the exam, and create a study plan that divides the material into manageable sections, allowing you to focus on one topic at a time. Use practice exams and past papers to test your understanding and identify areas for improvement!
17. Practice Self-Discipline
Another essential tip to help boost your GPA (and to develop paths to accomplishing your goals and dreams long after high school is over) is to build strong self-discipline habits! Self-discipline is staying focused and committed to your goals, even when it’s difficult. It’s a critical skill for academic success because it helps you stay on track with your studies, complete assignments on time, and avoid procrastination.
To develop self-discipline, begin by establishing small, attainable goals that you can knock off your checklist each day. Once you have a handle on those, progressively increase the difficulty as you make progress. Be sure to add rewards for yourself for achieving these goals to reinforce the habit!
18. Work on Weak Areas
Another key tip we have to help raise your GPA is to focus on identifying and improving academic areas in which you may be weak in. Everyone has challenging subjects, but ignoring them can affect your overall performance. Start by determining which subjects or topics are your weakest. Then, dedicate extra time and resources to improving in these areas; this might involve seeking additional help, practicing more, or finding alternative ways to understand the material. By addressing your weaknesses head-on, you can turn them into strengths and see a noticeable improvement in your grades!
19. Learn from Your Mistakes
We all make mistakes occasionally, and it’s inevitable, but don’t let your mistakes break you! Mistakes are an unavoidable part of learning, but they can be valuable if you take the time to learn from them. Review your errors carefully after receiving a graded assignment or exam to understand where you went wrong, including looking up the correct answers, asking your teacher for clarification, or revisiting the material. By learning from your mistakes, you can avoid repeating them in the future and improve your performance. Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to grow and get better!
20. Stay Motivated
Maintaining motivation throughout the school year can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or difficult subjects. However, staying motivated is crucial for achieving your academic goals. To keep your motivation high, remember why you want to succeed – whether it’s to get into a good college, earn a scholarship, or simply achieve personal satisfaction. Set short-term goals to give yourself regular achievements to celebrate, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them!
21. Get Enough Sleep
Arguably, one of our most important tips in this guide is to make sleep your best friend! Sleep is often overlooked but vital for cognitive function and memory. When you don’t get enough sleep, your ability to concentrate, learn, and retain information is compromised. In fact, a study of 600 students conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that “students who receive less than 6 hours of sleep experienced a pronounced decline in academic performance. In addition, each hour of sleep lost corresponded to a 0.07 decrease in end-of-term GPA.”
Be sure to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid staying up late to study, which can do more harm than good. Instead, prioritize getting enough rest so your mind is sharp and ready to tackle your studies daily. Remember, quality sleep is just as important as the time you spend studying! Now that you know, get some sleep!
22. Stay Positive
Another small but mighty tip we want to share with you today is about working to be as positive as possible. We know that raising your GPA can be daunting and sometimes downright demotivating, but looking at it in a more positive way can make all the difference.
When you approach your studies with optimism and confidence, you’re more likely to overcome challenges and stay motivated! Practice positive self-talk, and remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Surround yourself with supportive peers and family members encouraging you to do your best. Even when faced with setbacks, focus on what you’ve learned and how to improve! Staying positive will help you persevere through tough times and maintain a healthy perspective on your academic journey.
23. Practice Active Learning
Active learning is a more engaging and effective study method than passive reading or rote memorization. It involves interacting with the material in ways that deepen your understanding and retention. Techniques like summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to others, or applying what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios can make the material more memorable. Active learning encourages critical thinking and helps you grasp complex concepts more quickly. Incorporating active learning into your study routine will improve your comprehension and performance in class.
24. Break Down Large Tasks
If you’re like most of us, having large tasks to complete can feel like climbing Mount Everest! Large tasks can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination and stress; no one wants that! Breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps makes them less daunting and more straightforward. For example, if you have a major project due, divide it into stages like research, outline, drafting, and revision. Set deadlines for each stage to keep yourself on track, and be sure to tap into your self-discipline to help keep you going! You’ll progress steadily without feeling overwhelmed by focusing on a tiny part at a time. This approach also makes it easier to start working on a task, which is often the most challenging part.
25. Evaluate and Adjust Your Strategies
Not every study strategy is a one-size-fits-all, so evaluating your methods and regularly adjusting as needed is essential. If you notice that a technique isn’t yielding the desired results, be open to trying something new! Reflect on what’s working well and what isn’t, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Whether changing your study environment, trying a new note-taking method, or adjusting your time management habits, being flexible and willing to adapt will help you find the best strategies for you. This continuous improvement mindset will keep you moving toward raising your GPA!
Final Thoughts
Improving your GPA requires a combination of smart strategies, consistent effort, and a positive mindset. By applying these 25 tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your academic challenges and achieve your desired grades. Remember, raising your GPA is a journey that takes time and patience, but with determination and the right approach, you can reach your goals. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep striving for academic excellence!
With every year passing, a strong GPA is even more critical in the race to achieve a spot of admission into your top-choice university. Many students applying to Ivy League universities and even smaller private institutions have GPAs over 4.0, so it’s become ever-important to ensure your GPA is up to par. Do not worry; Empowerly has your back! With our dedicated team of admissions experts and former Admissions Officers of top universities, Empowerly can support you on your journey to your best-fit school. Schedule your FREE consultation with our team today!
Julia de Raadt
Madeleine Karydes
Gelyna Price