How to Raise Your Grade Point Average
There are several ways to improve your grade point average (GPA). Your GPA represents an average calculated by adding all of your grades and dividing by the number of credit hours or units you took. During your senior year of high school, your GPA measures your scores from ninth through twelfth grade. During your sophomore year of high school, your GPA is based on your freshman grades.
Instructions
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Compare your current and ideal grades. If you have a 2.50 GPA but want over a 3.0, then calculate what you must make in your current classes to raise your average. The exact combination will depend on your goals and number of credits or classes, but you will generally improve by earning at least a B in all of your classes.
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Attend class and take notes. You cannot raise your GPA by skipping school or being unprepared. Always come to class prepared with paper, pens and the approriate books. Take handwritten notes if you cannot use a laptop without having to check your email or access the internet.
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Develop an effective study method. Besides reading the class book, consider creating flash cards or working with a tutor to help you with difficult subjects. Review your notes regularly. For instance, you could briefly analyze your notes immediately after leaving class, in addition to studying each week. Avoid waiting until the last minute and studying right before the exam. Even if there is no specific homework, you should be reviewing the work every night.
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Contact your teachers to find out how you can earn additional points, perhaps by completing extra credit assignments. If you enroll in Honors, Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement classes, your school might add extra points. For example, students in Pre-AP classes might receive five extra points that are factored into their GPAs.
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Enroll in summer school or a dual credit program. While you will cover a lot of material during a short amount of time, summer school allows you to concentrate on a limited number of classes.
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Tips & Warnings
By raising your GPA, you increase the opportunities to receive merit-based scholarships, awards, college acceptance and jobs. However, not every school or college acknowledges Honors or AP points above a standard GPA.
Sometimes your peers share the same desire to raise their GPAs. You may improve your numeric score, but overall, your class rank might remain the same, because your peers might also have improved their standing.
