Top 10 Ways to Get Good Grades in Middle School

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Many students find middle school much more challenging than elementary. In middle school, you must take charge of your learning and take on more responsibility. While the transition between the relative safety of elementary classes and the autonomy of middle school can be a challenge, with effort and focus you can successfully obtain good grades in middle school.

1 1. Do Your Homework

Your grade is generally calculated by adding up all of the points you earn and dividing by the total number of points possible. If you fail to do some of your work, these zeroes can severely bring down your grade.

2 2. Pay Attention

Your teachers will likely tell you everything you need to know to be successful. If you listen while they impart this knowledge, you will be more likely to hear and remember the information they share.

3 3. Study

The topics covered in middle school are more complex than those discussed in elementary. To fully understand these more difficult ideas, you need to study. Review your notes, re-read your book and make flashcards to cement your understanding.

4 4. Take Tests Seriously

Tests are often a large part of your grade. If you don't try your hardest on a test, you may make it impossible for yourself to earn back the points you lost.

5 5. Avoid Distraction

When your teacher is talking, look at her, not at your friends across the room. It may be fun in the short term to get distracted, but you must think about your long-term grade goals and avoid the temptation to let your focus stray.

6 6. Get and Stay Organized

In the absence of organization, papers and notes can easily become lost. Use a divider or folders and set up an organization system. Keep yourself organized throughout the year to save time and reduce work loss.

7 7. Follow School Rules

If you do not follow school rules, you risk getting suspended or even expelled. You can't get good grades if you are not in school. Stay in school by doing what you are supposed to do.

8 8. Pick Good Friends

If focusing on academics is important to you, you should select friends who share your studiousness. Surrounding yourself with friends who want to earn good grades will help you keep yourself on track.

9 9. Study with a Partner

Studying is much more palatable if you don't do it alone. Pair up with a buddy and turn study time a social event.

10 10. Ask for Help

Your teachers and parents will help you, but you have to ask for assistance. If you don't understand something or are struggling, seek help instead of trying to fight through it alone.

Erin Schreiner is a freelance writer and teacher who holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. She has been actively freelancing since 2008. Schreiner previously worked for a London-based freelance firm. Her work appears on eHow, Trails.com and RedEnvelope. She currently teaches writing to middle school students in Ohio and works on her writing craft regularly.

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