What kind of things could I do to maintain a high gpa?

Stay focused and avoid distractions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t understanding something.

The obvious answer is to consistently earn high grades.

The best way to do that is to attend your classes and to pay attention and participate fully in class activities. Do all the assigned work in a timely manner, and review the reading material and your class notes on a consistent basis. Many people find it beneficial to study with others in a group.

Additionally, it helps to be polite and respectful to your teachers. And to do your work neatly. Eating healthy meals, getting plenty of rest and keeping physically fit all contribute to helping your body and brain function at peak efficiency.

@dembboyz56: You just told us that the courses in your high school are too easy. There should be no difficulty then in maintaining a 4.0 gpa.

Paying attention in class can get you a long way. Turning in each homework assignment can be critical, depending on the class. If you don’t understand something during the lecture, raise your hand; don’t be shy.

well school just started and I just wanted to get into some better school habits for college so atleast I will be somewhat prepared

@dembboyz56: You can also ask the teachers for extra-credit assignments if you are finding a class too easy. And in some schools, if you excel in one area and have taken all the courses available, you can design an independent project with an adviser.

Cheat on tests….?

do I cheat?

Study. Get help when you need it. Go to class and pay attention. Limit your social life.

Do not cheat. It will eventually backfire and bite you on the ass.

what types of books could I read? What authors?

Ask your teachers what they recommend. You rarely go wrong reading the classics because they are the focus of many lessons in high school English. Most teachers can give you a list of books they feel are important. You might also read history and philosophy, again because there will be courses on these subjects in your future.

In addition, though, you might read books about becoming a doctor, such as The Making of a Surgeon and The Making of a Surgeon in the 21st Century and The Real Life of a Surgeon: Candid Stories Along the Path from Student to Veteran Doctor.

In addition, you might pick up and read books such as Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance or Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science. These discuss how a surgeon approaches improving their success rates in the face of the complicated tangle of personalities, insurance regulations, and patient needs. It is about the competing philosophies at work in modern medicine.

And actually, you need to also read for current events. Read Time, Newsweek, US News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal and other publications that talk about what is going on in the world today. It will all have a bearing on what you do in your future.

Don’t cheat…

Complete all the work that is assigned to you, and don’t take short cuts. Use complete sentences, and provide references for the information you use. Ask the instructors if you have any questions about the work or for ideas they might have on how to improve your chances.

Always participate in every discussion and never miss class. Consult sources even if they aren’t assigned to gain a better understanding of the subject, especially those recommended by the instructor.

Alway make your work easy to read as neat as possible. Use presentation folders and page protectors. Instructors love illustrations and graphs to supplement your work.

Create good relationships with your teachers. This is a habit that will serve you very well in college, too. Having good relationships with them may make them more willing to give you extra credit and realize when you are trying your hardest, which may (or may not) lead them to be more forgiving with your grades.

And of course, study. A lot.

Complete all assignments, thoroughly and ahead of deadline. Aggressively take on all extra credit opportunities. Stick around after class and participate in impromptu discussions. Show the instructor that you just don’t understand the material but that you are interested in exploring further. Nothing excites an instructor more than knowing they have opened a students eyes and mind to a subject they are passionate about. See ya…Gary aka wtf

Here is the secret of getting a high GPA (two parts):

1. Go to class.
2. Do the homework.

Take AP classes. That will solve all your concerns. You will be challenged, the 5.0 “A” will boost your GPA and if you do well on your AP exams you will get college credit and a head start on your degree.

In our school, so many kids take AP classes that about 10–15% graduate with GPA’s over 4.0.

Why do you want a high GPA?

If it’s just for the sake of having a high GPA, then do whatever it takes. Take the easiest courses you can, sleep with teachers, cheat, bribe them. If all you want is the number, go for the number.

If you want to learn things, then do whatever it takes. Take the hardest courses you can get into, study, participate in class, read extra about things that interest you, go for extra tutoring when you’re confused, do all the homework. If what you want to do is to learn, then focus on learning, not the GPA. The GPA will look after itself.

@cwilbur: great answer

@cwilbur This is why:
“well school just started and I just wanted to get into some better school habits for college so atleast I will be somewhat prepared”

If he wants to be prepared for college, your answer isn’t that helpful. is it? I would also suggest a writing class. Really guys, take the time to read the thread.

@galileogirl: Did you perhaps miss the second half of my answer?