The 5 Habits of Straight-A Students
Do you know what the #1 predictor of student success is? Hint: it’s not IQ. We’ll say that again: intelligence doesn’t always translate to higher grades. What’s more, it doesn’t always correlate with professional success, either.
Consider this finding by CNBC: “Many valedictorians themselves believe that they weren’t the smartest student in their class but rather simply the hardest worker.” A number of studies show that the #1 predictor of academic performance is an attribute like will power. In other words, it’s your drive that determines how far you go in school.
If this is truly the case, then it follows that anyone with enough motivation can become a star student. However, there’s a bit more to the equation than sheer will power—there’s strategy too.
When asked about the keys to their success, America’s most outstanding students seem to have a few habits in common. Whether you’re a high school student or the parent of one, these behaviors are certainly worth some thought:
1. Time management
Managing the time available to you is a universal challenge, but it can be especially hard for students who are juggling items like test prep, extracurriculars, and college applications. According to U.S. News & World Report, students dedicate up to 17.5 hours a week to homework.
Chris Kavanaugh, a valedictorian of Highlands Christian School in Florida, attributes part of his success to time management: “I didn’t procrastinate... I don't waste time. I try to use the school day for studying as much as possible, so that I can still play sports.” Kavanaugh proves that you can make enough time for your schoolwork without sacrificing your passions.
So how can you effectively manage your time? Consider limiting your screen time, setting timers, and following a self-imposed schedule.
2. Doing more than is expected of you
“Part of learning is practicing. And the more you practice, the more you learn,” advises Christi Anderson, a straight-A student. Anderson notes that she always surpasses her instructors’ expectations for assignments. If she is assigned five math questions for homework, Anderson makes it a point to do ten.
Doing the minimum may get you credit for the assignment, but it doesn’t mean you’ve learned to the best of your ability. It also isn’t an approach that will set you apart from the rest. Valedictorian Jennifer Nagy reports that doing, “A lot of homework and lots and lots of extra credit assignments” helped her earn her enviable GPA.
3. Active participation in class
Tyson Schritter, COO of Colleges of Distinction, notes that, “Students that regularly participate in class are constantly involved with the material and are more likely to remember a greater portion of the information.” Logical, right? The more you think about and discuss a topic, the more ingrained it becomes in your memory. Students who participate in class are also the ones most likely to get their questions answered.
In 2017, three college professors conducted a study of 246 students. They discovered that “More than 70% of students perceived a positive relationship between their own participation and learning,” and that, “when participation is required, they prepare more, and this preparation actually increases their learning.” The conclusion is clear: raising your hand raises your grades.
4. Goal setting
Top students are always working toward a goal—or several goals—and this keeps them motivated. When asked for her best advice about succeeding, Tea White, the 2018 valedictorian of Southwest DeKalb High School, advised, “Set a goal worth striving for.”
Richard Tran, a valedictorian at Clarkston High School, had a similar outlook. In response to this same question, he remarked, “to truly understand success is to set goals for yourself and focus on making them happen.”
Far from being complacent, top students constantly push themselves to achieve new objectives. But how can one go about setting effective objectives? The best goals tend to be specific and reasonable.
5. Emotional balance
Did you know that intelligence comes in many forms? One of the most helpful forms in academics is that of emotional intelligence (or EI). EI—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and the emotions of others—is a top predictor of academic success.
A study conducted by Carolyn MacCann from the University of Sydney concluded that “It is not enough to be smart and hardworking—to have the added edge for success, students must also be able to understand and manage emotions to succeed at school.”
Students who are emotionally intelligent tend to display superior teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, all of which can make for a more effective learning experience. Luckily, EI is not static; it can be worked on and improved through conscious effort.
Tiffany Sorensen holds a Master of Science in Spanish-English Translation from New York University. She works remotely from sunny Mexico, where she gives English and Spanish classes, writes educational articles, and designs practice tests for the ACT.