How to Become a Straight-A Student

Master your learning materials

Instructions

Take notes effectively.
For non-technical courses, focus on the main ideas and capture them in the question/evidence/conclusion format. For technical courses, practice by recording as many sample problems and answers as possible.
Prioritize assignments.
Prioritizing assignments is important to ensure you're on top of everything. Start by setting aside some time each day to work on assignments. Make sure to read only the recommended sources in detail and take notes in a way that works for you. For example, you can use the question/evidence/conclusion format or any other format that helps you understand the material better. Consider working in groups on problem sets to get a better understanding of the material and to learn from your peers.
Organize your resources.
Start by figuring out what topics will be covered on the test. For non-technical courses, group your notes together to help you understand the material better. For technical courses, compile a list of sample problems and answers to practice with. This will help you gain confidence and familiarity with the material.
Master the material effectively.
Memorizing the material is not enough. You need to master it effectively. Use the quiz-and-recall method to test yourself and reinforce your memory. Make sure to spread out memorization over several days instead of cramming it all in one night. This will help you retain the information better.
Be prepared for any situation.
Make sure you understand all the topics covered in class or from the reading. Address any topics you don't understand and seek help if needed. Review the material regularly to ensure that you're always up-to-date and that you're prepared for any situation that may arise.
Provide excellent answers.
Providing excellent answers is key to acing your exams. Start by looking over the whole test first and understanding what's expected of you. Decide how much time to spend on each question and answer them in order of increasing difficulty. When tackling essay questions, write out a mini-outline first to organize your thoughts. Make sure to use any remaining time to check and recheck your work to ensure that you've provided excellent answers.