"Weird" Al Yankovic. Kevin Spacey. Alicia Keys. Jodi Foster. What do they have in common? They were all valedictorian (the highest-achieving student who reads the valedictorian at school graduation) from their class. While being a valedictorian won't make you as famous as a model or singer, it can be a good starting point for a successful college career. All you need is mental strength, endurance and an unmatched work ethic. So how do you become a valedictorian in the United States? Just follow the tips below.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Yourself
Step 1. Start at an early age
Unfortunately, in some cases, you can't just enter high school on the first day and decide to become a valedictorian. You'll have to prove yourself in middle school by having good grades in math and English. Some junior high schools do not have specific majors, but there are also junior high schools that offer special classes for high achieving students in grades 7 and 8. Joining this class will be the starting point for special classes in high school, so make sure you are prepared for this matter.
It's easy to advance in English class, but if you're stuck on the math track, it's going to be more difficult to move up. For example, if you took a regular Algebra class in grade 8, you would have to take a Geometry class in grade 9, unless you really proved yourself worthy
Step 2. Learn how your school chooses valedictorian
Some schools rank students based on unweighted GPA scores, while others give extra points earned in more difficult classes. Most schools do offer extra points for difficult classes, so you should be able to take this opportunity; and even if your school doesn't offer extra points for more difficult classes, you should still focus on success. After all, if you want to be a valedictorian, you must be the most accomplished student in your school. This means that you do have to take the most difficult classes.
- For example, if your school uses a weighted GPA to determine a valedictorian, you should get 4.0 to get an "A" in regular classes, 5.0 to get an "A" in a special class (Honor class).), and 6.0 for an “A” in the Advanced Placement (AP) class.
- Valedictorians also usually give graduation speeches in front of their schoolmates. But if this is what interests you, make sure that the speaker of the speech is a valedictorian. Some schools asked the student council president to read the speech, others held a vote to determine the speaker, while some schools asked the valedictorian along with the student council president and other students to read the graduation speech.
- Some schools have more than one valedictorian-even up to 29!
Step 3. Choose the class wisely
If your school uses weighted GPA scores when determining valedictorian, you should take difficult classes whenever possible. If you think that the more difficult classes are going to be too hard for you, you should rethink your desire to be a valedictorian. To become a valedictorian, you must (get A's in all of the most difficult classes at your school. Are you up for this challenge?
- Choose the AP class instead of the honor class if the AP class has more points.
- Elective subjects can reduce your graded GPA because these subjects are more likely to go into regular classes. However, all students at your school will be required to take elective subjects, such as sports or arts. If possible and you can choose, try taking elective subjects that give you more points. For example, don't take Creative Writing class if it's a regular class; take an AP Language and Composition class if it is offered to all students.
- Of course you will miss some of the fun classes in high school. But those classes WILL NOT make you a valedictorian.
- If your school gives you the option of skipping gym classes as long as you join a specific sports team, and if skipping gym classes could increase your GPA, consider doing so. If you want to be a valedictorian, you need to have good grades so that your university form can stand out. However, you shouldn't join a sports team to increase your GPA, as the extra time you devote to the team could keep you away from other lessons.
Step 4. Remember that being a valedictorian WILL NOT guarantee your success in getting into an elite university
If you want to be a valedictorian, you have to be ambitious by aiming for elite schools like Harvard, Yale, Duke, or Amherst. But remember that when you apply to universities like these, valedictorian will be greatly appreciated. Becoming a valedictorian will launch your college career and will impress the clerk, but you shouldn't seem like a cold, grade-obsessed robot. You also have to show that you have a good personality, have other interests, and show that you are a good citizen of your community.
- Even William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of administration at Harvard, recently said, “I think being a valedictorian is like an anachronism. It's an old tradition, but in the world of college, being a valedictorian won't make a significant difference in terms of admissions."
- Being a valedictorian coupled with skills in sports, community service, or the arts will make you an excellent candidate. But being 10th in your class and doing the same things won't make you look any worse.
- The value of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will also have a big impact on the acceptance of new students in college. Many colleges give equal weight between GPA/GPA scores (and SAT-meaning your 4 years of high school will cost you the equivalent of 3.5 hours of SAT exams! Does that sound fair? Of course not, but you should get used to it). with this.
Part 2 of 3: Work Hard
Step 1. Study smart
If you want to be a valedictorian, you have to study smart to get good grades. This doesn't mean that you have to spend all your time studying, but it does mean that you should study as efficiently and thoroughly as possible. Below are some tips to help you study harder:
- Make an efficient study schedule. You may spend 2-3 hours studying in the evening, or maybe another night you will study 3-4 hours. Either way, make a study plan in advance so you won't be overwhelmed or even procrastinate.
- Limit yourself. Set a goal of about 10-15 pages per day, and don't study too much because your head will explode.
- Take advantage of practice questions. History books, maths, or other subject matter have practice questions that you can use to check your understanding of the subject. These books will be useful to you even if your teacher doesn't use them.
- Make a small note (flashcard). Use notepads if they can help you remember historical concepts, foreign languages, and even math formulas.
Step 2. Be the standout student in your class
You don't have to curry favor with the teacher to be a model student in your class. You should come to class on time, participate in class discussions, and ask questions if you don't understand. Focusing in class will help you absorb more information about the subject that will make your test scores better. Plus, it can make your teacher like you more and will help you earn extra class points allocated to that subject, such as participation points.
- Don't chat too much. You will miss some important information.
- Take notes to study. Don't just write down what your teacher says word for word-try writing notes in your own words so that you really absorb the material.
- Every now and then, talk to your teacher after class. You shouldn't annoy your teacher by constantly stalking them, but getting to know your teacher better will make you stand out in your teacher's eyes.
Step 3. Be organized
If you want to be successful in your classes and studies, you have to be organized. You should have books for each class, label binders clearly, keep lockers clean, and have a regular desk at home. If you live a messy life, you won't be able to get information easily and you won't be as focused on school subjects as you'd like.
- Make a plan book containing all the tasks that must be submitted each day.
- Keep a calendar on your desk and mark important test days.
Step 4. Read the material first
Reading the material your teacher will explain tomorrow or next week in advance will help you prepare for the content of the lesson so you won't be confused and will absorb as much information as possible. As long as you don't learn difficult things that you can only understand if your teacher teaches you first, you will be better prepared to accept the lesson.
Reading the material in advance can make you excel in class. However, don't show that you read beforehand while participating in class as you will either make your teacher feel that you have stolen the attention he or she deserves, or confuse other students with your additional information
Step 5. Ask for additional help
You may be thinking, 'if I'm trying to be a valedictorian, why should I need extra help?'. This is where your thoughts go wrong. If you want to be a valedictorian, you have to excel in this competition. Gather more information or re-study the learning material by asking your teacher for help after class, asking your parents for help if they understand your homework better, or asking a high-achieving senior for help.
You can also invest in hiring a private tutor, but this can be very expensive
Part 3 of 3: Stay Focused
Step 1. Participate in extracurricular activities
Set aside time for clubs, sports teams, volunteering, or other activities outside of school. Believe it or not, extracurricular commitments can increase your grades because they can help you manage your time better. Research shows that the scores of students who are also athletes tend to be better than those who are not athletes.
Extracurricular activities can also help you be humble and less obsessed with grades
Step 2. Take care of your social life
You definitely don't want to lock yourself in your room and study for 10 hours under a blinding light bulb. Of course, you need time to study, but you should also make time for socializing, going to parties, going to the movies, or attending the school carnival. If you spend 100% of your time reading books, you will start to feel bored and lonely. You don't have to be a party goer, but having at least a few warm friendships will make you feel more motivated to learn. Make sure that you stay away from the dramas of your school life, as they can take up a lot of time.
Find friends to study with. Having a group with like-minded students can make learning fun and productive. Try starting a study group in one of your classes and see what happens; if you can still focus, you've just increased your chances of outperforming all of your classes
Step 3. Realize that you are competing, but don't become too obsessed with hostility
Don't waste time with narcissism and hostility. Don't pressure your rivals by asking them about their test scores, how long they study, or what grades they will get in the class. This will focus your efforts on the wrong things and will make you focus on what you have to do to beat your opponent.
Remember that everyone is different. It may take you 4 hours to do well on a test, and your classmate may only take 3 hours. You don't have to be naturally intelligent to be a valedictorian -you just have to try harder
Step 4. Treat your body with feelings
Being a valedictorian isn't just a test of intellect, it's a test of endurance. Take care of your health. Eat breakfast, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. You will only do things optimally if your body is strong. While you can devour pizza and have the occasional candy bar, eating nutritious foods like nuts, vegetables, and protein will keep you focused on your work and will keep you from feeling tired.
You can still build your social life even if you avoid drugs and alcohol. If you want to be a valedictorian, you have to hang out in the right environment
Step 5. Get enough rest
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep and getting up at the same time every day will keep your body energized and strong, and give you the fuel to pay attention in class, do well on exams, and be a top student. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to study so you don't go to bed at 3am and fall asleep in class.
Try to sleep less than 10-11 pm and spend 45 minutes to 1 hour in the morning to prepare for classes before you leave the house
Step 6. Don't push yourself too hard
If you want to be a valedictorian, you have to relax a little. Don't tell yourself that every grade is valuable and will affect your destiny and your chances of getting into a good college. Of course grades are important, but a calm mind and friendship are just as important. Remind yourself that the world won't stop spinning even if you don't get good grades-your grades will get better later.
- To be a valedictorian, you have to be calm because otherwise you will feel that the pressure is too much for you to handle.
- Stay positive and always look to the future-don't waste time thinking about test scores a month or even a year ago. It is of no benefit.
Tips
- Take special classes like Honor class and AP class as much as possible. If your school uses a weighted GPA, those classes can earn you more points than regular classes, so you can get a GPA over 4.0.
- If you want to be a valedictorian, make sure you don't get distracted and don't give other people a chance to outdo you.
- Stay focused. If you really want to be a valedictorian, you have to work for it.
- Becoming a valedictorian is only half the struggle you have to go through. Becoming a valedictorian can only help you half way. You should also write a graduation speech.
- Stay away from drugs, alcohol, or bad influences. These things will not help you become a valedictorian and will have long-term negative effects.
Warning
- Becoming a valedictorian does not provide significant advantages that can guarantee that you will be accepted into a prestigious college. Valedictorian is also often rejected, often students who are rejected are those in second and third rank. Join sports teams or other extracurricular activities as well, unless those activities take up too much time.
- Remember: life isn't just about class rankings! Don't be afraid to fail. 10 years from now, who becomes a valedictorian will no longer matter. What matters most is your friends and the new passion you've found. Stay proud of yourself and make your dreams come true.
