How to Get Your Science Grade Up

With today’s slow economy and competitive job market, getting a good education is vital to your success in life. A successful education begins in high school because good grades can lead to acceptance at a top-ranked college. Science classes require students to understand and memorize a number of things. This can be overwhelming to many students, especially those who have falling grades and are just trying to keep their heads above water. If your science grade is down, there are a number of things you can do to raise it and graduate with solid marks.

Take Notes in Class

When students are struggling in science a part of the problem can be traced to classroom behavior. You can improve your grades by having a frank conversation with your teacher. Ask her what you can do in class to raise your grades. She will likely tell you what areas of the course are the most important to focus on. If you don’t already take notes, start. Some teachers cram loads of information into their lectures and note taking can be tasking. In this case record the lecture and take written notes from the recording when you get home. If you have a teacher who writes notes on the board you are lucky because they will usually list key points of information required for course work and exams. Be sure to focus on points written on the board.

Work With a Tutor

One-on-one tutoring is always a great way to raise your grades, and according to Tutor.com it is the best way to learn science. Science involves understanding theories and concepts, and requires memorizing a lot of terms and names. Having a tutor helps students absorb and learn the materials. There are a number of online tutoring services to help you with science, but if you want the face-to-face tutoring experience you have a few options. Start by asking your teacher for tutor recommendations. In some cases students can tutor one another and sometimes a student from an AP science class will volunteer to tutor his peers. There are also independent learning centers that hold tutoring sessions after school at their own facilities.

Set a Study Schedule

Not having a study schedule is detrimental to your success in science class. Having a well-planned schedule will help you stay focused and will grant better concentration. The trick is to create a study plan you will stick to. Divide the aspects of science you need to study, and dedicate some time each day to studying those areas. If you wake up early, use an hour to study while you eat breakfast and then dedicate an hour or two after school. A week or two before an exam, clear your schedule of parties and socializing, and use that time to study. You will have plenty of time after the exam to hang out with your friends, so don’t feel discouraged.

Have a Good Study Space

You will be more successful at studying if you can establish a good study zone free of distractions. Most students will study in their bedrooms, but this is not always the best place. Bedrooms can be distracting, as most teen bedrooms are cluttered and the temptation of TV is too great. Instead find another area of the house with little foot traffic. Find an ergonomic chair and place it at the desk so your elbows rest comfortably at a straight angle on the desktop. An ergonomically designed study space may help improve your focus. Keep all clutter away and make sure your study materials are organized. Finally, displaying a photo of Einstein on a clean, clutter-free desk may just motivate you to study harder and turn your C into an A.