If you’re not someone who always gets top marks in your class, you might look at others and wonder how they do it, or perhaps think that you obviously have to be born with high intelligence or luck in order to make it. That’s not necessarily true chomas.

Getting to the top of your class takes hard work and determination. Now don’t get scared by the words ‘hard work’, if you apply yourself and follow these tips, you will reap the rewards and soon everyone will be looking at you and wondering how you make being smart seem so easy:

Set a Goal

To be at the top of your class, you need to make a conscious decision to get there. So start by saying to yourself: “This year, I will get the best marks and do better than I have ever done before.” Success starts with confidence. Find out what goals are important to you and what you want to achieve this year. 

Research

Don’t just rely on what you hear in your class, do some extra studying on your subjects when you’re out of class. You could even ask your teacher to give you a breakdown of what you will be learning for the year so that you can prepare for it. This way you will ensure that you are always ahead of the class. The Internet and public library are great sources of information and are free and easily accessible. 

Resources

There are several places where you can get free reading and learning material. Get a library card and ask the Librarian to help you pick out books that relate to your school work or subjects. You could also do a Google search on your subjects to get further information. Just imagine how good it would feel when a teacher asks a question about a subject and you’re able to put your hand up every time because you prepared ahead of time for the lesson?

Another good way to get free resources, material or study help is to ask someone who has already done your subjects. Ask them for tips, old books and, if they have time, maybe help explaining certain subjects to you. 

Sacrifice

Being top of your class means that you will have to sacrifice a bit of your time. This means that you may have to focus more on your books and less on socialising. Of course, you don’t have to cut your friends out, just focus on balancing between school and your social life. 

Support

Tell your family members or those close to you about your plans to excel at school. Perhaps you can then look to them for support and this way they will respect your time and space when you need to study. Also try to find a study buddy. It’s always better to study with a friend.

If you’re wondering why you should worry about being smart at school, remember choma that it’s not just about being smart at school, it’s about excelling in school so that you can push through your high school years and eventually reach a point where you have even more opportunities to study in college, varsity and reach the career of your dreams.

If you excel at the top of your class and show that you are not only smart but hardworking, you could apply for bursaries and stand a better chance of getting one. When you’re done studying further, you will then have the opportunity to choose an awesome career. At the end of the day it’s all about making a success of yourself and I believe that anyone can do that, no matter where they come from.

So start thinking about your future now choma, go to your class and be the best you can be! You’ve got this!