How to Achieve the First Rank in Your Class & Become a Topper

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The best tips to study productively and become a class topper
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Becoming the first rank of your class, or a class topper, is an incredible academic achievement, but it does require discipline, determination, and effort. Aside from scoring well on exams, class toppers choose their classes strategically and use specific techniques to stay organized and productive. Luckily, we’re here to teach you everything you need to know so you can follow their lead! By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to organize your schedule, work more efficiently, and become the top of your class.

How to Top Your Class

Participate in class discussions to fully understand the lesson and get clarity on confusing topics. You can also create a homework calendar to ensure you complete your assignments on time. When you study, do so for 1-2 hours at a time, and take a short 10-minute break if you feel like you're losing focus.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Participation

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  1. Choose a seat at the front of the room so you can listen attentively to everything that your teacher says. Being up front makes it easier to pay attention in class because it removes distractions from your classmates, and it also puts you on your teacher’s radar, giving you a better opportunity to earn extra brownie points. [1]
    • Sitting in front will also remove the temptation to pull out your phone, read something that isn’t pertinent to the class, or zone out.
    • If you can't move to the front of the class, ask your classmates to let you focus and to not talk to you during class.
  2. Absorb the most you can during each lesson by taking better notes in class . Instead of writing down every word your teacher says, listen attentively to pick up on important details, such as names, dates, and places. This narrows down the amount of information you need to learn, which can help boost your productivity and minimize stress. [2]
    • For instance, you might write: "Franz Ferdinand (archduke of Austria) was assassinated on June 28, 1914."
    • If your teacher hints that a specific subject might show up on an upcoming exam, put a star next to your notes so you can go back and focus on studying it.
    • If you’re a visual learner, create charts, diagrams, or doodles to help you remember things.
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  3. Speak up in class to show that you are keeping up with the course work and thinking about the material thoughtfully. Bring up points and questions that relate directly to the specific lesson or module your class is covering that week. Mention other students’ ideas in a respectful way, either to agree or disagree, to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. [3]
    • For example, say something like, "I agree with Andrea's point about global warming, and I think even more effort can be put into making a change."
    • Try to think of questions that will spark further discussion. For instance, "How do you think Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet might have been different if he had written the play in the age of social media?"
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Homework

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  1. Set up a day planner to help you juggle coursework for different classes. [4] To block out time, think about your schedule outside of school, especially if you have a job or you’re involved with extracurricular activities. Tackle your hardest assignments first when you have the most energy and focus, then complete simpler homework toward the end of the day (or week) when you’re more tired. [5]
    • Most students set aside 1-3 hours for homework each day, but give yourself an extra 1-2 hours if you learn a new topic or your teacher assigns more work than usual.
    • To manage your time wisely, use different colored gel pens to prioritize your tasks and keep track of your due dates.
  2. Carefully review your calendar and course outline to set aside enough time to read. Completing your readings before class helps you fully engage in class discussions, impress your teachers , and prepare for any potential pop quizzes. [6]
    • If possible, read during study periods, breaks in between classes, or lunch time so you can work on other assignments after school.
    • If you don’t have enough time to get through your readings, read summaries of your assigned chapters for free on CliffsNotes on SparkNotes , or watch a quick analysis video on YouTube.
  3. If you have multiple homework assignments from different classes, shift between them when you start to lose focus. A fresh topic can reinvigorate your mind and ensure that you do not waste any valuable time. Just focus on the more difficult subjects first so that you can devote more time to them if you need to. [7]
    • Take a 10-minute break if you really can’t concentrate on your assignments, or watch a YouTube video to learn more information passively.
  4. Late homework is usually subject to penalties that will bring down your grade (and possibly lower your class rank). Track the due dates for your homework carefully, and write them down in your calendar as soon as your teacher assigns them. If you tend to forget things, set a reminder on your phone the day before the deadline.
    • If you plan to be absent on a day when a homework assignment is due, hand it in early to avoid losing marks.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Studying

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  1. If you have a major exam coming up, begin studying as early as possible. Give yourself 3-4 weeks to cover all the material in small, manageable study sessions, and plan out these sessions in advance so you have enough time to keep up with all of your other course work. Planning ahead will remove stress from the studying process, making it easier to concentrate.
    • Avoid cramming for your exam the night before, which increases your stress levels and doesn’t give you enough time to fully absorb the information.
    • If you want to study in a group, be sure to invite people who actually want to study and succeed. If not, the other students will just distract you and waste your time.
  2. Revision is the process of answering questions, recalling facts, and connecting new information to your existing knowledge. Instead of simply reading over your notes, develop your own materials to fully understand lessons and study more efficiently . If you’re not sure how to actively revise and grasp concepts, here are some easy and effective strategies: [8]
    • If you have a textbook for class, answer the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
    • Act like you’re a teacher and explain a concept or lesson like you are teaching it to a class.
    • Ask yourself the 5 W’s (Who? What? When? Where? Why?) to break down abstract concepts into simpler ones.
    • Memorize formulas or equations with mnemonics (i.e. for coordinating conjunctions, use FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
    • Solve practice problems, then explain your thought process and how it worked (bonus tip: find out if there are other ways to solve the question and get the same answer).
    • Make a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the big ideas for each topic.
    • Create flowcharts, tables, graphs, timelines, mind-maps, and/or study guides for each subject.
  3. While studying for exams, use practice tests or previous years’ exams to test yourself on the course content. Complete them within the same time frame as you’re given in class, and score them once you’re finished to see what areas you can improve on. If you don’t attain the scores you need to achieve first rank, schedule additional study time to improve your performance.
    • Obtain practice exams from online resources like Course Hero or Chegg , or ask your teacher for a copy of a previous year’s exam.
    • Tip: Some teachers reuse questions from the same test bank each year, which you can often find on Quizlet . To access potential exam questions, type in a question from one of your homework assignments on Google, then see if any Quizlet flashcards pop up in the results. If nothing shows up, search your course name or the last name of your teacher, followed by the word “Quizlet.”
    EXPERT TIP

    Joseph Meyer

    Math Teacher
    Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.
    Joseph Meyer
    Math Teacher

    Become an active learner. Learn from your mistakes in order to confidently tackle new lessons. Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure your skills in basic concepts are up to scratch. Utilize online resources and interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to solidify your understanding.

  4. Create an optimal environment for learning by putting away your phone and turning off the TV and radio when studying. If possible, study without using your computer: read out of a book, use a paper and pen to take notes, and make physical flashcards. By limiting your access to digital devices, you can concentrate better and are more likely to study for longer periods of time. [9]
    • If you have to use your computer to study, download third-party extensions that block distracting websites like StayFocusd and BlockSite .
    • Wear noise-canceling headphones to remove any distracting noises in your environment.
    • If there are too many distractions at home, go to your local library or community college to study in peace, and try to find a spot where you can’t see people moving around.
  5. Take a short 10-minute break after every hour of studying to refresh your mind. Studying for long periods of time can cause you to lose energy, decreasing your efficiency, motivation, and ability to retain information. During your break, try to forget about school so you can fully unwind, and set a timer so you know when to start studying again. [10]
    • Use your break time to eat a healthy snack, watch a short YouTube video, listen to a few songs, take a quick walk outside, play with your pet, or check in with your friends.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 115 wikiHow readers if it was their experience that eating healthy made them feel better, and 84% of them said Yes. [Take Poll]
  6. If you’re having trouble grasping certain topics or staying ahead of your class, find a tutor through your school, a tutoring center, or online, or ask your teacher for help . Taking initiative to get help can prevent yourself from falling behind, which saves you time (and stress) in the long run. Remember, there is no such thing as a “dumb” question, so don’t be afraid to ask someone if you’re struggling! [11]
    • The cost of tutoring centers like Kumon and Sylvan vary by location, but they typically range between $100-200 per month. [12]
    • Alternatively, attend office hours after class, or use free resources like Khan Academy or YouTube videos to learn challenging concepts.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Good Behavior

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  1. Make it a habit to never skip class unless you are sick. While missing class won’t directly affect your rank, it can make you fall behind on work, interrupt your study schedule, and possibly disrupt your teacher’s lesson plan (if they assign partner or group work). Actively participating in class and asking questions is the key to becoming a class topper, so try not to miss any days during the semester.
    • If you miss class because you’re sick, try to let a classmate know so they can inform the teacher, and ask them if you can borrow their notes. When you return to school, ask your teachers about any missed assignments and be sure to complete them on time.
  2. Show respect to your teacher and peers by taking class seriously. Arrive to class on time (or a little bit early), and address your teacher by their preferred name and title. Being well-behaved will make your teacher happy , which may translate into better grades for effort and participation.
    • When speaking to others, make sure you use polite words like “please” and “thank you,” and do not raise your voice at other students if you feel frustrated.
    • Avoid passing notes, talking to your friends, making unnecessary jokes or comments, and moving around too much during lessons (or anytime your teacher seems serious).
  3. To remain respectful to your teacher and classmates, place your phone on silent mode and put it somewhere out of reach so you aren’t tempted to look at it. Scrolling on your phone reduces your concentration and success in class, which will eventually translate on your transcript.
    • If you find it hard not to look at your phone, ask your friend (or your teacher) if they can hold it for you until the end of class.
  4. Sit next to other successful students in class, and ask them to explain topics you’re having trouble with. Befriending other high achievers may boost your grades because you can do homework together and implement their learning strategies.
    • When it’s exam season, consider setting up a study group so you can test each other on the material and work through the study guide more efficiently.
    • To avoid trouble in class, distance yourself from distracting students. If you have assigned seating, ask your teacher if you can move seats so you can focus better.
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Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
1
Study For Exams
2
Study So You Can Remember Everything
3
Make a Study Space
4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
6
Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you get A's in every class?
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Expert Answer
    Study diligently! To help yourself stay motivated, study in short, half-hour bursts. Then, take small breaks to recharge.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How is your GPA calculated?
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Expert Answer
    That depends on where you go to school. I would check with your guidance counselor to see what classes affect your rank. For example, schools may use your unweighted GPA while others may put more emphasis on weighted classes, such as AP courses.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What do I do if I follow all the steps to get first rank in class but it doesn't work?
    Community Answer
    Keep working at it. Study hard and put all your effort into succeeding. Do it because you want to further your education, not just so that you can be first in the class.
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      Tips

      • If you want to become a class topper, familiarize yourself with your school’s policies on class ranking. Most high schools determine class rank by GPA, with higher-level courses (AP, Honors) weighted more than regular courses. In other words, if you scored a B in an AP class, it would be the equivalent of an A in a regular class. [13]
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      • If your school weights AP courses more than regular courses, aim to take 3-4 AP courses per school year. Receiving a poor grade in an AP class may lower your GPA (and overall class ranking), so it’s important not to overload yourself with difficult coursework. [14]
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      • If you received a low grade in a course, ask your counselor if it’s possible to retake the class in an upcoming semester (or summer school) so you can replace that grade with a better one. [15]
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      • To make the most of your time, underline anything you don't understand while you're reading. That way, you can ask your teacher about the content later.
      • Try to meditate for at least 10 minutes before you start studying. This can keep you calm and focused
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      References

      1. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/10/19/finding-the-perfect-seat-in-class/
      2. ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Founder, Great Expectations College Prep. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      3. ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Founder, Great Expectations College Prep. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      4. ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Founder, Great Expectations College Prep. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
      6. ↑ https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/advising/_students/students_support_tips.php#CharacteristicsofaSuccessfulStudent
      7. ↑ https://academicaffairs.arizona.edu/l2l-strategy-interleaving
      8. ↑ https://sls.navitas-professional.edu.au/sites/default/files/resource/exam_preparation_v1.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.bsmcon.edu/sites/default/files/assets/files/Tips%20for%20Reducing%20Distractions%20at%20Home.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.bsmcon.edu/sites/default/files/assets/files/Tips%20for%20Reducing%20Distractions%20at%20Home.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/11/29/seeking-tutors-to-get-ahead-and-not-just-to-catch-up/22795568-01b7-44bf-ab3e-042792a90205/
      3. ↑ https://tutors.com/costs/kumon-cost
      4. ↑ https://blog.collegevine.com/ap-class-grading-scale
      5. ↑ https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/how-many-ap-classes-should-i-take/
      6. ↑ https://collegemapper.com/2014/05/improve-high-school-gpa/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To achieve the first rank in your class, strive to pay attention and participate in class discussions every day. Next, keep your assignments organized, complete your homework for each class, and turn in your assignments on time to keep your grades high. It's also important to study for your exams thoroughly so you can achieve good scores. You may want to ask your teachers what scores you will have to beat, since class-ranking systems can vary from school to school. For tips on studying efficiently, read on!

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