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April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Strategies I used to boost my GPA, what worked what did not

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by Michael Benke | USA

As a diligent student at Montour High School, I embarked on a journey to elevate my GPA, employing various strategies in my pursuit of academic excellence. Through experimentation and reflection, I discerned what methods proved effective and which fell short of my expectations.

Firstly, I recognized the importance of organization and time management. Implementing a detailed planner, I allocated specific time slots for studying, completing assignments, and engaging in extracurricular activities. By adhering to this structured schedule, I minimized procrastination and maximized productivity. This strategy proved highly effective, allowing me to stay on top of coursework and reduce last-minute cramming sessions.

Additionally, I prioritized active learning techniques over passive studying methods. Instead of passively reading textbooks or notes, I actively engaged with the material through practices such as summarizing key concepts, creating flashcards, and teaching the material to others. By adopting this hands-on approach, I enhanced my understanding of subjects and retained information more effectively. However, I found that simply re-reading notes or textbooks without actively engaging with the content yielded limited results.

Moreover, I sought assistance whenever faced with challenging concepts or assignments. I regularly attended teacher office hours, participated in study groups, and utilized online resources to clarify doubts and gain further insight into complex topics. Collaborating with peers not only fostered a deeper understanding of the material but also provided additional perspectives that enriched my learning experience. However, I discovered that relying solely on self-study without seeking external help hindered my progress in certain subjects.

Furthermore, I prioritized self-care and stress management as integral components of my academic success strategy. I ensured adequate sleep, maintained a balanced diet, and engaged in regular exercise to optimize my cognitive function and emotional well-being. Additionally, I practiced mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises to alleviate stress and enhance focus during study sessions. Incorporating these self-care practices not only improved my overall health but also boosted my academic performance by reducing burnout and increasing resilience.

In conclusion, I used my organizational skills, active learning techniques, seeking assistance, and prioritizing self-care to enhance my GPA. While strategies such as organization, active learning, and seeking assistance proved effective in bolstering my academic performance, passive studying methods and neglecting self-care hindered my progress. Through continuous experimentation and reflection, I optimized my approach to academic success, paving the way for future achievements.

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Wiingy's $2,400 scholarship for School and College Students

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#FutureSTEMLeaders

Wiingy's $2,400 scholarship for School and College Students