By Ayla Dickerson
If you’re not satisfied with your first quarter academic performance, there are still three quarters remaining for the 2024-2025 year to be your academic era. The McNicholas Milestone surveyed McNicholas High School’s students and most experienced teachers to bring the most accurate information on how to help you achieve your goal of outstanding grades and being a successful student in and out of the classroom. With tips, tricks, and advice from fellow Rockets, you’ll have a step-by-step plan on how to make this 2024-2025 school year your academic era.
Step one: Critical thinking and paying attention in class is essential to being a top student. McNicholas Student Counselor Mrs. Margaret Vonderhaar said “Being here, being present, and being engaged in class is always the first step.” AP English Literature and Composition teacher Mrs. Julie Dill said that to achieve academic greatness you must be willing to think critically and learn how to go beyond the reading and really investigate the text. Senior Jordan Wheatley said you need to be interested in what you’re learning, “take classes you’re interested in because it makes it easier to study.” Be curious about everything and really use your imagination to think critically and interrogate the text, McNicholas Chaplain Fr. Kevin said.
Step two: Avoid procrastination as much as possible. “Procrastination is inevitable, and I do it sometimes too, so don’t feel bad about it, just try to avoid it,” junior Mia Colonna said. Most would agree that a crucial part to thriving academically is using the provided study hall efficiently. Due to the lack of distractions, junior Alex Stewart said he finds it much easier to study and complete homework at school rather than at home. Colonna said she avoids distractions at school by finding a quiet spot in the library in order to concentrate.
Step three: Staying organized and properly managing individual time is a necessity and one of the first steps to academic success. Vonderhaar said that the biggest struggle for students is time management and knowing what is due and when. Vonderhaar states that the best way to fix this issue is to either purchase a paper planner or use an online organizational system such as notion, apple calendar, or sticky notes. Vonderhaar also said to check Schoology daily and write down assignments and their due dates in your planner to stay organized.
Step four: Put in the time and effort. Sophomore Molly Armstrong said, “You have to work hard to be successful.” You must make time and put in the effort required for the classes you are taking, senior Lukas Jelinek said. Make sure you understand the material, and if you don’t, use your resources to solve problems. Many students with math struggles recommend seeing McNicholas’s math tutor, Mrs. Julie Miller, to better comprehend what you are learning. Miller is available between 7:40 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Miller said not to be embarrassed or ashamed to go to tutoring because almost every student comes at least once. Miller said she is able to tutor through AP Calculus AB. Stewart advised McNicholas students to ask teachers for help, and if they don’t provide the assistance needed, to seek help via YouTube tutorials. Senior Jordan Wheatley suggested Khan Academy for help on science and math subjects.
Step five: The final step to achieving academic greatness is to study and complete homework thoroughly and on time. “Don’t wait till the last minute to study for something, it makes it more stressful on yourself,” Colonna said. Many Rockets said they try to complete their homework and study right when they get home. Senior Izzy Holte said, “I just try to do my homework right when I get home to avoid getting sidetracked.” Some Rockets said they spend between one and a half to two hours daily on homework and studying. Senior Lukas Jelinek said that you simply just “have to make the time and put in the effort.” Quizlet premium, “learn mode,” is a common way for students to study.
Earning good grades is ultimately a decision you have to make in order for this 2024-2025 school year to be your academic era.
The McNicholas Milestone 