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Weird Al Yankovic, Alicia Keys, and Jodie Foster. What common thread ties these celebrities together? They all earned the title of valedictorian in their graduating class. While achieving valedictorian status won't necessarily turn you into a supermodel or a pop star, it can certainly open doors to success in your college journey and beyond. The key ingredients are mental strength, persistence, and an exceptional work ethic. Wondering how to make this happen? Follow these steps for success.
Steps
Preparation Phase
Start early. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as walking into high school on day one of freshman year and declaring your intent to be valedictorian. You'll need to establish a strong academic foundation during middle school by enrolling in the most challenging math and English courses available. While not all middle schools have specialized tracks, some offer Honors-level classes starting as early as seventh or eighth grade. These courses will pave the way for Honors courses in high school, so make sure you lay the groundwork early on.
- English can be easier to advance in, but once you're on a math track, it becomes more difficult to skip ahead. For instance, if you're in a standard Algebra class in eighth grade, you'll likely continue with regular Geometry in ninth grade unless you have demonstrated exceptional ability. If possible, consider taking two math classes to accelerate your progress.
Understand how your school selects its valedictorian. Some schools base rankings on an unweighted GPA, while others assign additional points for taking advanced classes. Most schools do offer extra points for tougher courses, so it's smart to aim for these classes. Even if your school doesn't award extra points, striving for top grades is still important. After all, if you want to be valedictorian, you'll likely need to take the most challenging courses to attend a prestigious school.
- For instance, if your school uses a weighted GPA system, an "A" in regular classes may give you a 4.0, an "A" in honors classes a 5.0, and an "A" in AP classes a 6.0.
- The valedictorian often gives a graduation speech. If that's what you're hoping for, be sure to confirm that the valedictorian is the one delivering it. In some schools, the student body president delivers the speech, or students vote for who should speak. Other schools may have both the valedictorian and the student body president, along with another student, deliver speeches.
- In some cases, schools have multiple valedictorians — in some, as many as 29!
Choose your courses carefully. If your school factors in the weighted GPA when selecting the valedictorian, prioritize taking the most challenging courses available. If you find these advanced classes daunting, you might need to reconsider aiming for valedictorian. To become valedictorian, you must consistently earn A’s in the toughest courses at your school. Are you up for the challenge?
- Whenever possible, take AP classes over honors classes, as they often offer more points.
- Elective classes can negatively affect your weighted GPA because they are typically considered regular courses. Although most students are required to take electives like gym or art, opt for electives that are worth more points when you can. For example, choose AP Language and Composition instead of Creative Writing if the latter is considered a regular course.
- You may miss out on some enjoyable courses throughout high school, but remember, they won’t help you become valedictorian.
- If your school allows you to skip gym by participating in a sport, consider joining a sport, as it could help boost your GPA. However, don’t take up a sport just for GPA improvement — the time commitment may interfere with your studies.
Being valedictorian won't guarantee a spot at top colleges. If you're aiming for valedictorian, you're probably eyeing prestigious schools like Harvard, Yale, Duke, or Amherst. But when applying to such elite colleges, valedictorians are not uncommon. Earning the title will help keep you competitive and impress admissions officers, but you also need to show that you're more than just a grade-focused student. You should demonstrate that you have a wide range of interests and are an active, engaged member of your community.
- Even William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions at Harvard, has said, “I think, it’s a bit of an anachronism. This has been a long tradition, but in the world of college admissions, it makes no real difference.”
- Being valedictorian and excelling in sports, community service, or the arts will make you an impressive candidate. But even if you're ranked #10 in your class and still pursue these other activities, it won't hurt your chances much.
- Your SAT score also plays a significant role in college admissions. Many colleges weigh your GPA and SAT score equally, meaning that your four years of high school effort is matched by the effort you put into a -hour exam. It may not seem fair, but it’s the reality you’ll need to accept.
Putting in the Effort
Study effectively. If you aim to become a valedictorian, it's essential to study smart in order to achieve excellent grades. This doesn't mean you should devote every waking moment to your books, but it does mean you need to study efficiently and effectively. Here are some strategies to get you on track:
- Create a structured study schedule. You might study 2-3 hours a night or 3-4 hours every other night. Whatever the plan, have a clear schedule to avoid procrastination and stress.
- Keep a steady pace. Set manageable goals -- like 10-15 pages per day. Don't push yourself too hard or you'll risk burnout.
- Use practice quizzes. Your textbooks, whether history, math, or other subjects, may include practice questions. Even if your teacher doesn’t use them, these are valuable tools for gauging your knowledge.
- Use flashcards. If flashcards help you memorize foreign languages, historical facts, or math formulas, make them a part of your routine.
Stand out in class. You don't need to be the teacher's favorite, but being exceptional in the classroom is important. Arrive on time, engage in class discussions, and ask questions if you don't understand something. Staying focused will enhance your grasp of the material, which will help you score higher on tests, and will also make a positive impression on your teacher, potentially earning you participation points.
- Minimize side conversations with peers to avoid missing out on key information.
- Take effective notes during class. Don’t just copy down everything verbatim; paraphrase in your own words to ensure you truly understand the material.
- Occasionally talk to your teacher after class. This doesn't mean you need to be there all the time, but developing a rapport with your teachers can help you stand out.
Stay organized. To succeed both in the classroom and in your studies, organization is key. You need a separate notebook for each class, well-labeled binders, a tidy locker, and an organized study space at home. If your life is cluttered, you'll find it harder to focus and retain information.
- Use a planner to jot down your daily homework assignments.
- Keep a calendar above your desk to track important test dates.
Read ahead. Reading the material in advance will give you a head start on what your teacher plans to cover next. This will keep you from falling behind and help you absorb the content more effectively. However, avoid tackling overly difficult topics before your teacher introduces them, as it may be confusing without context.
- Reading ahead gives you an advantage, just be careful not to overshadow the lesson in class. Don’t make it obvious or you might disrupt the class dynamic.
Seek extra help. You might think, "Why would I need extra help if I’m striving for valedictorian?" But that's exactly where you're wrong. To be the best, you need an edge over the competition. Whether it's seeking clarification from your teacher after class, getting help from a parent who understands the material, or reaching out to an older, successful student for guidance, extra help can make a significant difference.
- If you can afford it, consider hiring a private tutor, although it can be expensive.
Staying Balanced
Get involved in extracurricular activities. Always make time for clubs, sports, volunteering, or other activities outside the classroom. Believe it or not, extracurricular activities can actually help improve your grades because they encourage better time management. Studies show that student-athletes often perform better academically than their peers who don’t participate in sports.
- Engaging in these activities will also help you stay well-rounded and prevent you from becoming overly focused on just your studies.
- Reader Poll: We surveyed 184 Mytour readers about their volunteering habits, and 54% of them said they volunteer regularly. [Take Poll] Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable way to spend your time, plus it looks impressive on college applications!
Maintain a healthy social life. You don’t want to lock yourself away studying for endless hours under a bright, uncomfortable light. It’s essential to balance your study time with time for your friendships, social events, or even a trip to the school carnival. Spending all your time with your head buried in books can make you feel isolated and disconnected. You don’t need to be the center of every social gathering, but having a few close friends will keep you motivated to stay on top of your academics. Just be sure to avoid getting caught up in unnecessary drama at school, as it can be distracting and time-consuming.
- Find a study group with like-minded friends. Having a group to study with can make it more enjoyable and productive. Organize a study session for a class and see how it works out; if you stay focused, you’ll have found a way to boost your chances of acing the class.
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Keep an eye on your competition, but avoid fixating on them. It's not helpful to get caught up in comparing yourself with others or engaging in petty rivalries. There's no need to ask your classmates how they did on their tests, how long they studied, or what grade they expect. Such distractions will take your focus off of what matters most – your own progress.
- Remember, everyone has different needs. You may need 4 hours of study time to excel in a test, while the person beside you might only need 3 hours. You don't have to be the most naturally talented to earn top honors; hard work is key.
Take care of your body. Achieving valedictorian status isn't just about intelligence; it's also about stamina. Stay healthy. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, and avoid harmful substances like drugs and alcohol. A strong body supports peak performance. While occasional indulgences like pizza or candy are fine, focusing on nutritious foods such as nuts, vegetables, and proteins will help you stay energized and focused.
- Enjoy a social life without resorting to drugs or alcohol. To be the valedictorian, choose the right crowd that encourages your goals.
Ensure you get enough rest. Aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, with a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, helps your body stay energized and alert. This will support your focus in class, boost your performance in exams, and help you stand out as a student. Make sure you plan your study time wisely to avoid late-night cram sessions that interfere with your sleep.
- Aim to be in bed by 10 or 11 PM and allow at least 45 minutes to an hour in the morning before leaving so you can feel sharp for class.
Don't overwhelm yourself with pressure. To become valedictorian, it's important to keep a healthy perspective. It's easy to get caught up in thinking that every single grade will determine your future, but remember, while grades are significant, your mental health and friendships matter too. It's okay if you don’t score perfectly on every test—focus on doing better next time.
- In order to be valedictorian, you need a calm mindset; too much pressure can make everything feel unmanageable.
- Stay optimistic and focus on the future. There's no value in dwelling on grades from months or years ago—let go of the past.
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If you're aiming for valedictorian, stay focused and avoid letting distractions take away your chance of excelling.
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Stay determined. If you want that top spot, you'll need to give it everything you've got.
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Becoming valedictorian is only part of the journey. The real challenge continues when you have to Write a Valedictorian Speech.
The tips shared here are based on real-life experiences from Mytour readers like you. If you have a helpful piece of advice you'd like to contribute, feel free to submit it in the field below.
- Don’t beat yourself up over failures. Mistakes happen to everyone. Consider them opportunities for growth. Take a moment to reflect on what went wrong, then move forward with that newfound knowledge.
- While extracurricular activities are valuable, overcommitting can add unnecessary stress and make it harder to focus on becoming valedictorian.
- Don’t get so caught up in competition that you begin to view your friends as rivals.
Important Warnings
- Being named valedictorian doesn’t guarantee automatic admission to any Ivy League school. Many valedictorians are rejected, sometimes in favor of students who were second or third in their class. It's also important to engage in sports or other extracurricular activities—just be sure they don't overwhelm you.
- Keep in mind that your class rank is not everything! If you don’t become valedictorian, it won’t matter in the long run. Ten years from now, no one will likely care. What will matter is the friendships you’ve built and the passions you’ve discovered. Be sure to enjoy your journey, but always stay out of trouble!
