No room for slipping

Overview

First quarter grades are a checkpoint — they show you where you stand and give you time to make adjustments. If everything looks good, great! If not, there's still time to improve.

Why These Grades Matter

• First quarter grades often appear on your application
• They indicate your trajectory heading into application season
• Junior year grades are weighted most heavily

Weekly Check-In Routine

1. Review your grades in your student portal
2. Calculate where you stand in each class
3. Identify any class where you're at risk of a B- or below
4. Take action before it becomes harder to recover

If You Notice a Dip

Don't panic! Here's what to do:

• Meet with your teacher to discuss improvement strategies
• Ask about extra credit or test correction opportunities
• Form study groups or get tutoring
• Attend office hours regularly

Encouraging Perspective

Most grade recovery happens mid-semester, not during finals week. Catching issues early gives you the best chance to turn things around!