I want to get straight A's.

[Demented]

I'm 13 and I'm going into 8th grade starting tomorrow. I'm your regular guy, kind of a jock, yet preppy. Anyways, grades have become important to me for some reason. Any tips on how I can get excellent grades yet maintain a good and fun life?

[Nathaniel]

1) Don't put too much stress on your grades. They are important, but colleges aren't going to stare at your transcript and say, LYKOMGZGAISDISKIDGOTABBBBBB!! OHNOEZ!

2) If you are still intent on getting good grades, then set time aside at home to study and do homework. The majority of your grade may not come from the homework itself, but doing it and fully understanding it is key.

[ThisIsTomP]

I know VT is irresistible, but spend less time on the internet and more time studying... Pay close attention in class and take notes. Find a study partner if you can't study alone, or it's boring. But notice I said study partner and not friend. Friends are a distraction... Find someone like yourself looking to excel and go from there.

[Jess]

you know, grades don't matter until like eleventh grade. but anyways

pay attention in class, do all your homework, study well for tests. good luck

[Sith Lord 13]

pay attention in class, do all your homework, study well for tests. good luck

Good advice.

you know, grades don't matter until like eleventh grade. but anyways

Not true. Colleges look at all four years of high school. They may or may not weight the later courses heavier.

[Reverie]

'A' grades in eighth grade?

Well, let's see here:

Attend class.
Don't fall asleep.
Do your homework.

Wow, that was hard, wasn't it?

[swimmerjeff]

The way I became smart enough to get all As is:
I read.
This sounds weird, but seriously, general knowledge in writing and reading helps across the board in literally every class you will ever take (minus, maybe, an art class).

'A' grades in eighth grade?

Well, let's see here:

Attend class.
Don't fall asleep.
Do your homework.

Wow, that was hard, wasn't it?
This is good advice. Usually, the kids who get Cs or lower simple to do not pay attention/do not do homework.
You seem to be worried about your sports getting in the way of school work? I do sports, too, and actually, they really help me manage my time. Set aside time after practice to do your homework, and don't allow yourself online until you're done.

you know, grades don't matter until like eleventh grade. but anyways

This is false. The entire high school career is important, and freshman slacking off is a huge reason why most of my friends have terrible GPAs.
Middle school may not matter as much. However, getting in the habit of taking school seriously early on can never be a negative thing.

[the8bitter]

It is impossible, at least to me. I strive to get the straight As (and usually end up doing so, haven't failed a class in my entire life but that is about to change) and it weakened me socially. In fact, I owe all of the mentality issues I've had (since 2nd grade) due to school. I'm just going to give up- it's not worth trying to commit suicide over not understanding one simplistic concept (I've tried to kill myself over school in the past). Unless you aren't anal retentive, just do your work and see the outcome.

Public Education has annihilated who I truly was, and what I believed in. I have all kinds of communication problems due to the lack of a social life, and that is all in part due to school. Don't let it consume you, just work on your level and if you are not anal retentive (like I have always been) do just a bit more.