How to Improve Your Grades Before Classification? Effective Strategies

Proven methods to raise your grade average at the last minute and avoid promotion problems.

Classification is approaching fast and your average doesn't look good? Calm down – not all is lost yet. Learn effective strategies that will help you improve your grades before the end of the semester or school year.

Grade average calculatorGrade weight

Step 1: Assess Your Situation

  • Check all grades in the electronic gradebook
  • Calculate the current average for each subject
  • Identify subjects where you're on the edge
  • Check grade weights – which forms of assessment have the greatest impact
  • Assess how much time is left until classification

Focus on 2-3 subjects where improvement is most urgent and most realistic.

Step 2: Talk to Your Teachers

Approach the teacher with a specific question:

  • "Can I retake the test?"
  • "What can I do to raise my average?"
  • "Will there be any more quizzes or oral exams?"

Best time: at least 2-3 weeks before classification

Be polite and show willingness to improve – teachers appreciate it

Don't wait until the last moment! A conversation the day before classification is too late.

Step 3: Effective Improvement Strategies

  • Retaking Tests. Many schools allow retaking tests. Even if the retake doesn't completely replace a poor grade, it can raise your average.
  • Volunteer for Oral Exams. Oral responses usually have lower weight, but they can raise your average. Volunteer especially for topics you know well.
  • Submit All Homework. Homework and additional assignments may not have high weight, but systematic submission shows engagement and can convince the teacher to give a higher final grade.
  • Take Advantage of Every Quiz. Even if quizzes have low weight, a series of good grades can positively affect your average and the teacher's impression.
  • Prepare a Presentation or Essay. Propose additional work to the teacher – a presentation, essay, project. This shows initiative and can give you an extra grade.
  • Be Active in Class. Class participation is often valued when determining the final grade. Raise your hand, ask questions, engage in discussions.
Weighted averageEnd of year average

Step 4: Set Priorities

Focus on subjects where:

  • You're close to a higher final grade (e.g., 4.4 – you can reach 5)
  • You're at risk of a failing grade (priority #1!)
  • The subject has high weight (mathematics, Polish language)
  • The teacher is open to improvement and student activity

Don't try to improve everything at once – it's better to prepare well for 2-3 subjects than poorly for all.

Step 5: Time Planning

  • 3 weeks before classification:. Talk to teachers, establish improvement plan
  • 2 weeks before:. Intensive studying, retaking tests, volunteering for oral exams
  • 1 week before:. Last quizzes, submitting projects, revision
  • Last days:. Check averages, possible conversations with teachers

Remember that final grades are often issued 3-5 days before official classification!

Take Care of Yourself

  • Get enough sleep – a tired brain doesn't absorb knowledge
  • Take breaks while studying – Pomodoro technique (25 min study, 5 min break)
  • Don't panic – stress reduces effectiveness
  • Ask for help from friends, parents, or a tutor if you don't understand something
  • Be realistic – sometimes you have to accept that you can't improve everything
Exam stressRed stripe

Use the Average Calculator

Calculate what grade you need on the next test or quiz to achieve a higher average. This way you'll know what to focus on and whether improvement is realistic.

Summary – Checklist

  • Check all grades and calculate averages
  • Talk to teachers about improvement possibilities
  • Plan actions – retakes, oral exams, projects
  • Set priorities – don't try everything at once
  • Act quickly – time is short
  • Be active in class and submit all work
  • Take care of your health and don't panic