For context, I’m a pretty hard working student and I turn in everything on time. In my Biology class I have an 88 and in Spanish IV I have an 89. The quarter ends next Friday and I’ve been trying to pull up these to grades to maintain my 4.0 but it’s not working. Both of the teachers for these classes are pretty strict so I can’t just beg. Does anyone have any tips?
I’m going to be candid. These are the grades you have earned in these courses. I think you just need to accept that.
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Unless the teacher offers the entire class some sort of extra credit project, I agree that you have to accept these grades. Try not to focus on the artificial line between 88/89 and 90.
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No need for a 4.0. It will be okay.
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Thank you everyone who commented. I have tests tomorrow for both these classes so I’m hoping that gives me a chance to fix my grades. I understand that these are the grades I’ve earned but the grading platform we use seems to be…mathematically challenged, for lack of better words. I’ve calculated my grades myself and somehow they come out higher than what it says in the gradebook.
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Also don’t stress about remaining valedictorian. Believe me, these things are meaningless as you get older. Good luck with your tests and enjoy high school!
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I agree with the others here, but also think that — if there are discrepancies between the syllabus / grading rubric and the online grading platform — it’s reasonable for you to meet with your teachers and ask them to walk you through how the grading is being done, and, if there’s an error in your favor, to point it out. I can easily see how a poorly-configured grading portal could impact a grade, and think it’s a good opportunity for self-advocacy if it looks like there’s a problem.
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If there’s really a problem with the gradebook, then gently ask the teacher to explain how the grades are weighted. But make sure you understand the grading system. I’ve had students complain about inaccuracies in my grading before, but they didn’t understand that my grading is based on weighted categories rather than raw points. Tread carefully here – no one appreciates a grade grubber.
Otherwise, do as much as you can that’s within your control. If the teacher rounds up, then maybe you have a shot with the 89. But the 88 sounds like a well-deserved B+ (which is a good grade). Don’t worry about keeping your 4.0. Focus on learning what you can and carrying these lessons into the next grading period. Improvement over time looks good and demonstrates resilience (and shows that you are challenging yourself).
You can always ask - is there an extra assignment or anything you can do.
But if you’re worried about a 4.0 vs. 3.95, please don’t.
Ultimately the grade you earn is the grade you earn.
And you’ve done great.
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A competent teacher should never offer an extra credit opportunity to one student if others aren’t getting the same opportunity. However, some teachers will allow students to make up missing work by the end of the grading period, or of course if there is an opportunity for extra credit (for all), take advantage of that.
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I teach APCSA. I don’t “bump” grades; however, I always have extra coding labs for anyone who wants to earn some extra points. Some of my colleagues have similar policy. You can ask your teachers if they offer something like this.
It may be there for all. One can ask. You never know.
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Are your third quarter grades really used to calculate your GPA? Where I am, it’s end of course grades that are used…which means you would have until the end of the semester to raise your grade.