What Makes a Student 'Smart' #1

I often hear students say, “Oh school is easy for her because she is so smart” or “He is just smart; he never has to work hard.” It is true that some students’ brains are wired for academics more than others’, but any student can be successful in academics if he or she has the right attitude, work ethic and knows what "smart students" do.

Here are some basic facts that can help every student be successful:

1. Nothing is more important than a positive, eager attitude; the desire to succeed and appreciation for learning. Attitude trumps brain power every time. Smart students have a good attitude about learning and school.

2. Teachers are people. If they are treated with respect and good manners, they are generally willing to go the extra mile for any student – especially a student who is eager to learn. Teachers don’t “hate” any student. “Mrs. So-and-So gave me a failing grade because she hates me” is never true at Darlington, and a comment like that is self-deceptive of the student. Smart students are honest with themselves and make the best of their teachers.

3.  Managing time and materials is a prerequisite to being “smart.” Plan your week and your day carefully and make needed adjustments to ensure success. Have a notebook/desk/locker/backpack system that works for you. Smart students take control of their time and materials.

4. Capitalize on class time and work efficiently. You have to be in class, why not make the most of it? Take good notes and pay attention carefully. This avoids having to relearn the material later. When doing homework, eliminate all distractions. Smart students make the most of class time and study efficiently.

5. Read books as much as possible. Students who read books do significantly better in school than students who never read unless they have to for school. Smart students read books; they know it is enjoyable.

Notice that these five things that “smart students” do is totally possible for every student to do. It does not take brain power to do any of these things, just desire. So ask teachers and other students for help, watch what “smart students” do with a healthy dose of self-honesty, and be willing to make some changes in the quest of self-improvement.

Success in education is a constant process; try to look at it as the challenge of being the best you can be without overly pressuring yourself. College-preparatory school these days is not meant to be easy; rather, it is a challenging opportunity for a better life for yourself that is not available to most teenagers.

Embracing your job as a student right now means having a choice in your future and going to a college that is a good fit... not to mention that good grades translate directly to money (scholarships)! I firmly believe every student at Darlington can be a “smart student.”