1. Attend school regularly and consistently. Most high schools require students to attend school at least 90% of the time in order to be eligible for the honor roll.
2. Aim for high grades in your classes. It's important to try your best in all your classes, but it's especially important to do well in your core academic subjects, such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
3. Take challenging classes. Take the honors or advanced placement (AP) versions of classes whenever possible. These classes are more challenging, but they can also earn you more points towards the honor roll.
4. Participate in extracurricular activities. Many schools give extra points for students who participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work.
5. Be a good citizen. This includes following all school rules, respecting teachers and other students, and being honest and trustworthy.
6. Improve on all aspects. If your grades are on the cusp of the high honor roll, see what aspects you can improve. This could be completing more extracurricular activities, being a more active participant in class, and/or attending tutoring sessions.
General Requirements for High Honor Roll Recognition
While specific recognition criteria vary by school, many high schools reward students who maintain high grade-point averages (GPAs) with various honors, including high honor roll recognition. Generally, the requirements include:
- Overall GPA: Typically, achieving a high honor roll distinction requires an overall GPA that is significantly higher than the school's average GPA. The specific GPA threshold may vary from school to school but often falls between 3.8 and 4.0.
- Course Performance: Beyond maintaining a high overall GPA, students must consistently perform well in individual courses. This often means earning mostly A's and achieving excellent grades in more rigorous courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) classes, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
- Number of Honors Courses: Schools may also consider the number of honors or advanced placement (AP) courses a student takes as part of their high honor roll criteria. Engaging in a rigorous course load can demonstrate a student's commitment to challenging themselves academically.
- Extracurricular Activities: Some high schools place value on students' involvement in extracurricular activities when considering high honor roll recognition. This involvement may include serving in student leadership positions, participating in clubs and organizations, or giving back to the community through volunteer work.
- Attendance and Discipline: Regular school attendance and a strong record of discipline are often prerequisites for high honor roll recognition. Students who demonstrate exemplary attendance and a commitment to adhering to school rules and policies are more likely to be considered for this distinction.