The Secret of Getting 4.0 GPA: How I Discovered It by Scarlett

The Secret of Getting 4.0 GPA: How I Discovered It by Scarlett - June 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everybody wants to know how to get a 4.0 GPA. Surely, it is hard but not rocket science. I can say this because I have always been a straight A student both in my high school and college. But before, I used to be the polar opposite: almost a straight F’s student, let alone being an average learner. Shortly, I will reveal how I came to have made this life-changing transformation.
As far as I can remember, academics had been my worst enemy, particularly Mathematics and English. I think the root source of my failure was intimidation: because I was scared of these subjects, I spent little time on them. I remember copying Mathematics solutions for homework from my best friend during my third grade because I barely understood a thing. As for English, I have to say I was weak especially in writing, just as most non-native English speakers like me. It was normal for me to be grounded after Results Days because of my parents felt ashamed of my grades. Seriously, I felt so shameful of myself too with the self-criticism that I could never overcome this hurdle. However, all these changed until one day when I made a deep reflection on myself.
During that night, I heard my dad’s words-- “Nobody is actually gifted to be successful” because I told him that I could not be a “well-rounded achiever” or a “whiz kid” unlike some girls from my grade who could effortlessly attain a straight A’s report. My dad’s words made me believe that I have the power to make the change too; a dream started to form inside my head. That was what first struck me in the inside—my will to change my own life. I found out that nobody could change nor stop me but myself. With this gut to face the challenge, I daringly decided to make my time in working on what I am weak at, in which they are Mathematics and English subjects for me. Thus, instead of scribbling on books for the arts class and studying Science subjects, I spent time dealing with more essays and solving Math problems despite my fear. I was not hesitant to seek help from my teachers and peers as well. From then my grades went up to D’s and C’s. Probably, others would see this as not much of a change but for me the gradual change was utterly meaningful. I compared myself with no one by myself before. It was not long before I first got my first A’s in both Mathematics and English.
With this technique in hand, I even aced the most challenges courses like English creative writing classes & Calculus class in the final year of high school. Here I am now, in college, having survived the freshman year with a winning 4.0 GPA. I survived my endless nights overloaded with the work of 15-page essays and studying for exams while also spending half of my days at my on-campus job. In fact, I discovered that proper time management was the key to success during the grueling struggle. Just as during my high school, I used my mid-term grades to see where I need to invest more time on. For example, for my English Literature class, I would spend a substantial amount of time reviewing the plays and taking notes since I know it was not my strength subject. For research papers, I would jot down every idea as soon as they popped into my mind without waiting for the last minute. It was real hard work but the efforts were worth it at the end.
To anyone looking for ways a 4.0 GPA, I would encourage with my quote “You are enough.” We have already got the power to achieve things we want in life. Once we fuel our thoughts with self-respect and positivity, I believe will be easier to reflect yourself on where you need to spend more time working on. Next, we have to think about the proper techniques for each and every subject because one strategy only works specifically for one subject. This will maximize the productivity at every work you do. For me, I know this simple plan will help me tackle even more advanced classes in my coming years of college as well in my medicine school in which I hope to pursue. To sum up, I found out throughout my life battle that the key to obtaining a perfect academics score is to believe in our imperfect selves first in which our own self-made plan to success will then follow.