How to Succeed in School While Doing as Little Work as Possible

We’re all already successful students—being in at least one AP class—and I’m sure most of us are involved in several activities (not to mention our other AP classes). I know, in a perfect world, we would be able to complete our homework, study for all of our tests, and go to bed by 10:30 every night. But, this is never the case—and frankly—just does not seem possible. Or does it? But it is possible to get good grades and have fun in high school; you just need to find the loopholes and shortcuts…

1. Starting on the first day of school, you need to begin to analyze your teachers. During the beginning few weeks of class, keep track of which teachers are more likely to give pop quizzes, or check or collect your homework. Keep a mental note of how they check your homework, too. For example, if your AP US History teacher asks for written notes on the Boston Tea Party—but just glances at them as she walks by—why can’t you show her your notes on the French-Indian war that you took last week?
2. It is also imperative to understand the concept that every period is a study hall. Unless a homework assignment requires a computer, most everything can be done in the class period before it is due. Most students already utilize their class time for other homework when a teacher shows a movie to the class—but what about during power points, lectures, passing periods, discussions, or group projects? It is necessary to make sure you have a cover sheet or book, preferably one pertaining to the class you are supposed to be paying attention to. If a teacher calls on you, make sure you have a preprogrammed response that can apply to anything. (“Désolée, je ne sais pas!”)
3. Remembering to prioritize your time is also very important. Constantly check which classes you are doing poorly in, and just be sure to do the homework for those classes. The opposite rule applies to classes that you are doing well in. Don’t spend your time studying for a psychology test if you already have an A. You could spend hours perfecting that rhetorical analysis for English, but it’s the end of the quarter, and you have solidified your grade already, so please do not spend your time on that. Instead, spend your time watching Greys Anatomy, because—remember—you can do your 3^rd period math homework in your 2^nd period French class.