How (and Why) to Upgrade Your High School Marks
There’s a common misconception among high school students that marks are intangible and unchanging. And underneath that assumption is a misunderstanding of the role of education: Namely, that it’s meant to test your innate abilities rather than foster new abilities. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The education system intends for students to grow and learn. And if that means a student must retake courses to demonstrate new abilities, proficiencies and skills – so be it.
If you’re unsatisfied with a current mark, you can take actionable steps toward remanding it. In this article, let’s discuss how and why to upgrade your high school marks.
Why Upgrade Your High School Marks?
Let’s say you received a C-plus in grade 11 math. Not the worst mark you could get – but certainly not the best. You might feel compelled to roll with the punches, receive your less-than-satisfactory grade and look ahead to next year. But stop for a moment. Consider the benefits of improving that grade:
• Competitive University/College Applications: This is the main reason people upgrade their marks. Higher grade point averages open more doors to post-secondary programs, allowing your transcript to stay competitive against other candidates.
• Setting Yourself Up for Professional Success: High grades can also come in handy for students pursuing professional careers after high school. Employers may take your grades into consideration. Further, the concepts you (re)learn at school can help you get ahead in the workplace.
• Staying Motivated: Improving your marks has a knock-on effect at school, allowing you to approach the next grade more confidently. This confidence, in turn, increases your overall motivation.
• Education for Education’s Sake: Education doesn’t have to come with a prize at the end. You might choose to upgrade your marks simply to master certain concepts and skills.
If those seem like compelling reasons to upgrade, then let’s discuss how to go about it.
How it Works
To improve your marks, you will need to take an upgrade course. These courses are abridged versions of the course you already completed (i.e., they take less time and require fewer assignments and tests). Once you complete the upgrade course, your transcript will automatically show the higher mark of your two attempts. For instance, if you got a C-plus the first time and a B-plus in the upgrade course, your transcript will show the B-plus grade.
Fitting Upgrade Courses into a Busy School Schedule
How do you fit an upgrade course into an already busy schedule? Do it online. Upgrade courses through an accredited Ontario high school online are the best way to improve your grades. Online schools are self-paced and flexible, meaning you can complete the work whenever you choose. You can do it at night or on the weekends. You can spend a half-hour each day for two months, or four hours each day for a couple of weeks. You’re in control of the schedule.
Don’t settle for an unsatisfactory mark if you know you can do better. Bump your letter grade up by taking flexible upgrade courses online. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll fall back on the grade you first received. The best-case scenario is that your transcript will look much more impressive.
