Finals week tends to arrive quickly. One day, you feel fine. The next day, you’re doing math in your head like, “If I do well on the final, can I still pull this off?”
Yes, in many cases you can.
Raising your grade before finals usually isn’t about one big move. It’s about a few smart actions that add up. Focus on small wins: completing missing work, fixing simple errors, and studying in a way that really sticks.
Let’s walk through practical steps that work in real classrooms. I’ll keep it simple, clear, and honest.
Start With the Numbers (So You Don’t Waste Time)
Before you put in more effort, make sure you’re aiming it in the right place.
Check what your grade is based on (and what it is not)
Many online gradebooks show a “running grade.” That number can be misleading if:
- The final exam has not been included yet.
- Categories are weighted, with tests counting more than homework.
- Some assignments are marked missing, but you turned them in.
- The teacher drops the lowest quiz or homework score.
Your first job is to confirm the rules.
Look at your syllabus or class policy for:
- category weights (homework, quizzes, tests, projects)
- Final exam weight
- Late Work Policies
- Extra Credit Rules
- Retakes or corrections
Find the fastest “points leaks”
Most students don’t lose points because they “don’t get it.” They lose points due to avoidable issues like zeros, missing work, or minor rubric mistakes.
Do a quick scan of your gradebook and mark:
- Any missing assignments
- Any zero that looks wrong
- Any low score you could redo (if your teacher allows it)
These are usually the quickest wins.
Estimate your final grade (simple example)
If your class uses weights, the final exam can significantly change your average.
Here’s a clean way to estimate:
Final Course Grade = (Current Grade × (1 − Final Weight)) + (Final Exam Score × Final Weight)
Example:
Let’s say:
- Current grade: 82%
- Final exam weight: 20% (0.20)
- Final exam score (goal): 90%
Final = (82 × 0.80) + (90 × 0.20)
Final = 65.6 + 18
Final = 83.6%
That’s a real improvement from one strong test.
If you want a quick cross-check after you do the math once, you can use afinal grade calculator to confirm your estimate.
Fix the “Easy Points” First (They Add Up Fast)
Studying matters. But if you have missing work, studying alone may not move the needle as much as you hope.
Turn zeros into something better
A zero dramatically harms your grade. Even if your teacher enforces late penalties, a “50%” is still better than a “0%.” The same applies to partial credit.
Best move: email the teacher and ask what you can still submit and what rules apply.
Ask about corrections, retakes, or make-up work
Some teachers allow:
- test corrections for partial credit
- quiz retakes
- redoing an assignment to meet the standard
- replacing an old score with a new one
Not every class allows this. But many do, especially if you ask early and show effort.
Use extra credit wisely
Extra credit helps most when:
- It’s available soon (before grades close)
- It fits your teacher’s rules
- You don’t skip required work to chase it
If you have any missing assignments, address them first. Extra credit is best used as a bonus, not a rescue plan.
A quick “grade booster” table (simple and realistic)
This table isn’t magic. It’s just a good way to choose high-return tasks.
| Strategy | Best when… | Time needed | Why it works |
| Finish missing work | You have zeros or “missing” marks | Low–Medium | Replaces the worst scores fast |
| Redo low-scoring work | The teacher allows revisions | Medium | Turns feedback into points |
| Study for the highest-weight category | Tests/final count most | Medium–High | Improves the part that matters most |
| Meet the teacher for help | You’re stuck on key topics | Low | Saves time and clears confusion |
| Build a short daily review habit | You tend to cram | Low | Memory improves with repeated exposure |
Study Smarter (Not Longer): Methods That Actually Work
Many students “study” by rereading notes or highlighting. It often feels productive, but it’s usually not the best way to use time.
Two study methods have strong research support:
- Practice testing (active recall)
- Spaced practice (spread-out review)
These strategies are highlighted in a major review of learning techniques by Dunlosky and colleagues (2013) in “Psychological Science in the Public Interest.”
Use active recall (quiz yourself)
Instead of rereading, try:
- doing practice problems without notes
- answering old quiz questions
- using flashcards (and saying the answer out loud)
- writing what you remember, then checking your notes
This feels harder. That’s the point. Your brain learns more when you have to pull information from memory.
Use spaced practice (short sessions across days)
Cramming works for short-term memory. Finals need stronger memory.
A better plan:
- 20–40 minutes per subject
- Repeated over several days
- quick review again the next day
Even two short sessions can beat one long session the night before.
Mix problem types (especially for math and science)
If you only practice one kind of question, you get good at that one pattern. Finals usually mix everything.
Try “mixed practice” like:
- 5 algebra problems
- 5 geometry problems
- 5 word problems
It’s a little uncomfortable. But it trains you to choose the right method on your own.
Use a Simple 7-Day Plan (So You Don’t Panic-Study)
You don’t need a perfect schedule. You need a plan you can follow.
Day 1: Light review, then rest
This isn’t the day to learn something new. It’s a day to stay calm and focused.
Do:
- quick flashcard review (10–15 minutes)
- a short formula or vocabulary check
- 5–10 practice questions to stay warm
- Stop studying early and get solid sleep
Day 2: Fix your weak spots
By now, you should know what keeps tripping you up. Don’t spread your time too thin.
Focus on:
- The top 2–3 topics you miss most often
- reviewing missed questions until you can answer them on your own
- memorizing essential formulas, vocabulary, or steps
Also do:
- Organize what you’ll bring (calculator, pencils, notes if allowed)
- confirm test time, location, and rules
- Ask final questions while you still can
Days 3–4: Practice like it’s the real exam
Now you stop “reading” and start training. This is where your score can jump.
Focus on:
- practice tests or review packets
- timed quizzes (even 15–20 minutes helps)
- problem sets without notes
- short-answer practice if your final includes writing
Tip: Check your answers right away, then review what you missed.
Mistakes are not bad news; they are part of your study plan.
Days 7–5: Clean up and build your base
This is your “catch-up + organize” phase. The goal is to stop losing easy points and make the material feel less messy.
Focus on:
- finishing missing or late assignments (if they are still accepted)
- reviewing notes that don’t make sense yet
- Meeting with your teacher, tutor, or classmate for help
- starting a simple study guide (key terms, formulas, main topics)
Daily goal:
- 1 school task (missing work, corrections, or a project step)
- 1 study session (30–45 minutes)
Talk to Your Teacher (This Can Change Everything)
Many students steer clear of teachers because it feels uncomfortable. But one respectful conversation can prevent hours of guessing.
What to ask (keep it simple)
Try:
- “What should I focus on most for the final?”
- “Which topics do students usually miss?”
- “Is there any work I can still submit?”
- “Can you explain why I missed points on this question?”
A short email script you can use
Subject: Question about improving my grade
Hi [Teacher Name],
I’m trying to improve my grade before finals. Can you tell me the best next step: missing work, corrections, or focusing on specific topics for the final?
Thank you,
[Your Name] [Class/Period]
This sounds mature and clear, making it easy for the teacher to respond.
Protect Your Energy: Sleep, Focus, and Stress
This part is not “extra.” It affects your score.
Don’t trade sleep for study time
Sleep helps memory and focus. For teens, many sleep guidelines recommend 8–10 hours per night (American Academy of Sleep Medicine).
All-nighters can make you feel like you did more, but they often reduce:
- attention
- speed
- accuracy
- recall
A solid night of sleep before the exam is one of the simplest performance boosts you can get.
Create a distraction plan (not just willpower)
If your phone pulls you off task, set up rules like:
- Study in another room from your phone
- Use a timer (25 minutes work / 5 minutes break)
- block social apps during study sessions
Willpower diminishes. Systems endure longer.
Common Mistakes That Keep Grades Stuck
A few patterns show up every finals season.
Mistake 1: Only studying the subject you like
Your favorite class may already be fine. Put extra time into the course where the grade can still move.
Mistake 2: Ignoring high-weight tests
If tests make up 50% of the grade, homework alone won’t save you. Keep doing homework, but focus on the category that carries the most weight.
Mistake 3: Starting with the hardest task every time
Start with a “warm-up” win:
- One missing assignment
- 10-minute review
- 5 practice questions
Then move into harder work. Momentum matters.
Conclusion
Raising your grade before finals is achievable if you focus on actions that genuinely improve your score. Start by understanding how your class calculates grades.
Address missing work and simple point deductions first. Then study using techniques like practice testing and spaced review to help you remember. Lastly, prioritize your sleep and talk to your teacher early.
Small improvements add up. And when you stack a few smart moves, your final grade can climb more than you think.
FAQs
1) Can I raise my grade in one week?
Often, yes, especially if you have missing work, retake options, or a final exam that carries significant weight. Results depend on your class policy and the amount of work left.
2) What should I do first: missing work or studying?
Start with missing work and zeros. Then shift into studying for the highest-weight category (usually tests and the final).
3) How do I know what score I need on the final?
Use class weights and exam weight to estimate your final grade, then verify with a calculator after a manual check.
4) What if my teacher doesn’t accept late work?
Then your best path is usually (1) strong final exam prep and (2) improving any remaining assignments you can still submit, like current projects or review packets.
5) Is cramming the night before a good idea?
It can help short-term recall, but it’s risky for finals. Short study sessions spread across several days (spaced practice) tend to work better for long-term memory.
6) How can parents help without adding pressure?
Ask what the student needs most: a quiet space, help organizing deadlines, a ride to tutoring, or a quick check-in each night. Support beats stress.
