I've been an honours student for grades 9 and 10, but this year, I messed up and only ended up with a 80% in semester one and a 77% in the second semester. Physics and Functions brought my marks down, as I got 58% and 56% in them, respectively. All my other marks have been great, but the most important and tough subjects are what really hurt my marks and my mental health. I am always stressing about university: will I get in? what marks do I need? what if I don't get in? etc.



As you can see, my marks have been pretty consistent throughout these years.

I am 100% determined to get great marks this year. I will not procrastinate at all (placed my TV somewhere else) and I am getting tutored this summer in Physics 12 and Advanced Functions/Calc 12. I really really want to be in the medical field, and nothing stops me, except for myself.

My questions are:
Do universities care if you get bad marks in grade 11 and then really good marks in grade 12? Like does it help?
Do universities look at extra curricular work?
If a course is recommended, is it basically "required"? (Because you'll be at a disadvantage otherwise)
What are some great tips to do well in grade 12 and get really high marks. I am really dedicated to whatever my goals are. I was getting an 82 in English 11, and I really loved it, and I tried hard and got it to 92, I want to do the same for my sci and math courses, but just need tips and strategies.

Well they're not that bad and it really depends on what field you are going into. If you are going into a field like engineering, these marks are very borderline for you, unless you are expecting like a 30 percent increase in physics or mathematics. Universities only look at grade 11 marks for early admission, mostly done in December, January. February admissions and march admissions are based off first semester finals and May admissions are based off midterm second semester. Also, when a course is reccommended, they truly mean it. If you are taking science, but don't have any biology, chemistry backgrounds, this can be a problem.

Am I seeing this right or did you take functions twice?

I suggest getting a math tutor, and don't go to those "classes" where a single tutor looks after multiple students. Although a one on one tutor will be more expensive, if you're this worried (and willing to pay), go find tutors who will do one on one.

Math is, for the most part in high school, just doing a lot of questions UNTIL you are familiar and comfortable. Do as much as you can afford to do without hindering your success in other courses.

And most universities will look for extra curriculars, of course, quality >> quantity. If all you have are just stuff you joined in grade 12... they'll know you're just cramming it in (But again, it's better than nothing :D)

And recommended courses...they are just recommended, some students will get accepted without them, as to what %, I dunno. They recommend the course because it's the thinking that you supposedly gain/use in the course, will benefit you in your main studies. For ex. schools recommend life science/biology students to take physics. And you will (most likely, like seasharp said, be required to take a "BLAH for dummies" course in your 1st year. And some students will find it hard because they didn't have previous background in it in high school.

1. Which field are you going into?
2. What courses are you taking in Grade 12?

If math/physics is important/required in your field, get the textbooks right now (easy to get on the Internet), whatever your school uses. Study the books over the summer, if physics/math are not required for your program, do not take them, otherwise it will have a severe negative impact on your top 6. Take stuff that you know are bird courses for you (highly dependent on the person). I got through grade 11 with 86.85 average (?), it's by no means a good average, but because I signed up for the bird courses, I'm confident for a 90 average.

As some previous commentators said, do not slack off. You need to work as hard as you can to maintain the grades, otherwise you might get rejected (o_O). This is especially true for the prerequisites, if you get below a minimum mark for just 1 prerequisite, but your top 6 is above the minimum, you might still be rejected (e.g. if they require you to have a 85 average in advanced functions and calculus & Vectors, and a minimum top 6 of 80, and you get below 85 in one of these courses, but >= 80 top 6, you will be at risk of being rejected).

Don't slack off during exams

Finish all assignments, those small ones are free marks!!

Ask your teacher if you are confused, dont fall behind
If your teacher sucks befriend the class nerd (I mean that in the nicest way possible hehe)

Reward yourself for your good marks! (buy something nice, use your free time and just do something you like, stress free!)
It's not going to be easy, you are going to be stressed, bored, tired and whatnot. I chose to lose sleep but in return I had time to procrastinate (therefore less stress :p) just find your balance cause like I said, not gonna be easy!

For the more difficult tests, make flash cards. Itll motivate you to study once youve made them. Also helps to study hah

Prioritize, if you have lots of work, do the work that is either 1- from the class with the lowest mark 2- from the course necessary for your university application 3-that is almost complete, can be finished in a few minutes

Be good to your teacher, I promise it makes the class a bit easier

Be easy on yourself when you get stressed, take a break. You can't work efficiently anyway when youre stressed. Just make sure to catch up again

My average in grade 11 was in the high 60s but I managed to apply to UBC with an 88 average (which is good for me cause I really dont consider myself smart) just work hard and set realistic goals for yourself :) good luck!