Skyline High School is known as one of the top public schools in Utah. High achieving students roam the halls, often seeming like they have everything figured out. But their success usually comes down to consistency, discipline, and strategies rather than natural talent alone. 

One of the most common habits among high achieving students is time management. Instead of cramming the night before a test or procrastinating an assignment, they spread out their studying over several days. Junior Justin Berry explains, “I try to plan out what I have to do on Sundays, so I know if I have a test coming up, I’ll review a little bit.” This approach not only reduces anxiety but also helps students retain information.

Another key factor is staying organized. Many top students keep track of what they have to do, such as writing down assignments and deadlines. Junior Cody Doyle says, “I write down everything, even small assignments to keep me from falling behind.” 

 High GPA students also tend to focus on understanding material rather than just memorizing it. Instead of quickly skimming notes, strategies such as seeing how much you can memorize and write down after looking at notes are used. Junior Peter Thompson says, when he is studying for an AP test, he creates flash cards or tries to act like he is teaching whatever concept he is learning.

In addition, many successful students create a good study environment. Whether it’s a quiet desk at home or a spot in the library, having a dedicated place to work helps them stay focused. They also limit distractions like phones or social media while studying, which allows them to be more productive in less time. 

Being a high achieving student is also about balance: making time for sports, hobbies, and social activities to avoid burnout. As Berry put it, “You can’t just study all the time.”

 Overall, high GPA students at Skyline High School don’t rely on shortcuts; they rely on creating good habits. 

Berry concluded, “It’s not that hard to maintain a high GPA; it can be as simple as just turning in all your assignments.”