When it comes to academics, stereotypes rule. The students who take the hardest classes, the teacher’s pet and the know-it-all usually get labeled a “good student.” However, there is more than what it looks like. What does it really take to be considered a good student?

Sophomore Patrick Schoenfelder and English teacher Jamie D’Andrea share what they feel makes up a good student.

What makes a good student?

Schoenfelder: “You have to get good grades and to take work seriously. However, even if they get a bad grade, they still get something out of it.”

D’Andrea: “Good students are those that are less motivated by the final letter grade or test score, and more motivated by the level of understanding they achieve as a result of their ‘research.’ A good student is one who has truly learned the material and can not just recall it in the future, but can apply that information in other situations.”

Does a “good student” have to be enrolled in a Honors/AP class?

Schoenfelder: “No. It’s not that hard to get into an AP class. All you need is a decent grade and a recommendation. Anyone could be in an AP class.”

D’Andrea: “…too often [AP students] aren’t motivated by the right thing. They’re just trying to get the grade, not a deeper understanding of the material. Without that deeper understanding, I would argue that students haven’t truly learned anything…”

Grades aren’t everything. It is what a student takes out of a class that really makes them a “good student.