# Building Strong Grades

Part of the Scholarship Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/index.md)

*1. Academic Momentum*

> **1.** Do ONE of the following:

This requirement gives you two valid ways to show academic progress. You must complete exactly **one** option, and each one highlights a different kind of success.

## Your Options

- **[Req 1a — Keeping a B Average](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req1a/)**: Show that you maintained a solid average of B or higher for a full term or semester. This path fits Scouts who have already built steady study habits and can document consistent performance.
- **[Req 1b — Showing Improvement](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req1b/)**: Show that your grades improved compared with the previous term or grading period. This path fits Scouts who have made real progress, even if they are not at a B average yet.

## How to Choose

**Choosing the Best Path** — Pick the option that matches your actual record

- [ ] **Current grade level**: If your report card already shows an 80 percent average or better for the full term, Req 1a is usually the straightforward choice.
- [ ] **Recent progress**: If your biggest success is that your grades went up from one grading period to the next, Req 1b may show your growth better.
- [ ] **What evidence you have**: Req 1a usually relies on one report card or grade summary. Req 1b often works best when you can compare two periods side by side.
- [ ] **What you will gain**: Req 1a helps you talk about consistency. Req 1b helps you explain how better habits led to better results.

A counselor is not looking for perfection. They are looking for proof that you understand your school performance and can explain it honestly.

| Option | Best fit for | Main evidence | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Req 1a | A Scout with steady grades | One term or semester average | Consistency and reliability |
| Req 1b | A Scout whose grades are rising | Two grading periods compared | Growth, adjustment, and persistence |

> **Tip**
>
> If both options could work, choose the one you can explain most clearly. A simple, well-documented story is better than a confusing pile of papers.

Once you decide, gather your school records and head to the matching option page.

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- Previous: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/index.md)
- Next: [Keeping a B Average](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/scholarship/guide/req1a/index.md)