top of class
Highest performing student
Top of class describes the highest-ranked student or students in an academic group, typically determined by grades: She graduated top of class at Harvard Law.
The phrase suggests exceptional academic achievement and is often noted on résumés or in introductions to establish credentials.
It can apply to any graduating cohort—a high school class, medical school, military academy.
- valedictorianTop-ranked graduating student
- honor rollAcademic achievement roster
- honor studentHigh-achieving pupil
- salutatorianSecond-ranked graduating student
- straight A'sHighest grades throughout
dean's list · summa cum laude · overachiever · genius · scholar · gifted · brightest · smartest · excellence · star pupil · first place · gold star · graduation · cap and gown · diploma · podium · honors · achievement
- Elite AlumniHarvard alumni, distinguished alumni, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, valedictorians
- academicsprofessor, course, university professors, math, professors
- achieversachiever, high achiever, overachiever, go-getter, striver
- Congratulationscongrats, congratulations, well done, good job, great job
- academic ranksprofessor, lecturer, full professor, assistant professor, associate professor
top of classat the bottom
In the lowest position
dead last · tail end · bringing up the rear · academic probation · underachiever
top of classfailure
Lack of success
also-ran · laggard · straggler · underperformer · bottom rung
top of classdunce
Slow-witted person
remedial student · underachiever · slow learner · held back · dropout
top, tops, topped, topping, topmost, topless, overtop, class, classes