first off, everyone and i mean everyone (unless you physically hit, or berated your teacher) got all A's until junior high.
the reason you didn't do as well in middle school is you did the same amount of work, only more was required to maintain the same result.

the reason you went out partying is because your priorities are not straight,
SO IN THE END, you would much rather be in the here and the now, yes you know whats right, and in ur heart u know its wrong to go and party before a big test but the reason you do is although u want to and can "talk the talk" you lack the drive and motivation to "walk the walk"

and on top of that you being afraid of success is delusional horshit, i think you feel you are very smart, but are just plain old LAZY, and u want the easy way out, that is why you play poker, but incase you didnt realise yet, playing poker is no easy way out.