Here are my thoughts and opinions:</p>
<p>Study Habits: The key is time management! Those who manage their time efficiently will do well in high school. While study habits vary person to person, here are some things I think that students can do to manage their time:</p>
<p>-Plan…before starting your homework or studying, make a plan in writing of what you want to achieve during this session. This will keep you focused on your goals and give you structure. DO NOT bite more than you chew. If you know you will not be able to finish all twelve things you want to complete, do not list them. By listing them, you send yourself a psychological message. This message makes you hesitant to begin your work because you know finishing all of these things will be an arduous task.</p>
<p>-Use free time given in class to complete homework or projects…I know of many times when a teacher has given the class free time to work on HMWK or a project and I decided to just sit around. The common “I’ll do it at home.” always comes up. Use all the time that is given to you. Any homework you can do at school means more study time at home or better yet, more leisure time.</p>
<p>-Use Fridays! Sure you had a busy, exhausting week of school, but you’re still in the mode on Friday. You still have the school mindset, so you can do your HMWK effectively. Surprisingly enough, it’s quite easy to forget things that you learned during the week, just by waiting a day or two to complete your work. Working on Friday (You don’t have to complete everything…just some things) gives you free time to enjoy your weekend or get ahead on a project or studying. Using Fridays and weekends is extremely important if you play a sport because you have limited time during the week.</p>
<p>-Study for tests as early as you can…You’ll do better and you won’t have to cram the day before.</p>
<p>-Take advantage of all extra credit opportunities…Yes, it will be extra work, but you never know when you may need some extra points.</p>
<p>-Start projects early…they’ll be of better quality and you’ll be less stressed.</p>
<p>Summer School: I’ve taken classes every summer since entering high school. It gives you something to do along with other things, such as sports, volunteer work, a job, etc. If you’re not looking to get ahead, at least get some required classes out of the way. ex. Health, Gym, Computers, Speech</p>
<p>Course Selection: This is VERY important. My biggest piece of advice is DO NOT take on more than you can handle. If you’re not exactly sure how much that is, UNDERestimate. The worst thing that can happen to is overloading. This will lead to a decrease in grades AND SLEEP! My school recommends a total of FIVE academic classes maximum (We have a seven class block schedule). You want to CHALLENGE yourself, but you do not want to kill yourself. If you can take an honors or AP class and get an A in it…maybe a B will do, take it. Colleges look to see that you are challenging yourself. If you are getting a B in an honors or AP class, it isn’t the best thing, but it isn’t terrible. If you are getting a C, switch to a regular class. Colleges look to see that you are taking the hardest classes your school offers. This does not mean take more than you can handle. Take classes that interest you obviously…you’ll do better in them. I can’t stress that last bit enough. I had to take classes that I wasn’t interested in this year because of scheduling conflicts. It made my schooling all the more hellish.</p>
<p>Standardized Tests: I really don’t have advice on when to take them except that most people take them throughout their junior year. I would say the earlier you start prepping for them the better. You can self-studying using prep books from the local library or buy them at the bookstore. Amazon.com is the best place to purchase prep books because they are cheapest there. Don’t get a tutor because they seldom are useful. I recommend taking a class just before junior year. Classes help get you familiarized with the test and give plenty of useful tips.</p>
<p>Parental Involvement: My parents want me to succeed as much as I want myself to. However, they are completely hands off in the academic process. They trust and know that I will make the correct decision. They are supportive of me, but not at all pushy. I ask them not to come to my sporting events because it makes me nervous. They respect my wishes and don’t. I like that they support me, but are not overly involved.</p>
<p>Miscellaneous…Some other things worth mentioning:
-The transition from middle school to high school can be rough due to a lack of academic maturity. Freshman year can be tough, so try to get your priorities straightened out. Remember that the college admissions process begins in the 9th grade. Everything you do when you enter high school becomes part of your permanent transcript. That doesn’t mean you have to be neurotic though. There are some second chances.
-Sleep is important! The amount of sleep people need varies person to person, but I would say 8.5 hours a night is a good number for a teen.
-Have fun! Don’t stress out too much.****
-Read. Reading builds vocabulary and comprehension skills. The more you read the more cultured you become. Colleges like well-read students.
-Building good habits in high school can mean more success during the college years.