Tips on how to handle a tough/rigorous course load

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

I’m taking a pretty rough course load next year, and I need to make up for the pretty bad grades I got last year. My question(s) are…

  1. How do you handle a difficult course load?
  2. How do you use time efficiently?
  3. Have you taken a specific course that you can provide some insight about (AP courses, IB courses, etc)?
  4. Tips to manage stress/make the most of 24 hrs?

I don’t want to make this too specific, so it can be used as a reference for others as well.

2

  1. By working efficiently and making sure that you focus in class. Also, try to avoid missing school as much as possible- if you’re taking a rigorous course load, it will be harder to make up days missed.

  2. Use a to-do list and a planner and schedule your day. Make time for all the work and block it out so you can take breaks. Use any free time in the school day to get work done (even lunch! you can talk to your friends but try to get some work done too).

  3. I’ve taken a lot of advanced courses. Different disciplines require different types of studying skills. PM me for details on any of the courses I’ve taken (Honors Spanish 2-4, Honors Chem, AP US History, AP Human Geography, AP Lang & Comp)

  4. To-do lists are your best friend. Checking tasks off is a mental reward, and it helps keep you on track. Make sure you’re eating (brain food!) and taking breaks so you don’t become too exhausted. And don’t forget to sleep- 8 hours a night if possible. 1 hour of sleep is better than 1 extra hour of studying before a test, TRUST ME.

3

If applicable, study with friends. For instance, in AP calc, 90% of my studying/homework was done with friends making it so much easier and it keeps you motivated. Make sure your friends don’t drag you down and you stay focused. It led to all of use getting 5 on the exam