Learn to study.
- When I was younger, my studying routine consisted of rewriting notes and highlighting everything. It worked then, b/c my classes weren’t so difficult, but it was inefficient. My top 3 tips? 1) For classes like Math, Chemistry, and Physics, practice is key. Don’t make super detailed notes; do practice problems (even if they’re not due). 2) If you are going to rewrite your notes, don’t just copy them. Organize the ideas in different ways (Understanding, not just memorization). 3) Review content throughout the year.
Pay attention in English.
- It doesn’t matter where you end up, you need to be able to write well. From my experience, it is easier to get higher marks in English than other classes so put in that extra effort (esp if you need to boos your average). Also, Sparknotes and LitCharts will save you.
Be respectful.
- A little respect goes a long way, and a lot of people don’t seem to understand this. Teachers are people too. As well as janitors. Seriously, please realize that someone has to clean up the mess you make.
Learn to drive.
- I procrastinated getting my license and it sucks being the friend who always needs a ride. Driving lessons are super helpful if you can afford them.
Explore your interests.
- Once you get out of high school you’ll probably have to pay to learn new things. So take that class you’ve always been slightly interested in, whether it be French or History or Theatre.
You don’t have to date anyone.
- Don’t date someone just for the sake of being in a relationship. The right person will come along (and not necessarily in high school so don’t stress).
If you date someone, don’t ditch your friends.
- If you can make time for your boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other, you can make time for your friends too. If this does happen to you, an apology will go a long way with your friends.
Get involved.
- There’s so many opportunities available to you in high school. Throughout high school, I’ve been involved with soccer, volleyball, basketball, and leadership and it has helped me form great friendships. When I look back on high school now, I remember team dinners with my volleyball team, planning spirit week, and not the Chemistry test I had to study for.
Learn to say no.
- When I was heavily involved in soccer (18 hours a week plus 8+ hours of travel), I said no to playing volleyball. My friend said yes but she was always stressed out/tired and couldn’t really commit to volleyball. Another friend of mine was stuck with piano lessons, that she hated, for years b/c she couldn’t figure out how to tell her parents no. Be realistic about what you can handle and what you like and don’t like
If you have a job, don’t let anyone take advantage of you.
- Research the employment laws for where you live to ensure you’re getting proper breaks, treatment, etc. And don’t let your employer overschedule you. My friend ended up working the night before every final exam, because she was convinced she had to. Your place of employment can manage without for a few days. Don’t let your coworkers take advantage of you either. Don’t constantly cover someone else’s shifts if they never return the favour.
Get a planner.
- Get into the habit of using a planner (or something similar) and write everything in it! It will help you avoid that Sunday night panic when you realize there is an assignment due Monday morning. And other people will love you for it. Without fail, I always had a couple of people texting me on Sunday, asking about homework.
Save your money.
- When you have to start paying tuition or rent you will thank your younger self for saving your money. If you tend to spend lots of money on things you don’t really need, put aside 90% of each pay check into a savings account and the remaining percent is your spending money.
If you have a free period, use it!
- I would usually go home for my free periods and it was such a big mistake. I could not focus at home. The times I got the most done was when I sat alone in the library and focused on my work.
Pay attention in Math.
- It’s super important that you know the math basics. This especially applies if you plan on taking any upper level math course.
Start studying early for final exams.
- Teachers always rush to finish teaching the last units at the end of the semester, which isn’t helpful when you’re stressing about exams. I usually set out a study plan for 3 weeks before exam week (and take a day to organize your notes by each unit).
Know that you don’t have to college right away.
- Taking a gap year is a valid option and actually really smart. Get to know yourself better, become more independent, and save up some money! Just consider all of your options.
“Senioritis” is real.
- I thought I would be safe. I was wrong. With all the excitement of graduation and , your last weeks, months, and year of high school will be hard to focus on. Your last semester will be difficult, but please don’t let your grades drop. For Physics, studying with friends usually helped me figure out how to do problems, but in the last few months my friends were more of a distraction than a help. Figure out how to keep your focus.
Have fun!
- As important as school might seem, you don’t have to study constantly. Learn to prioritize and be efficient. Make time for your friends.
Check out my other posts:
What I Learned From High School
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