leeroy mupariri
It is that time of year again — time to start off another school year!
While a new outfit or set of school supplies can definitely help get you off to a good start, so can a fresh perspective.
1. Stay Ahead as Long as You Can
When starting new classes, remember that your outlook about this school year can impact your performance all year long.
It is a lot easier to earn an A, if you do your best from the start instead of falling behind during the first few weeks and having to play catch up the rest of the term.
Mentally prepare yourself to put your best foot forward in the first half of the term. Try to stay ahead as long as you can.
2. Create a Daily Routine and Stick to It
Developing a daily routine will keep you feeling refreshed and focused as you tackle your course load throughout the day.
This routine will vary depending on your grade level, school, extracurriculars, and any other commitments you have throughout the day (such as a part-time job).
3. Make a To-Do List
We recommend setting a list of goals for each day, month, and year.
This to-do list may include homework, chores, healthy habits, test prep, creative projects, goals, or other items you plan to accomplish during a specific time frame.
Start small by writing down your plans for each day, and see if it helps boost your productivity.
4. Keep Track of More Than Just Homework Deadlines
As a high school student, you have a lot on your mind.
In addition to homework due dates, your school planner should include your test prep schedule, upcoming test dates, extracurricular activities, and scholarship and college application deadlines.
Try writing things down, and if that doesn’t work for you, explore free digital planning tools like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Trello, or other popular tools.
5. Create a Comfortable, Distraction-Free Study Space
Rummaging through a cluttered desk or overhearing your family members talking can easily break your focus. Find a quiet, clean space within your home to sit while studying or working on homework.
If complete silence is hard to find, use headphones to drown out any background noise.
If you lose focus easily, keep all distractions “out of sight and out of mind.”
This may involve placing your gaming console in a drawer, keeping pets in another room, or temporarily shutting off notifications for social media apps.
Another tip is to make sure you are comfortable.
Avoid sitting on the couch or in bed as this may cause you to become sleepy or hold your body in uncomfortable and awkward positions.
6. Take Breaks
For some students, studying does not come easy. Sometimes we lack focus, even when we carve time out of our day for it. If this sounds like you, try to trick your mind by pairing this not-so-fun task with something you enjoy.
For every hour or so that you spend working on a task, give yourself a little break to do things you love.
For example, if you spend an hour studying for an upcoming math test, give yourself a pat on the back by enjoying your favorite snack, taking a short walk, or watching an episode of your favorite show.
Breaking up your study time will prevent brain drain and help you avoid procrastination. But for this to work properly you have to be intentional with managing your breaks and making sure the task merits the reward. For instance, one hour of studying shouldn’t result in four hours of TV.
7. Stay Engaged by Participating and Asking Questions
When attending classes day-in and day-out, it can be challenging to stay engaged.
Physically writing your notes can help you follow along and stay alert throughout class. And don’t be afraid to speak up! Answering your teacher’s questions will help you retain what you’re learning, help you identify areas you need to spend more time on, and help your teacher and classmates remember you.
It’s a lot easier to get an extension on a research paper or find partners for group projects if you’ve been present and participated throughout the class. Keep in mind, the more interactions you’ve had with a teacher, the more likely they’ll be willing to write you a letter of recommendation for your college applications.
8. Try to Socialise Every Day
A high school education should extend beyond academics. Knowing how to socialise and interact with others is an important skill that many colleges and employers look for in applicants.
Remember to make the effort to communicate with your friends on a regular basis or look for ways to make new friends. School clubs are a great place to start!
