Students who hear about going back to high school either dread the preparation, planning, and time management required or are excited by the very thought of it. Whoever you may be; whether you’re a high school junior or senior, there’s a lot to be done that can be stressful and exhausting. The good news is, there are ways you can organize your routine based on your schedule and plan ahead throughout the semester by keeping a few tips in mind.
Tips on Going Back to High School
Get in touch with your guidance counselor
This is the first thing you should do right when you commence the new semester because there might be changes in school policies regarding requirements to be fulfilled to finish school. It is crucial to keep in touch with your counselor because only then will you know which courses to take to graduate on time. This will come in handy when applying for college, as well as the criteria to be met for college admissions.
Set realistic semester goals
Most students set goals that are difficult to achieve and may risk losing out on time spent productively or major disappointment. Setting realistic goals will depend on the plan you have, which should include the time required for college admissions and applications, the duration of preparation required for classes, and scholarships within your reach.
Get acquainted with your teachers
Teachers are responsible for imparting knowledge, guidance, and advice in class and therefore it is really important to maintain good relations because you will need recommendation letters from them. This can be possible to attain by personally getting to know them.
Maintain a timeline of your due dates, deadlines, and any other important reminders
You can make use of your planner, your desk calendar, or even a device to keep track of tests, upcoming deadlines, or due dates of college admissions, applications, and scholarships. Keeping these in check will help you adjust your schedule accordingly and make changes if necessary. Buying back to school shirts can be an easy way of putting you in the mood of starting the whole process of getting back to school.
Come up with a foolproof study routine
It is an absolute must to have a study routine in place that will prepare you for your classes, and give you a better chance of availing scholarships offered by renowned colleges. Getting into good colleges is highly competitive and requires merit and hard work, both of which go hand-in-hand only if you discipline yourself well enough.
Allocate enough time to research heavily on Colleges you’re interested in
Researching your desired colleges is just as important as preparing for them. You may discover new information that you didn’t come across earlier. This will ensure you select the most suitable college.
Push yourself as much as possible
It’s important to get out of your comfort zone by challenging and pushing yourself to excel in terms of academics, extra-curricular activities, volunteering, part-time jobs, and club participation at your high school. The end result will be worth it because it will enhance your college applications and overall life experience.
Prepare for your college tests
Undoubtedly, exams such as ACT/SAT can be quite daunting. But, fortunately, you can still do well by regularly practicing question papers from relevant books days before your tests.
Stay connected with your friends
Friends are always best to have around. You will spend the most time with them so naturally, you will likely relate well to one another and help each other by having study sessions together.
Regularly search, and apply for scholarships
Soon after summer vacation ends, most parents might struggle financially as a result of spending too much on a summer holiday. In addition, studying in colleges comes with expenses most students cannot afford. Therefore, it is best not to get carried away with preparation for tests, and college applications but to keep scholarships in mind.
The higher the rate of scholarship offered, the more difficult it will be to attain given that there will be several other applicants. So make sure to apply to as many scholarships as possible because the more you apply for, the better the chances of you getting it.
Try to brainstorm probable essay topics for college admissions
It won’t be easy when brainstorming essay topics, but it will most likely be about what experiences you’ve gone through, what keeps you going, what type of career you want to pursue, or even defining the person you are now and who you want to become.
The whole process of preparing to go back to school might sound intimidating but if you follow through with the tips mentioned above, you will surely be able to reach your goals and ultimately study in the college of your dreams.
Investing in college doesn’t only mean focusing on the academic aspects but can also be about how you present yourself. You can experiment with different styles of clothing depending on what you prefer. You will find many shops that are selling school supplies and outfits for the upcoming fall season. Such shops will definitely offer discounts that are student-friendly, making it a perfect addition to your closet.
You can plan ahead by setting aside a certain amount to be invested as part of school necessities. Given the exhaustive process of preparing for college, your appearance might hold the least priority but should also play a role in building your self-confidence. Why not start buying clothes for your proud parents, favorite teacher, or even yourself to temporarily keep your mind off the pressure that comes with getting into college. There are other shops you can try like Poundland and PEP&CO where there is a range of school-wear and stationery sure to make you go back shopping for more.