It’s no secret high school students have busy schedules. Between school, sports, clubs, activities, work, family, friends (and that’s just Monday through Friday)…Throw in weekend games, college visits, holidays, spring break, prom... I’m a busy guy.
Let’s face it, I’m dog tired at the end of the day,
and it is so easy to push those college applications aside for later, thinking the stress will be easier to face in a few hours…or days. Here’s a secret: YOU WILL BE MORE STRESSED OUT IF YOU DELAY! Getting behind is easy, catching up is not!
Here’s another secret: Your success is contingent upon having and executing a PLAN!
• Plot all of your activities on a calendar each semester. It helps to start with the things like school, practice and work, that are set in stone and you cannot change. Take a look at the time you have left and determine the best use of your blank space – then stick to your schedule. Reevaluate your calendar on a regular basis and make changes as necessary. Organization is your friend!
• Learn the ways, times and places you are most effective and alert. Are you an early bird? Set your alarm a little earlier than usual for one final study session before an exam. Are you easily distracted by TV? Find a quiet spot in your house, away from the noise and distractions going on in your living room or kitchen. I personally am most creative on a full belly, so I keep a stash of nice, filling Milk Bones handy before I work on an essay.
• Act on your objectives and goals – NOW! Make sure you have taken the SAT or ACT and sent your scores to the colleges of your choice. Have a job interview next week? Make a list of possible questions you think your future employer might ask you and practice answering those questions in front of a mirror or with a friend. Don’t delay on application essays. Write...edit...rewrite. No matter what path your future holds, PREPARATION is key! Don’t be caught thinking, “If only I’d studied those vocabulary words…submitted that application on time…researched potential schools more…” You get the point.
• Nurture yourself – body and soul. In spite of all the pressures your facing, in fact – because of them – you have to make time to take care of yourself…otherwise, what’s the point? You’ve probably heard it before: make sure you get enough sleep, eat your breakfast, don’t stay up all night – these are not just nagging phrases, they are necessary for your success! Additionally, don’t forget to enjoy life. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but it is also important to take a break, make time to spend with your friends, and just chill by yourself. You need to unwind, refuel and refocus, and get ready to start all over again.
One final word, keep things in perspective, and be realistic. Setting goals you know are unattainable will only disappoint you. That being said, don’t be a slacker, either. Aim high with an eye on reality. Mediocrity will get you nowhere unless you want to be unabashedly A V E R A G E! You must set goals in some way, shape, or form, or you’ll get stuck in a rut and never get anywhere. You don’t really want to live with your parents forever, do you?
No matter what your future holds, your brain can’t stay at the beach if you intend to be able to support yourself in the style you have become accustomed to (or could adjust to!
Woof,
Clyde
