School is starting or has started for many students, and with it there is the new haircuts, the new backpacks, and of course the new schedule. Or even a new school altogether. Starting the school year is an exciting time for students. It brings in the feeling of new possibilities and excitement. But it can also feel overwhelming, nervewracking, and scary. This especially hits when you're trying to apply for college while balancing high school. Luckily for you, we've been there too! And having survived it, we have some tips on how to start your first weeks at school off strong to set you up for success later on in the year!
Stay Organized
Organization is one of the key aspects to not getting overwhelmed. Keep everything in it's rightful place, make and maintain a schedule, and keep track of your assignments, tests, and other important dates. This can stave off the feeling of having too much to do. When you have a schedule system set up, this helps your brain understand the whole semester while being able to focus on the day to day.
Get to Know Your School
Confidence can stem from knowing the area you're around. Get to know where the main buildings are on your campus, such as the library, cafeteria, and your classes. Knowing where you're going can help get rid of one more thing on your plate. And especially in a time crunch like rushing to class, this can help save you some stress of figuring out where you're supposed to be.
Don't be afraid to ask others for help navegating your way through! This is a great way to meet some friends, and you might be going in the same direction!
Be Friendly and Open
This one might seem like a no-brainer right now. But when you're stressing over where to go, or trying to find a textbook, or even just running late, it can put anyone in a less than good mood. Taking a minute to breathe and be kind to others helps you out better in the long run by putting a good impression of you in their minds. Introduce yourself to new people, join conversations, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Making connections early on will help you feel more comfortable.
This is also imperative with teachers. Raising your hand to answer questions, engaging with the content, and paying attention shows teachers you are here to learn, and they'll take notice of you. This can come in handy later when asking for letters of recommendation.
Attend All Your Classes
Even if you're not thrilled about a particular subject, being present from day one shows that you're serious about your education. Again, this is something teachers take notice of and can help you later on (or now!) when applying to college.
This is also helpful in setting up a routine and gaining discipline. By consistently attending all your classes now, this sets you up for success in college and the future. Even when you're not excited about doing something, still doing it and doing it well can show teachers, professors, and future employers that you can be trusted and are a reliable source of help.
We hope this helps you in starting off the school year strong! Remember, if you're feeling stuck in your college journey, or if the admissions process is too stressful, we're here for you! We've been where you are before and have since helped students just like you into the top universities in the U.S. Click below to set up a call with one of our consultants to get help on your college lists, essays, SAT and ACT prep, and more!
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