Growing up is a challenging part of life. It seems as if there is too much to plan for and not enough time to do so. Being a senior, this is my world. However, through this experience I have learned many things to be successful. From taking the SAT to trying to find the time for some happiness to keep yourself going, here are some tips to push through the long years ahead.
- Taking the SAT/ACT
YEAH, it sucks. Apparently, the guys upstairs had the great idea that a test will determine how well you will do in college (as if they know what is best for you). The PSAT the school makes you take is just a taste of the real thing. The SAT is longer, harder and requires more practice than the PSAT. Taking a tutoring course for the test is your best bet to getting a high score. The tutors know the test inside and out and how to approach every question on the test, from the essay to that insanely-hard-for-no-reason geometry problem. It is also important to develop good study habits. The tutoring courses themselves are not enough. Your parents will be wasting their money on the course unless you take some time to practice the material. Finally, take the test as early as you can and as many times as you seem fit. Take it more than once, but any more than three times will make you go crazy.
- College searching
It’s never too early to start looking. Start making a list, big schools or small schools. What do you want to study? Does a college you are looking at have a good program in that field? Is it public or private? Does it offer scholarships through admissions? Your parents will deal with the financial aspects, you just have to find the school (hopefully it’s reasonable in price). Plan visits as soon and as often as you can. Get a feel for the campus and the college life. The atmosphere will be all too new once you are put into it. Better to start getting used to it.
- Work load
Despite what you may think, there is absolutely no reason to completely swamp yourself with classes. Taking six advanced placement classes does not prove anything other than that you took six AP classes. If you want to go into the English or art fields, what is the point of taking the AP physics or AP biology courses? Avoid any unnecessary work. This doesn’t mean you should not take any rigorous courses; colleges will look for the course load, but don’t overload classes. Take the classes that matter to you and what you think you will get the most out of.
- Extracurriculars
They are IMPORTANT. Colleges look more towards your experiences and tasks outside of school nowadays. Being involved in something other than school shows you have passions outside of work. Colleges look for those people with passion in a certain field, someone who wants to do something besides take countless AP classes. Find something you enjoy, whether it be sports, music or something else, get active. Regardless, it will be a break from the school work.
- Try to have a good time
High school sucks and college might seem like the better deal. Pretty soon, though, your friends and you will go on your separate ways, and you will be making your own decisions about how you learn and live. Life will be different: sometimes easier, sometimes harder. Enjoy the free loading while it lasts.
