<p>People really aren't as crazy as they seem on here. Okay, they are, but it's weird; don't worry about it.</p>
<p>As for you, your ECs are pretty well rounded. For more selective colleges, they'll want you to be either "well lopsided" or EXTREMELY well rounded. For that reason, don't compare yourself to the science geeks in chem club, physics club, SO, etc. with a thousand competition awards. You don't need to stretch yourself across that many clubs. In fact, not joining SGA and Key Club may be a good idea, especially if soccer training continues year round. Make your clubs count so that you come across as accomplished AND multi-talented, not just member of this and secretary of that.</p>
<p>Managing time isn't that hard, though. Well, yeah, it's pretty hard to find the motivation, but I just tell myself there's no other option. The best way to get stuff done is to follow a set schedule. (Like, EC's from 3-5, homework from 6-7, dinner, homework from 8-10, or whatever.) That way always know what to expect of yourself. I actually make to-do lists, and while daily schedules get neurotic, making one in busy times is a lifesaver, especially right before exams because it's harder to study than to do worksheets.</p>
<p>Here, a list of how to manage what:</p>
<p>SCHOOL
-In class, listen. It's easy to just say, "I'll read my notes later." Don't count on that. Listen to the teacher! Try to interest yourself in what they're saying.
-Participate in discussions. Not only will the teacher learn your name and respect you more (as long as your contributions have meaning and aren't a teacher's pet ploy), but you'll learn to process the material while <em>judging</em> it.
-Treat classes differently. Each teacher is different, and so is the way you process material in each class. I take Cornell notes in math (problems on one side, good advice/step-by-step explanations on the other), and usually just write down a few things in history but pay more attention to discussion there. Some classes you may never have to take notes in; others will require your careful detailing every day.
-Sit up straight. When you get antsy, suck in your stomach and take a big arse breath. Hold. Then let it out through your nose. (Seriously)
-Know when you can slide. If you hold yourself up to the highest standards--which you should, honestly, because it's easy to slip if you don't expect anything concrete of yourself--you need to know when to take a mental rest. It's not always in your easiest class, like yearbook or whatever, or your best class. It'll vary by day.
-Know where to go to get away. I recommend a library, because their computers don't have internet. I live in a small college town, and I love to sneak in their library when it's warm and they leave the doors open. Cafes with wi-fi are good, too, but if it's a hangout kind of place, you may end up listening to conversations or wishing that stupid high schooler would stop playing his guitar in the corner.
-Study. This sneaks up on you in classes where there's not a lot of constant work. Also, sometimes in easy classes, the teacher goes "Oh crap, I can't let everyone get an A" and so they make the exam really hard.</p>
<p>EXTRACURRICULARS
-Be mentally present at every meeting. Take notes in Student Government.
-Be physically present at every meeting/meet/tournament. Just do.
-Introduce yourself to the heads--the teacher adviser and the student leader--of every group. Not in like a dorky way. Just say, "Hey, I'm soandso. I was wondering about blahblahblah."
-Involve yourself out of meeting times. Go to the optional fundraiser, and commit yourself to preparing for debate tournaments. If you're in public forum or another team event, don't be the kid who sends speeches to her partner the night before States. If it's an individual event, still get it done!
-Have your supervisor look over debate speeches.
-Have fun! Don't dread your meetings--I made the mistake of hating every Student Council meeting I had this year. Yes, they were mostly 15 minute gossip sessions between the seniors. But I was a part of that group and had the potential to turn our lack of productivity around. When you hate things, you don't make an effort to be a productive member of the group.</p>
<p>SOCIAL LIFE
-No comment. Haha jk-->
-School is not just a time for school. Yes, it's hard to balance passing notes and taking them, because they're such different mindsets. But you will have off-days where your teachers just aren't really teaching much, and you can make the best of them.<br>
-Be sociable. I guarantee you've got a nice smile or sweet laugh, and people naturally gravitate to the "lightest" person around.
-Don't overwhelm yourself. The birthday party of some girl you sort of know, that could be fun. Big parties with annoying/sketchy groups of people, they suck. And make social life way more stressful than it should be.
-Have a small group of friends, but a large circle of people who you enjoy spending time with and, well, don't hate. Expand!
-Use Facebook.
-And email. Send long ones, preferrably rants, if you really want to get to know someone.
-Invite people over, or ask them to meet up with you. It's not scary or weird once you've talked to them a few times successfully in school.
-You're a nice person, and probably a good friend. Don't worry about making people like you; just try and be the most genuine person you can be. </p>
<p>Sorry for the novel, but I just wanted to prove that it's pretty easy to balance everything once you've mapped it out.</p>