<p>what would high achieving HS Sr's have done differently early in their HS years? I've been blessed with an intelligent, athletic daughter with a great personality. Things have come way too easy for her, and I know that while she can do above average in HS without too much effort, her study habits/focus will have to change if she is to meet her (not my) goal of getting in to a high profile college (Ivy, Patriot, top LAC). She's not a "brain"; she'll have to work hard to do well on the SAT's/ACT's/etc. I'm very interested on how graduating CC'ers would do things "knowing what you know now" (ie) study habits, summer school, developing a "passion" for ec's, course selection (she most likely will not be in a science/math career), timing of standardized tests, etc. Also, what would you have liked your parents to do/not do, that would have made life happier for you. Thank you in advance & good luck.
PS She's starting 8th grade in a middle school set-up (also 9th grade at MS then 10-12 at the HS); I was at Staples and saw software that supposedly assists students as they enter elem, MS, and/or HS (probably college too). Waste of $ or worth the investment? When would you start the PSAT/SAT prep? Use software, self-study, course?? Thanks again!</p>
<p>I didn't read what you just posted but this is my 1,500th post.</p>
<p>please help</p>
<p>first and foremost, if you are considering private school, choose your high school wisely. i didn't do my homework and ended up attending a really crappy school in 9th grade. if private school is the route you're taking, make sure to ask a lot of questions.</p>
<p>with respect to study habits/focus, this is largely a matter of self-discipline. i have several friends who have taken all the "study skills" courses in the world and still don't get it. if she wants to attend a selective college badly enough, she should realize that she needs to get it together. </p>
<p>besides that, the usual advice applies. work hard, take challenging courses, participate enthusiastically in stuff you love, dedicate a lot of time to EC's... there's not much advice to dole out here. it's just a matter of doing it.</p>
<p>edit: my parents were essentially hands-off during this whole process, and it worked out well for me. i'm not even sure they even knew what i was studying in school beyond the course title :P</p>
<p>I would have gained a life/social skills earlier. Joined chess club, hung out with awesome people, chillaxed more. Getting addicted to a MMORPG that really wasn't all that good in the first place destroyed my social and academic life for a while, which sucked. I probably would have volunteered quite a bit more, been a bit better as a person.</p>
<p>I would have tried to get a harder English teacher my sophomore year to simply try to learn how to write better. Going into college, that's the only real skill I feel is truly lacking, and learning it would have really helped in class and on assignments. </p>
<p>I probably would have developed a better sleep schedule to try to show up to school on time more often. </p>
<p>I would have coordinated classes with friends to have fun and to learn/teach them certain skills. It was incredibly useful it was to have people to talk to about Math this year (and a brilliant guy to leech outlines from in SS). Hang around people who are smarter than you are. It will rub off on you. (you should also hang around slackers too, different perspective)</p>
<p>It's also school dependent. I would've picked up harder classes in Chem/Phys in fresh/soph year and not been such a slacker, taken AP Chem junior year, but I am a math/sci person, so read into that what you will.</p>
<p>I would start studying for the PSAT/SAT at the end of sophomore year and really not worried about it at all until then. As long as she reads, writes, and gets math (this could be a hard one), she'll be fine.</p>
<p>The first advice you'll usually get is to get involved early. Join a club, sport team, or other organization. I wish I had joined more clubs/teams--I wish I had joined track earlier (I didn't join until 11th), and I regret not ever doing forensics or theater.</p>
<p>Study habits--the most effective way that I found was to read/skim the chapters of material before coming to class, so class would just reinforce what you read and go into more depth--I personally wish I had developed better habits as an underclassmen (I rarely studied, I don't know, usually classtime and homework was enough to teach me the material) because my lack of them carried throughout high school, and I know it won't be as easy to survive with that strategy next year.</p>
<p>A good way to keep peace of mind is to really put off the idea of college until junior year--let freshman and sophomore year focus on being involved within the school, making friends, and earning a high GPA (which will open up more oppurtunities when college search time comes). If an SAT class seems like a viable option, I'd say wait until after sophomore year. I took the SAT twice, once in January and once in May, and used June for my SAT II's (it was right after my finals, though if your daughter will be taking APs in the same subjects, it's sometimes better to take the May tests so the material's still fresh). I took the ACT in September of my senior year. My only preparation was to buy the official book for the SAT and take a couple practice tests on my own.</p>
<p>With regards to "passion" in ECs and course selection--it'll really be up to your daughter. I was too diverse in my interests to ever really develop a passion for one area that some of my friends had, and took a wide range of courses (for instance, I took both AP Physics and AP Art Studio my senior year). If she's looking for those top schools, she should really consider taking at least a couple APs junior year and then more senior year....but that's a long way off.</p>
<p>Anyway, if your daughter is a typically good student, my best advice for you (and I know it must seem weird for an 18-year old to give advice on how a parent should treat his/her child), is to let her try to manage her academics independently. Ask for updates on grades now and then, but don't nag about assignments and tests and the like. Know what's going on in the school--if you hear about clubs, teams, activities, events, etc.--make your daughter aware of these, and if she is aware, then you'll be able to remind her. (My school email the daily announcements to the parents, so I'd hear it once at school and ten times at home if something interesting was happening.</p>
<p>Oh, and I'd advise against summer school, or limit it to a single, short class (I took summer geometry after 9th grade for five weeks, only during the mornings). Any work done in the summer should either help people (i.e. volunteer work) or be for pay.</p>
<p>So, in short--get her involved, know her friends, let her manage her grades (but make sure she keeps them up), and don't worry about college for another few years. High school may not be the best years of one's life--but they still can be extremely enjoyable. </p>
<p>hope my excessively lengthy post helps.</p>
<p>Here are my thoughts and opinions:</p>
<p>Study Habits: The key is time management! Those who manage their time efficiently will do well in high school. While study habits vary person to person, here are some things I think that students can do to manage their time:</p>
<p>-Plan...before starting your homework or studying, make a plan in writing of what you want to achieve during this session. This will keep you focused on your goals and give you structure. DO NOT bite more than you chew. If you know you will not be able to finish all twelve things you want to complete, do not list them. By listing them, you send yourself a psychological message. This message makes you hesitant to begin your work because you know finishing all of these things will be an arduous task.</p>
<p>-Use free time given in class to complete homework or projects...I know of many times when a teacher has given the class free time to work on HMWK or a project and I decided to just sit around. The common "I'll do it at home." always comes up. Use all the time that is given to you. Any homework you can do at school means more study time at home or better yet, more leisure time.</p>
<p>-Use Fridays! Sure you had a busy, exhausting week of school, but you're still in the mode on Friday. You still have the school mindset, so you can do your HMWK effectively. Surprisingly enough, it's quite easy to forget things that you learned during the week, just by waiting a day or two to complete your work. Working on Friday (You don't have to complete everything...just some things) gives you free time to enjoy your weekend or get ahead on a project or studying. Using Fridays and weekends is extremely important if you play a sport because you have limited time during the week.</p>
<p>-Study for tests as early as you can...You'll do better and you won't have to cram the day before.</p>
<p>-Take advantage of all extra credit opportunities...Yes, it will be extra work, but you never know when you may need some extra points.</p>
<p>-Start projects early...they'll be of better quality and you'll be less stressed.</p>
<p>Summer School: I've taken classes every summer since entering high school. It gives you something to do along with other things, such as sports, volunteer work, a job, etc. If you're not looking to get ahead, at least get some required classes out of the way. ex. Health, Gym, Computers, Speech</p>
<p>Course Selection: This is VERY important. My biggest piece of advice is DO NOT take on more than you can handle. If you're not exactly sure how much that is, UNDERestimate. The worst thing that can happen to is overloading. This will lead to a decrease in grades AND SLEEP! My school recommends a total of FIVE academic classes maximum (We have a seven class block schedule). You want to CHALLENGE yourself, but you do not want to kill yourself. If you can take an honors or AP class and get an A in it...maybe a B will do, take it. Colleges look to see that you are challenging yourself. If you are getting a B in an honors or AP class, it isn't the best thing, but it isn't terrible. If you are getting a C, switch to a regular class. The Ivy League schools will look for rigorous courseloads. Colleges look to see that you are taking the hardest classes your school offers. This does not mean take more than you can handle. Take classes that interest you obviously...you'll do better in them.</p>
<p>Standardized Tests: I really don't have advice on when to take them except that most people take them throughout their junior year. I would say the earlier you start prepping for them the better. You can self-studying using prep books from the local library or buy them at the bookstore. Amazon.com is the best place to purchase prep books because they are cheapest there. Don't get a tutor because they seldom are useful. I recommend taking a class just before junior year. Classes help get you familiarized with the test and give plenty of useful tips.</p>
<p>Miscellaneous...Some other things worth mentioning:
-Sleep is important! The amount of sleep people need varies person to person, but I would say 8.5 hours a night is a good number for a teen.
-Have fun! Don't stress out too much.
-Read. Reading builds vocabulary and comprehension skills. The more you read the more cultured you become. Colleges like well-read students.
-Remember that the college admissions process begins in the 9th grade. Everything you do when you enter high school becomes part of your permanent transcript.
***-Building good habits in high school will mean more success during the college years.</p>
<p>Good luck to your daughter!</p>
<p>on sleep: this varies from person to person. i feel great with 5-6 hours of sleep and i feel kind of sick if i get more. a good time to figure out how much sleep you need is during the summer. then you can plan your activities accordingly</p>
<p>-ECs: The first 2 years of hs, my only ec was soccer. I didn't join anything else because I thought that people who participated in many ECs were losers and geeks (eg. SADD, interact, spanish club, etc..)..I just didn't think they were 'cool'. I also played a bit of 'fun' basketball and hockey for the school but nothing serious.
I wish I overcame that stupid "im too cool for that club" attitude earlier.</p>
<p>-Studying... ok well I have to say I was a slacker in my first 2 years. I did horrible the first year because people just told me that grades in 9th didn't "count" in the whole college proccess. And by 10th, I adapted to this slacking-off lifestyle. Luckily, my parents saved me by getting me tutors for couple of my subjects. Because of the tutors, I was FORCED to learn at those hours. And after couple of months, I developed basic study skills, dropped all those tutors and did really really well in school that year. Getting the best grade in class is really addicting. My first taste of getting the top mark in class, just motivated me more and more. It got me more competitive and I started to aspire top marks in ALL my classes</p>
<p>Even though I did well in school in my 2nd year, I was a procrastinator. For example, I started studying for a test at 12am on the day of the test. And after 3 hrs of studying, I'd go to sleep at 3. Although it was just 4hrs, I felt like as if I had done A LOT of studying because it was 3am. Thanks to my brain, I still got good results in my tests but it had a major effect on my health - constant tiredness, loss of concentration in class, etc..</p>
<p>I wish I had visited colleges the summer after sophomore year. Seeing 10 colleges over the past few months has made me realize just what an opportunity I have. It's a motivator.</p>
<p>High school is essentially a waste of time. The classes really don't teach you anything useful, the standardized tests you take teach you to memorize and how NOT to think. Some people truly are passionate about their ECs, most are just in those organizations to pad their resume. It's just a game. The end result of the game is admittance to college; the better you play the game, the better college you go to. I had gotten 2 B's in high school freshman and sophomore year, and had a 3.85 uw GPA going into junior year at a gifted borading school, while taking the hardest courses available to me. I had played the game very well. But 1st semester junior year, I lost focus on the prize, a great college. I came to realize school was ultimately just a game, and that the classes were meaningless in the real world. I didn't quite remember that playing along well meant leaving high school for a great college, where I could actually learn things that DO matter. So, 1st semester I had a nice 3.27 uw GPA, which brought my overall average down to 3.62. I regained focus second semester and managed to raise my overall average back to a quite respectable 3.72. My counselors and other people tell me that 1 bad semester with a B+ average won't matter that much (especially if I do very well senior year), but I'm not so sure. I lost focus for just a few months where it really mattered, and that may have killed my entire high school performance and my chances at top colleges. It's critically important for juniors to stay focused, and I really think showing your child what awaits them would really help them to stay on track. High school by itself is completely useless and meaningless, but doing well in it allows one to experience the best of college, something that is tremendously important for all areas of personal growth.</p>
<p>I would have studied for the SSAT. Public School!!!!! (cries in angst!)</p>
<p>I fervently disagree with illinois_kid. High school isn't a game--it's an experience, and you come out of it with a bunch of unforgetable memories and friends. The more you put in, the more you get. </p>
<p>I'd like to second this little piece of advice--it made my high school experience a lot easier:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Use all the time that is given to you. Any homework you can do at school means more study time at home or better yet, more leisure time.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>For me that meant getting to school an hour early (other bonuses included beating the traffic and a good parking spot--but your daughter won't worry about that for a couple years), and doing some homework then, and then doing some at lunch. It got to the point where I only had about 20-30 minutes of work to do at home, which was awesome.</p>
<p>thanks so much for your input. I especially appreciate the responses on what you wish your parents had done. Good luck to all of you. Everyone sounds like their on the right track.</p>
<p>I didn't mention anything about my parents. My parents want me to succeed as much as I want myself to. However, they are completely hands off in the academic process. They trust and know that I will make the correct decision. They are supportive of me, but not at all pushy. I ask them not to come to my sporting events because it makes me nervous. They respect my wishes and don't. I like that they support me, but are not overly involved.</p>
<p>I was really shy at the beginning of high school, having been bullied for several years in elementary and middle school, and didn't get involved in things because I didn't think my "friends" would be interested. (I go to a very small high school and got stuck in a social group I've been alternately extremely happy and extremely unhappy with, but leaning more towards unhappy.) Looking back, I wish I'd had the courage to strike out more on my own. I started taking photography classes outside of school at the beginning of my sophomore year, and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. I still take classes, was selected for an annual juried exhibition of student photographers from the DC area two years in a row, was appointed photography editor of my school newspaper, etc... so what was originally a spur-of-the moment decision to take a class ended up leading to a major extracurricular interest. But I still wish I'd taken more chances.</p>
<p>I guess that more or less sums up to "be adventurous", and also don't worry about what your friends think, because if you have to worry, chances are they aren't your friends.</p>
<p>I'm not saying everything about high school is a game, I'm specifically talking about the academic and scholastic aspect of it. The social and extra-cirricular aspects are indeed important experiences, and give people the chance to make great memories and have a great time. Just the actually nitty-gritty details of it, the schoolwork, the testing, even the behavior of the school's faculty, are worthless by themselves.</p>
<p>That being said, I think the person who posted above me had excellent advice. I second it.</p>