<p>-- Take difficult classes.
-- Study your butt off ... no excuses! It'll pay off in the end.
-- Don't forget to participate in at least 3 extracurriculars (1-2 if you plan on continuing for your entire HS career/gaining a leadership position).
-- Don't get caught up in the drugs/alcohol/partying/slacking/popularity trap! It's not worth it.
-- Make GOOD friends; ones that have your back and are motivated themselves. They'll keep you on track.
-- And take time off! Every once in a while, I take a "catch-up" day off from school ... to catch up on all the fun I've missed! I'll usually chill out by the computer/television or read a book. I suggest Fridays/Mondays as optimum "catch-up" days.</p>
<p>"Don't get caught up in the drugs/alcohol/partying/slacking/popularity trap! It's not worth it."</p>
<p>you can if you want, just know how to balance school work and social life... aka be smart</p>
<p>be blessed with above average mental capabilities</p>
<p>Take some AP tests without taking the class over all four years
time management
make OLDER friends
You get a certain amount of lates and absences- use em</p>
<p>i have a similar problem to you in that my house is similar to a zoo. it's always loud and full of distractions and i simply cannot get anything done unless i sleep all day and wake up around 1 and get my thangs done while everyone else is sleeping. i don't do this everyday though, sometimes i just shut my door and deal and every once in a while spend some time with fam so i don't completely shut them out. but yeah the late night thing screws up your week and sleeping habits for a little bit but it gets things done, for me at least.</p>
<p>@TashersXD</p>
<p>Being smart and being a partier/druggie/etc. are mutually exclusive I'm afraid. I doubt anyone in their right mind would those types of kids "smart".</p>