I may have a little too much on my plate this year, and I’m really stressed out. I’m pretty sure there are people on here who do more than me, so I was wondering if anyone on here has advice on how to not fail this year? Here is my workload, please don’t tell me to cut anything because they’re all important:
- 5 AP Classes, 1 Honors class
- 20 - 25 hours work/week
- Leadership positions in 3 clubs, member of 6
- I can't be too sleep deprived because I drive myself places
- College apps
- Studying for the SAT IIs, as they're required by my top choice.
Help?
This is one reason why sports are often recommended. Even if you are not a “varsity athlete”, sports provide a productive way to deal with stress as a HS student.
Another student I know would play the piano. It seemed to need a lot of maintenance.
You either need to cut back, or don’t complain. Priorities should be: grades, test scores. Then the rest. The 6 clubs… can you skip some meetings (go every other time)? Or drop a couple that are not relevant to your proposed major or the narrative you are building in your apps?
You honestly are working way too many hours for a HS Student, too. Does your family need the money? Is it possible to keep the job with reduced hours? Think of it this way – if good grades & test scores bring you merit aid in college or get you accepted to a school that meets need (assuming you are applying fo FA), it is probably a lot more over 4 years than you would make in a minimum wage job senior year. If they won’t reduce your hours, consider quitting. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.