The final year of high school is about to begin, which represents the culmination of thirteen years spent at school. Time flies, doesn't it? Plus, it may be the last chance you'll have to spend time with the people you grew up with. If you want to make the most of this experience, try some of the techniques below. They may also be useful to you in college and in your working life.
Steps
Step 1. Work hard and try to get top marks but remember to HAVE FUN
They are sure to have quite a few parties in the last year; try not to become a party animal, though. The grades you get this year could be the difference between getting a scholarship and having to do without it or, if you don't aim that high, between graduating and failing. On the other hand, you don't even have to get too obsessed with your grades enough to forget what it's like to have fun! This will be one of the most significant years of your life. Don't forget that school is for training you. You can do this even while having fun.
Step 2. Narrow the number of universities to choose from to two or three
Get information on the ones that are of interest to you. Find out what the procedure for applying for admission is. Visit the campus.
Step 3. Meet new people
Have no reservations. Try hanging out with people who are different than the usual group of friends you've been dating all along going to school. Try to move outside your environment.
Step 4. Prepare to take the baccalaureate exams
Expand your vocabulary. Ask your school counselor or bookstore if they can provide you with materials to help you prepare.
Step 5. Maintain good physical shape
Putting on weight in the first year of college is very common! Try to play different types of sports.
Step 6. Volunteer
It will be good for both your resume and your spirit. Tutor a younger student, visit the elderly in a nursing home, or organize a garbage collection near your home or school. You just have to choose. Look for an activity that is useful to others and make a commitment to do it.
Step 7. Create good memories
Take tons of photos! Prepare a photo album with you and your closest friends.
Step 8. Stay organized
Take notes that are legible and buy a diary. You will be glad you did.
Step 9. Have no regrets
Do you know the golden rule? "Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated." It's not nice to look back and wish you had done things differently, especially when you have hurt someone with your actions.
Step 10. Take a fun extracurricular course
Theater and acting, teaching, art and weight lifting are just a few suggestions. Your school may offer you several opportunities. Try something new or a subject that can prepare you for your chosen career. See if it is possible for you to take courses at the university you are going to attend. Ask for information about it at your school.
Step 11. Join at least one association and get involved
Contribute by giving your suggestions and above all try to have fun.
Step 12. Go to the dance, and if you do, DANCE
Have fun with your mates! If you decide to take this advice and go there, don't sit at a table all evening. You will regret not having gone out on the track to let loose. If you don't know how to dance, look for an instructional video on the Internet, choose a partner to help you and learn how to do it. Celebrate your final months of high school!
Step 13. If you need or want to work, try to choose a career-related occupation you would like to pursue
Make sure you have time to manage school and work. If working negatively affects your grades, you can try again next semester, next year, or when you have more time.
Step 14. Make a list of goals to be achieved within the year
Decide how to go about achieving your goal. Update your list and check your progress. Try to use your full potential.
Step 15. Finally, enjoy your final months of high school
We wish you an unforgettable experience!
Advice
- Keep deadlines and try to carve out enough time to do the things you need to do, such as writing an admissions essay. This will prevent you from unnecessarily stressing yourself.
- Don't be too obsessed with your grades. If you are having difficulty in a subject, ask for repetitions. Ask your professors for advice on what you should do to improve your average. They certainly don't want to see you fail, especially in the senior year. They will definitely help you out. Ask if you can make extra credits.
- If there is no right association at your school, start one yourself. Get sponsored by a professor, gather a few people, and together create a mission statement for the new association. Choose a theme that matters to you, is relevant and appropriate.
- Buy or borrow a scientific calculator for high school exams. They are much more useful than simple calculators which only have four basic functions.
- This is a tip for girls: don't spend a thousand dollars on a prom dress. You'll likely only wear it once, and you can find an equally gorgeous one for a cheaper price. If you think you will use the dress for other occasions, your parents are willing to buy it or you have enough money to afford it and you want it with all your heart, for heaven's sake, go ahead and buy it. Look around before you do it, though. Even if you may not believe it, there are many opportunities not to be missed at discount stores, on www.eBay.it, on sale after the dance season, at flea markets, etc.
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Don't get too involved in a relationship that you run out of time for friends and family. It's not healthy. Remember: always try to find the right balance when it comes to all aspects of your life.
In high school, they might put a lot of pressure on you to push you to have sex. You don't have to lose your virginity on prom night, senior year, or under any other circumstances. Virginity is yours alone, it's special and you don't have to do NOTHING if you don't feel ready. If you think about it, chances are you actually aren't. The best decision is to wait. Think about the consequences your actions could have. Do you want to risk finding yourself with a dependent child at this point in your life?
- Don't strut too much and don't blame younger students. Remember when you were a freshman a few years ago and especially remember that next year you will be back in college. Help them and be nice to them.
Warnings
- Don't drink and drive on prom night, or every other night for what it's worth. Do not get in a car with someone who is driving drunk. Road accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths. Call someone, a taxi, a designated driver or anyone. Make plans in advance to decide on the safest way home.
- Don't play jokes on freshmen. Someone could get hurt.
