Making the Most out of High School, Tip #7

Tip #7 Get to know your guidance counselor.

Your guidance counselor has a wealth of information about scholarships, careers, colleges, internships, and jobs. Do be a "regular" in his/her office. Stop in to say hi. Ask if there are any relevant scholarships. Check out the resources in the career center.

Guidance Counselors LOVE to help students - and they are often called upon to nominate students for various scholarships and awards. If they know you, they'll think of you first - especially if you have stellar grades and are actively involved in your school (hence, prior tips...).

Stop by your GC's office today! (Well, not today, it's summer...but you get the gist...).

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #6

Tip #6 Volunteer/Get Involved.

Whatever you do, don't be passive during your high school years. Volunteer - serve at a soup kitchen, sort cans at a food bank, teach safety classes at your local Red Cross, perform your musical instrument at a nursing home, or build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

It's a very positive and important thing to get involved at your school and in your community. Do be involved in at least one club on-campus. Try one or two- National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, Mock Trial/Debate, the Optimist Club, Key Club, Media Productions, JROTC, or Newspaper/Journalism. If there's not a club that interests you, start up a chapter with the guidance of one of your teachers.

The point of this tip is to be proactive and passionate when it comes to your free time. Don't get stuck in a rut.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #5

Tip #5 Go overseas.

International travel will open up your eyes to the world. It will help you to see things more globally and to be more grateful for the things in your life.

You can plan a trip with your family or venture out on your own with a reputable student organization like People-to-People, Explorica or the American Institute for Foreign Study. Better yet, go serve in a country overseas with Teen Missions or Teen Mania.

Traveling to another country will give you a new outlook on life - and will also mature you. Plus, it's a very impressive thing to mention on resumes, in job interviews, or to family & friends - "I went to Romania to help in an orphanage this past summer." How cool is that?

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #4

Tip #4 Play sports and take P.E.

Regular exercise is linked to many positive outcomes...

• reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity
• helps relieve stress and anxiety
• increases energy and endurance
• helps you sleep better
• boosts your IQ
  

These are well-known benefits, but did you know that thinner people make more money? Yep, the facts don't lie.

Plus, I can attest from personal experience that many CEO's and successful leaders work out regularly. It seems to be one of the secrets of the inner circle. The people in the boardroom are swimmers, hikers, and marathon runners.

What better way to foster a good habit than to play sports in high school? Pick a sport and try out. Soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, track, cross-country - just play.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #3

Tip #3 Appreciate your teachers.

It's important that your teachers know you, like you, and want you to succeed. And, believe me, that doesn't happen by chance. Your attitude and your actions have everything to do with it. So...

Greet your teacher when you walk into class. Say "good-bye" on your way out. Say "thank you" if your teacher helps you, stays after school to answer your question, or gives a particularly inspiring lecture. Nominate your teacher for an award. Send your teacher a thank-you note. Give your teacher a gift or card at the end of the year. Bake a cake and put it in the teacher's lounge.

If you take the time to build relationships with your teachers, it will pay off in a big way in future years. They may write stunning letters of recommendation for you, nominate you for awards and scholarships, or refer you to your first big job.

Making the Most Out of High School, Tip #2

Tip #2 Be college-prep ready.

Although requirements vary from university to university, most of them require a core set of classes that looks something like this:

• 4 years of English
• 3-4 years of math
• 3 years of science
• 2 years of social studies
• 2 years of foreign language

To be on the safe side, you should also take at least one full year of a fine arts class (drama, choir, art, painting, etc.). Additionally, you should strive to have a 3.0 GPA at minimum (that means getting a "B" average)...but the higher your GPA, the better off you will be in terms of getting admitted and getting scholarships.

Throw in a few honors and AP courses for good measure and you'll be on your way to success.

Making the Most Out of High School

Attention all soon-to-be-9th graders! Here's a blogbook on how to have an incredible high school experience. I'll unveil one tip every day for ten days.

Tip #1 Get good grades.
How? It's actually a relatively simple formula.

A. Make a good first impression. Be sure to stand out on the first few days of class. Be prepared with a notepad, writing utensils, and any required books or equipment. Sit near the front of the class. Make good eye contact, smile, nod your head, take notes. Introduce yourself to the teacher at the end of the first class session. Say something simple like, "Hi. I'm Anna and I'm really looking forward to your class."

B. Exceed your teacher's expectations. If the assignment is to read chapters 1-3, read a little bit ahead. If you're studying about Asia, bring in an authentic Asian food for your teacher or the whole class (with your teacher's permission). If you have to give a presentation, dress up, use PowerPoint, and have a related visual aid. Go above-and-beyond. Do more - and you'll score!

C. Always submit your homework on-time. If you don't know how to do a set of math problems or if you just don't get how to write an essay in a specified format, don't go to class empty-handed. Try. Fill in every blank. Answer every question. Turn your work in anyway. Prompt and complete homework will automatically set you "above the pack."

D. Study for tests. Do spend some time studying. Make flash cards, do the study guide, quiz yourself, create a sample exam, look back over your homework - do what works for you, but do something.

E. Learn to love to learn. Don't just go to class and do your homework out of obligation. Find something in every subject area to get excited about.

F. Ask for help, when needed. Go to tutoring. Stay after school. Call your extra-smart Uncle Dave.

There you have it! Straight A's are on the way!