Want to know the best high school survival tips that every high school student should know? These are the tried and true tips that you need to know about.
Going to high school is extremely exciting and if you’re anything like me, you are doing all the research you possibly can to make sure you are very prepared. As a certified school counselor, I am giving you the top high school survival tips that I swear by.
Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, you are going to learn about all the high school survival tips that will put you at ease.
After learning about all of these tips for high school survival, you are going to be a high school pro and extra prepared as a high school student.
This post is all about the high school survival tips that every high school student should know.
BEST HIGH SCHOOL SURVIVAL TIPS:
1. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Listen to me carefully when I say everyone is not your friend. That one bad fruit can negatively affect you socially and academically. Unfortunately, not everyone is looking out for your best interests.
Don’t be afraid to be picky! Always be picky about the company you keep around you. Naturally, you will pick up traits from the individuals you choose to be around.
With that being said, having that one special buddy can make a huge impact on how you enjoy high school.
Here are some signs that you found a good friend:
They are kind.
They don’t put you down.
They don’t judge you.
You enjoy their company.
They support you.
You laugh together.
They are not encouraging you to do bad things.
There may be a point when you feel like you need to “fit in.” Try your best to fight that feeling. You definitely do not need to “fit in.”
You are freaking awesome! How could someone not love you? You are more than enough.
2. Talk To Your Teachers
I know, I know. You probably don’t want to but there are extreme benefits for a student simply speaking to their teacher. Communication is so key!
Ever heard of the saying “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”? If you need extra help on a lesson then let them know. Even if you decide not to get into specifics, it is beneficial to be communicative about any personal problems affecting your academic performance so that your teacher can ensure that you are receiving that much-needed extra support.
Too shy? Well, I have some options for you.
Option 1: Be the last student to leave the classroom and speak to your teacher
Option 2: Write a note and leave it with your teacher
Option 3: Send your teacher an email (be polite and try not to refer to your teacher as “bro” or “bruh”)
Try it out! You can do this.
3. Attend Meet The Teacher
I can’t talk about high school survival tips without mentioning the Meet the Teacher annual event. Depending on your school, “meet the teacher” may go by a different name, but every school normally offers kids the chance to get to know their teachers before the start of the school year.
This specific event at your high school is a fantastic chance to make friends and ease first-day anxiety and confusion. You can find out where your classes are before the start of the school year, get to know your teachers, and ask questions!
Attending Meet the Teacher was essential for me because I went to a relatively large high school with 3300–3500 students. It undoubtedly calmed my nerves, especially as a freshman.
During the summer, you can find information about your Meet the Teacher event on the school’s social media accounts, the school’s website, and/or your student email. You may contact the school’s front desk if you need more information.
4. Stay Organized
Write it down! Do not rely solely on your memory to complete tasks.
A physical planner is a great tool for maintaining organization in both your personal and academic life. Let’s face it, using a phone tends to be distracting. By using a physical planner, you can keep track of your obligations while avoiding the distractions that come with a phone and boost your productivity.
If a physical planner is not your thing then no problem. Download Google Calendar or the Microsoft To Do app, to name a couple.
Deadlines are not recommendations so write it down and thank me later.
5. Get Involved
Earlier, I mentioned choosing your friends wisely. Well, getting involved on your high school campus is a great way to make those friends.
I understand that it can be a bit challenging for most people to put themselves out there and try new things but in the end, it will be so worth it. Join that gaming club. Ask about that prom committee. Try out for that lacrosse team. This is a great way to survive high school.
I have noticed that a lot of students want to be involved but they do not know where to begin to find those opportunities. Here are some ways:
Option 1: Check your student email. You may receive emails about tryout dates and club interest meetings.
Option 2: Check the school’s website. You can check the website and see what sports and clubs they offer.
Option 3: Visit your school counselor. You can ask your school counselor for a list of clubs held on campus.
Option 4: Attend your school’s club fair. You have the opportunity to walk around, meet new people, and ask questions about the organization.
You might be thinking, “How do I know what club or sport would fit me?.” You can decide by just going to the interest meeting, which gives you a better understanding of what the club and/or sport has to offer.
6. Be On Time
There are several consequences to being tardy. A student who is late may miss some of the instruction in the classroom. A student’s grades may suffer as a result of tardiness. Being late might prevent a student from taking a test, whether it be a classroom test, a state-mandated standardized test, the ACT or SAT, etc.
Having said that, things do happen, so you might have a good excuse for being late. If you are late for class, please communicate with your teacher.
Avoid spending too much time in the hallways between classes saying goodbye to your friends, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Think about it this way…
You will see them again in about 50 minutes once the bell rings. Don’t be late, the conversation can wait.
7. Your GPA Is So Important
The final grades from each of your classes are averaged to determine your grade point average (GPA). It may be calculated differently depending on your place of residence or whether you attend a public or private school.
Your GPA can have an impact on a number of things, including whether you graduate on time, if you get into the college of your dreams, and whether you qualify for a particular scholarship.
I recommend getting the best grades you can as a freshman to prevent having to spend the next three years catching up.
Are you a student who received a D or F in a course? Visit your school counselor to discuss the possibilities of retaking that course and how it will impact your GPA.
8. Get Some Rest
To be fully prepared for a school day, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial! A restless student may fall asleep in class, which may result in poor academic performance, which may result in a low GPA and concerns about graduating on time.
Establish a goal time for going to bed, and then make an effort to stick to it every day.
9. Visit Your School Counselor
We are here to help!
Your school counselor is on your side and will advocate for you. High school can be difficult at times, so feel free to visit your school counselor’s office to talk about any concerns you may have, whether they relate to academics, career, or anything more personal. We also love to hear your good news too!
Some may be wondering, “Well, how do I know who my school counselor is?” That is the million-dollar question, believe it or not. Many students don’t know who their school counselor is.
Finding your school counselor is super easy! You can visit the school’s website or you can pay the student services building a visit and ask the clerk for assistance. The offices of the school counselors are normally located in student services. Please keep in mind that the name of the building may be different at your school.
The ideal time to see your school counselor is during your lunch break so that you don’t have to miss any class time.
To ensure that one-on-one time, make an appointment with your school counselor.
{RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide To Career Planning For High School Students}
10. Check Your Student Email
I cannot stress this enough.
Students miss out on deadlines, opportunities, and test dates by simply not reading their student emails. Of course, I advise checking your email every day, but for some people, it is simply not feasible. Check your email at least three times a week if this describes you.
There are too many important emails that are sent to student emails for you to only check it once in a blue moon. Take my advice and make checking your emails a top priority.
11. Check Grad Requirements Periodically
Usually, school counselors schedule a meeting with students from each grade to go over graduation requirements. Please be sure to listen carefully and ask any questions you may have during those discussions with your school counselor. No such thing as a dumb question in this case.
School counselors want to remove as much confusion as possible.
If your school has an online platform for you to check your progress toward graduation (i.e., your credits, GPA, etc), please use it and check it periodically to make sure everything looks good. Even in a perfect world, mistakes happen, therefore by checking your academic progress, you are also helping yourself.
Parents may also have their own login access to their child’s profile, depending on the online platform used.
12. Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
In high school, set specific goals for yourself each year. Keep your eyes on the prize once you’ve listed those goals.
You will occasionally face distractions and obstacles in life, but keep in mind the goals you set for yourself. Don’t be afraid to discuss your goal list with someone special. That special person can be your accountability partner.
You got this!
13. Be You
Last but certainly not least, high school survival also consists of staying true to yourself. You are amazing. You are worthy. You are enough.
Be you!
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