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what are some important things to focus on as a high school student?
what are some important things to focus on as a high school student?
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4 answers
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Matthew’s Answer
It depends on what you want to do which will prioritize what's important for you to attain in high school.
If your goal is to go to a college that's relatively competitive; grades, grades, grades. If you take care of getting a high GPA, it is like Jayven said, it is the first thing a college will consider. Getting a higher GPA also opens opportunities for you, it allows you to put time in other things like athletics, clubs and organizations to help "round out your resume". It also is less stressful to have a higher GPA!
But if you're future is "using your hands", look at the vocational opportunities your school offers. This is where grades aren't necessarily everything and acquiring certain skills are more important. Here you want to literally touch as many things as you can to determine as early as possible what skills you have (and maybe didn't know you have!).
If your goal is to go to a college that's relatively competitive; grades, grades, grades. If you take care of getting a high GPA, it is like Jayven said, it is the first thing a college will consider. Getting a higher GPA also opens opportunities for you, it allows you to put time in other things like athletics, clubs and organizations to help "round out your resume". It also is less stressful to have a higher GPA!
But if you're future is "using your hands", look at the vocational opportunities your school offers. This is where grades aren't necessarily everything and acquiring certain skills are more important. Here you want to literally touch as many things as you can to determine as early as possible what skills you have (and maybe didn't know you have!).
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Jayven’s Answer
I would personally advise to focus on getting the best grades possible. From my own experience I graduated high school with a 2.94 GPA unfortunately. However, I am now a college senior with a 3.2 GPA that I have consistently for the past 2 years. I recommend getting the best grades possible because it helps make you more marketable to universities and you'll be able to receive grants, scholarships & internships while in college. Try your hardest because once you graduate these transcripts will follow you. They may not define you as a person but they are what universities will mainly focus on. Try to utilize all your resources and talk with your teachers so that when it is time for you to graduate, you'll have great letters of recommendation and an amazing transcript that'll place you in the best opportunities. You'll do amazing, Good luck!
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Steven’s Answer
High school is an important time to build good habits which will set you up for success later in life. Below are some general areas which are important to focus on. Overall, it's important to balance the different areas in your life and try your best at everything you do.
1) Academics: Maintaining good grades and taking challenging courses to prepare for college or future career paths.
2) Time management: Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time effectively.
3) Extracurricular activities: Participating in clubs, sports, or other activities that align with your interests and passions.
4) Self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
5) Building relationships: Developing positive relationships with teachers, peers, and family members.
6) Service and volunteer work: Contributing to your community through volunteer work or community service.
7) Career exploration: Investigating different career options and gaining real-world experience through internships or job shadowing.
8) College preparation: Researching colleges, taking standardized tests, and considering your career goals.
9) Personal growth: Challenging yourself, setting goals, and working towards personal growth and development.
1) Academics: Maintaining good grades and taking challenging courses to prepare for college or future career paths.
2) Time management: Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time effectively.
3) Extracurricular activities: Participating in clubs, sports, or other activities that align with your interests and passions.
4) Self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
5) Building relationships: Developing positive relationships with teachers, peers, and family members.
6) Service and volunteer work: Contributing to your community through volunteer work or community service.
7) Career exploration: Investigating different career options and gaining real-world experience through internships or job shadowing.
8) College preparation: Researching colleges, taking standardized tests, and considering your career goals.
9) Personal growth: Challenging yourself, setting goals, and working towards personal growth and development.
Updated
Maria’s Answer
In addition to the answers here, I'll add that when it comes to joining clubs and organizations in high school, I would encourage students to apply or run for Leadership/Executive Positions as well i.e. President, Secretary, Spirit Outreach, whatever office holds a title. The ability to demonstrate positivity when leading a group and delegating responsibilities is important to obtaining leadership skills. One of the most common behavioral questions asked about in an interview in the "real world" may be "tell me a time you were a leader or describe your management style or what are your best leadership qualities." It's important to start cultivating those skills as early as possible. Also, when it comes to joining a club/organization, it also is beneficial to participate and work towards a problem to solve within the school and/or community. I see many college students who are part of several clubs "superficially" cause it looks good on grad school applications; however, joining several clubs without positioning themselves as a leader or organizing an event that serves the community is better. For example, with help, organize a project that creates opportunities for high school students to read aloud to K-8 students monthly and track their progress and confidence in reading (create a simple survey) or start a donation drive for female & male work shoes for non-profits who help with career placement for people who were impacted by incarceration.