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I am currently a Junior in high school, I have lots of extracuriculers and I am taking lots of rigorous courses. My grades aren't look the best right now, what should I do ?
I would say I am quite well rounded, as I'm on the tennis team, I have a position on student council, club officer for 2 clubs, volunteer every weekend. I am taking 3 ap classes this year and 1 honor. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I want to look good for colleges. But, my grades aren't going well. What should I do?
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Patrick’s Answer
As a junior in high school, it's commendable that you're actively engaged in a wide range of extracurricular activities and challenging coursework. Balancing responsibilities like being on the tennis team, serving on student council, and holding leadership positions in clubs demonstrates your commitment and ability to manage your time. However, it's understandable that maintaining good grades while juggling these commitments can feel overwhelming.
First, consider reassessing your current workload and priorities. It’s important to recognize that quality often matters more than quantity. Focus on identifying which extracurriculars are most meaningful to you and where you can make a significant impact. If you find yourself stretched too thin, it might be beneficial to reduce your commitments temporarily to allocate more time for your studies.
Next, take a proactive approach to improve your academic performance. Schedule regular study sessions, seek help from teachers or tutors, and utilize resources like study groups to deepen your understanding of challenging subjects. Time management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting specific goals, can also alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Lastly, remember that colleges look for well-rounded applicants, but they also value academic performance. Be sure to communicate any challenges you’re facing, whether through your school counselor or college essays, as this demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being and academic success will not only enhance your college applications but also prepare you for future challenges. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s okay to adjust your path to achieve a balanced and fulfilling high school experience.
First, consider reassessing your current workload and priorities. It’s important to recognize that quality often matters more than quantity. Focus on identifying which extracurriculars are most meaningful to you and where you can make a significant impact. If you find yourself stretched too thin, it might be beneficial to reduce your commitments temporarily to allocate more time for your studies.
Next, take a proactive approach to improve your academic performance. Schedule regular study sessions, seek help from teachers or tutors, and utilize resources like study groups to deepen your understanding of challenging subjects. Time management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting specific goals, can also alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Lastly, remember that colleges look for well-rounded applicants, but they also value academic performance. Be sure to communicate any challenges you’re facing, whether through your school counselor or college essays, as this demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being and academic success will not only enhance your college applications but also prepare you for future challenges. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s okay to adjust your path to achieve a balanced and fulfilling high school experience.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Vicky, please understand that as a junior in high school, it's commendable that you're actively engaged in a wide range of extracurricular activities and challenging coursework. Balancing responsibilities like being on the tennis team, serving on student council, and holding leadership positions in clubs demonstrates your commitment and ability to manage your time. However, it's understandable that maintaining good grades while juggling these commitments can feel overwhelming.
First, consider reassessing your current workload and priorities. It’s important to recognize that quality often matters more than quantity. Focus on identifying which extracurriculars are most meaningful to you and where you can make a significant impact. If you find yourself stretched too thin, it might be beneficial to reduce your commitments temporarily to allocate more time for your studies.
Next, take a proactive approach to improve your academic performance. Schedule regular study sessions, seek help from teachers or tutors, and utilize resources like study groups to deepen your understanding of challenging subjects. Time management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting specific goals, can also alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Lastly, remember that colleges look for well-rounded applicants, but they also value academic performance. Be sure to communicate any challenges you’re facing, whether through your school counselor or college essays, as this demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being and academic success will not only enhance your college applications but also prepare you for future challenges. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s okay to adjust your path to achieve a balanced and fulfilling high school experience.
First, consider reassessing your current workload and priorities. It’s important to recognize that quality often matters more than quantity. Focus on identifying which extracurriculars are most meaningful to you and where you can make a significant impact. If you find yourself stretched too thin, it might be beneficial to reduce your commitments temporarily to allocate more time for your studies.
Next, take a proactive approach to improve your academic performance. Schedule regular study sessions, seek help from teachers or tutors, and utilize resources like study groups to deepen your understanding of challenging subjects. Time management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting specific goals, can also alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Lastly, remember that colleges look for well-rounded applicants, but they also value academic performance. Be sure to communicate any challenges you’re facing, whether through your school counselor or college essays, as this demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being and academic success will not only enhance your college applications but also prepare you for future challenges. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and remember that it’s okay to adjust your path to achieve a balanced and fulfilling high school experience.
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
The first thing that I would do is seek out a tutor (or multiple tutors if you are struggling in multiple classes). They may have a higher level of knowledge in a particular subject and may offer advice on how to improve your work. You can also seek help from your instructors by utilizing their office hours.
Second, I would suggest taking breaks from some of your activities, especially ones that don't take up a huge schedule. While extracurricular activities make a college application stand out, many schools are going to look at your transcript and GPA. A few suggestions would be to 1) reduce your volunteer hours to every other weekend if possible, 2) notify your advisor of the clubs and student council (if you have any) of what's going on, and 3) step back for a bit until you can get your grades.
To combat the overwhelming feelings, you can decompress by taking at least an hour to do some leisure activities (i.e. reading a book, watching TV, yoga, etc.)
Do not feel like you are letting anybody down by utilizing the advice I am giving. These suggestions will help you in the long run and even improve your mental and emotional well-being.
Second, I would suggest taking breaks from some of your activities, especially ones that don't take up a huge schedule. While extracurricular activities make a college application stand out, many schools are going to look at your transcript and GPA. A few suggestions would be to 1) reduce your volunteer hours to every other weekend if possible, 2) notify your advisor of the clubs and student council (if you have any) of what's going on, and 3) step back for a bit until you can get your grades.
To combat the overwhelming feelings, you can decompress by taking at least an hour to do some leisure activities (i.e. reading a book, watching TV, yoga, etc.)
Do not feel like you are letting anybody down by utilizing the advice I am giving. These suggestions will help you in the long run and even improve your mental and emotional well-being.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Vicky,
You're doing a lot! Managing multiple AP classes, honors courses, and all those extracurriculars can be overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to help you stay on top of your grades while keeping a strong college application:
1. Prioritize and Plan: Since you're juggling so many activities, try creating a weekly schedule to prioritize tasks. List out major assignments, exams, and commitments for the week, so you have a clear picture of what needs more time and focus.
2. Identify Trouble Areas: Take a look at where your grades are struggling. If it’s a specific AP class or subject, consider focusing more time there or finding resources for extra help.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Tutors, teachers, or even study groups can make a big difference. Some schools also have academic coaches who specialize in helping students manage rigorous course loads.
4. Streamline Extracurriculars: If you feel overwhelmed, consider reducing your involvement in one or two activities. Colleges appreciate depth over quantity, so focus on the activities you’re most passionate about and where you can make the biggest impact.
5. Practice Self-Care: Managing stress is key. Taking short breaks, getting enough sleep, and even incorporating brief relaxation exercises like meditation can help you avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh.
6. Talk to Your Guidance Counselor: They can help you strategize your schedule and workload. Some schools offer programs to help students balance academics and extracurriculars, or even flexible assignment deadlines in special cases.
7. Reframe College Mindset: Remember that colleges also look at your overall story—what you’re passionate about, how you’ve grown, and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Progress and resilience in your junior year can help your application shine even more than just straight A's.
By balancing and setting priorities, you’ll be able to feel more in control, boost your performance, and maintain your well-rounded strengths.
Best wishes!
You're doing a lot! Managing multiple AP classes, honors courses, and all those extracurriculars can be overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to help you stay on top of your grades while keeping a strong college application:
1. Prioritize and Plan: Since you're juggling so many activities, try creating a weekly schedule to prioritize tasks. List out major assignments, exams, and commitments for the week, so you have a clear picture of what needs more time and focus.
2. Identify Trouble Areas: Take a look at where your grades are struggling. If it’s a specific AP class or subject, consider focusing more time there or finding resources for extra help.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Tutors, teachers, or even study groups can make a big difference. Some schools also have academic coaches who specialize in helping students manage rigorous course loads.
4. Streamline Extracurriculars: If you feel overwhelmed, consider reducing your involvement in one or two activities. Colleges appreciate depth over quantity, so focus on the activities you’re most passionate about and where you can make the biggest impact.
5. Practice Self-Care: Managing stress is key. Taking short breaks, getting enough sleep, and even incorporating brief relaxation exercises like meditation can help you avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh.
6. Talk to Your Guidance Counselor: They can help you strategize your schedule and workload. Some schools offer programs to help students balance academics and extracurriculars, or even flexible assignment deadlines in special cases.
7. Reframe College Mindset: Remember that colleges also look at your overall story—what you’re passionate about, how you’ve grown, and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Progress and resilience in your junior year can help your application shine even more than just straight A's.
By balancing and setting priorities, you’ll be able to feel more in control, boost your performance, and maintain your well-rounded strengths.
Best wishes!
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Vicky,
It is such a competitive world out there, I really feel for all the students who have to navigate this environment. Having said that, it's hard for you to look good for colleges when you are not able to put your best foot forward. So make sure you have the right balance and are able to successfully juggle everything on your plate. If your plate is too full, don't be afraid to take a step back and assess which areas you can pull back on . Think about which things you enjoy doing the most (because people usually excel in things they enjoy) and also which areas you want to continue to pursue. In the same way, think about things you don't enjoy the most and things you don't want to pursue so it can help you decide on which area to pull back on.
Take care of yourself!
It is such a competitive world out there, I really feel for all the students who have to navigate this environment. Having said that, it's hard for you to look good for colleges when you are not able to put your best foot forward. So make sure you have the right balance and are able to successfully juggle everything on your plate. If your plate is too full, don't be afraid to take a step back and assess which areas you can pull back on . Think about which things you enjoy doing the most (because people usually excel in things they enjoy) and also which areas you want to continue to pursue. In the same way, think about things you don't enjoy the most and things you don't want to pursue so it can help you decide on which area to pull back on.
Take care of yourself!