5 Tips for staying Motivated

Tips 1-2

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/8454.html

To succeed in high school and college, you have to do your best at all times. But sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, even when you really care about the work you’re doing. Here are five ways to stay on the right track.

1.     Focus on High-Impact Activities

The key to success in school is staying focused on your course work. Make a list to get an overall picture of your workload before you start to tackle any of it. Then, make a plan. Although it’s tempting to do the simplest assignments first, those that take more time and effort to accomplish are probably the ones that you’ll learn the most from.

To determine what your priorities are, rank your assignments in the order of their importance. Then rearrange your time and devote more energy towards those that have the greatest impact on your course work and grades. For example, even though all homework assignment are important, studying for a midterm exams tackles priority over writing a paragraph for English class. As you complete each task, think of it as another step on your way to college success.

2.     Create New Challenges

Changing your approach can help you stay interested in what you’re doing. If you’ve been given an assignment similar to one you’ve done in the past, think about it in a different way. If you wrote an essay for a creative writing assignment last year, try a poem this time. For book report, pick a history book instead of another biography.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Summary: This story was about a high school student named Tony Farmer. He went to prison and got sentenced for three years. The reason was that he kidnapped his girlfriend and stole her credit card and keys.

Reflection: This story was really disappointing. If she did something bad to him that wasn’t the right thing to do. They should talked to each other and clarify their situation without any of this.

Note—Taking Strategies

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pla/college-success/955.html

How to Get Your Class Notes into Shape

Getting the most out of high school and college means studying hard and using your time ion class wisely. An effective note-taking strategy can help you do both. Here are the basics.

Stay organized

It may seem obvious, but your class notes can only help you if you can find them. When you’re taking notes be sure to:

·        Keep all your notes in one place.

·        Date and number pages; keeping them in order makes it easier to understand them later.

Before Class

Review the materials assigned for that class period thoroughly. Bring a list of any questions you may have.

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Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/paln/high-school/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn’t offer. Under some circumstances, you can still enroll in the class—through distance learning.

Distance means taking a class without being physically present where it is being taught. Internet-based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don’t have resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP courses.

For you, it might mean doing self-tutorial at home in the evening, or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available.

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 5

Additional Tips

Although working and going to school is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

·        Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of school and work is easier with their support.

·        Start slowly, don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

·        Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

·        Use your time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of downtime and your boss has no objection, you can use slow periods to do schoolwork.

·        If you commute to your job on public transportation, bring your schoolwork with you so you can work along the way.

·        Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

·        If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

·        Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 5

Additional Tips

Although working and going to school is challenging, it can be a rewarding experience if you use some foresight. These tips can help you handle the situation and make the most of your time:

·        Discuss your plans with your family. Balancing the demands of school and work is easier with their support.

·        Start slowly, don’t commit to working a lot of hours immediately.

·        Avoid time conflicts by planning your class and work schedules as far ahead of time as possible.

·        Use your time efficiently. You can use 10 minutes waiting in a line to go over a few pages of assigned reading. If your job has a lot of downtime and your boss has no objection, you can use slow periods to do schoolwork.

·        If you commute to your job on public transportation, bring your schoolwork with you so you can work along the way.

·        Be flexible and willing to make sacrifices. You may have to cut down on other things you’d like to do because of your school and work commitments.

·        If you have too much on your plate, admit it. Then cut back as needed.

·        Schedule relaxation time. Everyone needs some downtime to stay happy and healthy.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 4

He reminds students that “the activities and courses students choose vary considerably, so it’s important for young people to keep their individual situations clearly in mind.” MacGowan continues, “For example, student actors should allow for the fact that they won’t have as much time during performances seasons. Students athletes need to remember the times of the year that they’ll be tied up with games and practices. Other students who are in classes that make considerable demands outside of the classroom must keep that reality in mind.”

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Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 3

Brad MacGowan, of the Career Center at Newtown North High School in Massachusetts, thinks that working can be a valuable part of a student’s life, if taken on responsibility. “You can derive a great deal from working, considerably more than just money,” he says. “In most cases, you can acquire a nice dose of discipline and a whole new set of skills and experiences. “In addition, your supervisor may be willing to write a strong college recommendation for you. School Comes First

Schoolwork, including homework and studying for tests, should always be your top priority. MacGowan cautions students who do decide to work, “If you are rushing through your assignments… on not studying enough for tests because of work, it’s time to cut back or quit and find a less time-consuming job.”

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Balancing High School and Part-Time Work

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com /students/plan/high-school/45266.html

Like many high school students, you may want—or need—to work part time. Working takes a lot of time and energy, though, so before getting a job, make sure that you think about your ability to handle both work and your education.

Important Considerations

You have to weigh a number of factors when deciding whether to take on a part-time job. It/’s important to get as much information possible, so you can figure out what choice makes the most sense for you.

Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss the idea of working. Talk to your counselor about why you want to work and what type of position you’re seeking.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

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