To succeed in high school, a student needs some maturity and has to have an appropriate set of goals in mind. Being able to listen and work cooperatively with others will also be important. If the student enjoys reading, this is a big plus.
Knowing what you want out of your education and where your interests lie will help to guide you in choosing a program that is right for you.
1) Knowing the high school counselor will help any student achieve academic success.
The counselor can advise you, based on your prior classes and interests, about what courses will be most appropriate and advantageous to you. She can also help you sort out goals and think about possible careers. She can guide you in the choice of college, and help you apply for financial aid.
2) Choose classes that will challenge but not overwhelm you.
A student who takes AP and other college preparation courses will come out ahead of one who has a higher GPA but only takes the easier classes. Don’t neglect other activities, such as sports and club membership. Staying involved with other students and making friends will help you find support to get through tough times.
3) Talk with the teachers before you decide on classes.
A teacher whose style appeals to you and stimulates your thinking and creativity can inspire you to learn more. One who bores you or talks over your head will not be able to keep you motivated and learning.
4) Participate in class discussion.
Remember, there are no stupid questions. If you don’t ask, you won’t know. Follow up on topics that interest you, perhaps doing some research at the library or on the internet to answer some of your own questions.
5) Keeping up with homework is essential.
Study some each day instead of trying to cram for tests. Once you have a good grasp of the concept, go over it again to be sure. Over-learning will stamp the knowledge into your memory and help you succeed.
6) Organize your work and plan ahead.
Write your assignments in a student organizer and plan how to deal with longer projects like term papers, one step at a time.
7) Read.
Being well read on a number of subjects will help you in any academic situation. Also, check out museums and other sites that you find interesting.
8) If you are struggling with a class, get help.
Ask the teacher for clarification. See if you can get tutoring. Whatever you do, don’t just quit trying.
9) Take some time off to socialize.
It’s important to refresh your mind with something other than work or school. Being overly serious may burn you out.
10) Get enough sleep.
You can’t learn much when you are too tired to concentrate. Be sure to eat a good breakfast, lunch and dinner, and healthful snacks. And get a good amount of exercise, either by joining the dance club or participating in sports or hiking. Any activity you enjoy that makes you move.
11) An important factor in the success of any student is the involvement of parents.
If the parents are interested in the student’s progress and activities, this will go a long way toward encouraging her to succeed. Parents should not get overly involved to the point of trying to direct the student’s school life, but should show support and provide discipline if she starts to lag behind.
12) A student who is struggling in school may need to work out a contract for improvement.
Parents can help the student devise and stick with the contract by trying privileges and rewards to the incremental steps.
13) Each child is different and needs an individual plan for success in school.
Working out that plan is the responsibility of the student, parents, and teachers. All kids can succeed. It takes having an appropriate plan and working toward reasonable goals.