As the school year winds down and the improved weather beckons us outside, it can be easy to slip into summer-mode – a little too early. The relief of nearing the end of a school year (and its associated commitments) can lead to lost focus and a poor finish academically. This is especially common for graduating seniors, as students have already been accepted into a college and don’t see the point of putting forth the same level of effort. Below are a few of the biggest end-of-year mistakes that high school students should avoid.
Not preparing for final exams and AP tests:
This late in the year it can feel impossible to bring up a grade, which can make it feel like there’s no point in preparing for exams. Or in contrast, a student might feel so confident in their grades that they think they can get away with not studying. But there are several reasons to buckle down and study for these exams:
- It’s never too late to improve. A solid final exam score can go a long way toward improving a gpa.
- Developing solid study habits is important. A lot of college students wish they had focused more on learning how to study while in high school. In particular, students taking honors, AP classes, or who naturally achieved good grades without studying are negatively affected when they enter the no-longer study-free environment of college.
- High marks on your AP exams can not only save you money and time in college, they help your college application as well. You’ve already taken the class… Do you really want to take it over again in college, and at a higher price-tag?
- Many colleges ask for end-of-year transcripts. A decline in grades can lead a college to revoke financial aid, honors programs invitations, etc.
Keeping college planning on the back-burner:
For underclassmen, college feels far away. Taking the time early on to learn about the different types of schools, go on college tours, and think about courses of study will save you a lot of stress your junior and senior year.
- Start getting a good idea of what type of school interests you, where in the state, country or world you’d like to be, and of what your academic interests are. Prioritize college visits.
- For rising seniors, putting together a plan and timeline for completing your applications will add structure to your summer and keep you from having to pull things together last-minute. Be aware of deadlines that fall before the end of the current school-year, such as asking teachers for recommendations before the start of summer.
Having a no-work, all-play summer:
Summer is for relaxing, for shaking off the stress of the school year and recharging with the time to do whatever you choose. But completely forgoing “work” over your break is a big mistake. (Mind you, “work” can look like a lot of different things – and many types of student summer “work” are also fun!)
- Try a new hobby.
- Learn something new.
- Shadow a professional or take an internship.
- Build something.
- Take a class – for fun or credit!
- Get a job.
- Volunteer.
- Travel.
Sitting around your house playing video games 18 hours a day won’t cut it come application-time. This is your time to explore, create, grow, earn, and learn: take advantage!