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7 Tips for Managing Your Time as a High School Student

ByCheree Liebowitz
woman blue denim jacket holding book

woman blue denim jacket holding book

High school will never be stress-free. From extracurriculars to schoolwork, there’s much to do.  Then there’s the volunteer work, paid work, homework and helping out at home. And it’s still important to take the time to chill. So how do you manage your time while fitting everything in with less stress? Here are some tips from International College Counselors.

  1. Make a to-do list. Start your list with the most important things at the top, even if you really dread doing them. Balance them out by adding things to your list that you really look forward to. When it comes to big jobs, a way to reduce the fear factor is to break projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Don’t just write “work on English paper.” This sounds too intimidating. Try something specific like “write introduction” on Monday and “write two paragraphs” on Tuesday. After completing a difficult task, reinvigorate yourself with a reward.
  2. Prioritize your time. Track how much time you spend on each activity you do, whether it’s homework or sports. Then create a weekly schedule to follow. Before you take on anything new, determine if you really have the time to fit it in. Academics must come first, then extracurricular activities related to school, including volunteer service, and then social life. Make sure you schedule time to relax and do fun things with friends.
  3. Keep a calendar. Write down all due dates for application deadlines, assignments, tests, events, etc. This will keep you organized and on top of things. Make sure you check your calendar every day, especially in the morning and at night. Set up alerts on your phone. Knowing what you need to do and when it needs to be completed will relieve you of stress.
  4. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Set aside time to study and do your homework. Only do your schoolwork during this time.  Turn off your phone and the TV. No texts.  Also, don’t rush through studying.  Really concentrate on it.
  5. Don’t be afraid to say no. You can’t do everything. Prioritize your own goals before you help others reach theirs. Also, prioritize the important things.  If you have a test the next day, it’s smart to say no to the friend who wants to go out.
  6. Don’t fall behind. If you don’t understand the class work, ask your teachers for help as soon as possible. Don’t put everything off until the last minute because it will pile up and cause you to fall behind. This includes your college essays!
  7. Get enough sleep. Sleep isn’t optional. Your brain needs time to rest and reset. It’s best to get between seven and nine hours of sleep at night. Skipping sleep will make you cranky, clumsy and less able to focus.

For help getting organized with your high school activities or any or all other parts of the college admissions process, visit http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com or call 954 414-9986.