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Seven Tips for High Schoolers Starting Online School

ByCheree Liebowitz
School is starting–but with some significant changes. Is your student ready to make the most of this new way of “going to school”?  Here are some practical tips for studying from home.
 
1. Stay organized. Physical organization leads to mental organization. Create an independent workspace free of clutter and distraction for schoolwork. Keep the space stocked with books, computer, pens, paper, and other supplies. Label folders to hold papers and notes for each subject. On the computer, create electronic folders for each class. “Multi-tasking” does not work; students should not work on their bed, in front of the TV, while texting, or while playing video games.
 
2. Keep a schedule. Schedule all classes, individual appointments, and assignment due dates into a calendar–either electronic or paper. If students do not have a set school schedule, they should create their own. Make sure to schedule time for lunch, breaks, exercise, etc. Creating a structured, consistent routine helps students stay organized, reduces stress and anxiety, and makes them more productive. Big projects should be broken into small, manageable parts, each with its own deadline. “To do” lists with items ranked in order of urgency can also be helpful. 
 
3.  Communicate with teachers. Students, parents, and teachers, should remain in regular contact to understand expectations and make sure that kids don’t fall behind. Regular dialogue can eliminate confusion and help students succeed. Communications can take any form: emails, texts, phone calls or private videoconferences on Zoom. If students need help, they should reach out for assistance. 
 
4.  Supplement the curriculum. Need help or more explanation of a subject?  There are dozens of credible resources. Students can find instructional videos and information on trusted websites which cover subjects such as trigonometry, US history, art history, and AP Literature. 
 
5. Set personal goals. Goals for students may include what they want to accomplish, in both the short and long term. A student can choose to ace a class, get a certain grade point average, or achieve a particular score on the SAT or ACT. Working on college admissions should also be on the list. Make sure goals include smaller, achievable, measurable goals, such as completing a chapter of required reading or writing an outline for an assignment. Achieving any goal can bring feelings of satisfaction.  
 
6. Exercise. Physical exercise keeps bodies and brains healthy, boosting mood, energy, and brainpower. Students can stay active by walking, running, bicycling, swimming, or taking a virtual exercise class. Many online exercise videos are available on social channels like YouTube.
 

7.  Stay positive. Thriving in online courses is tough but doable with a positive attitude!

 
For more help with starting the school year right, or anything else pertaining to college admissions, please call or email us at International College Counselors: [email protected] or 1-954-414-9986. 
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Upcoming Workshop
Effective and Efficient Academic Writing Workshop
Mondays & Thursdays – Starting in September
In this online workshop students will learn the stages of essay writing, how to plan and write an essay from outline to end, how to form thesis statements, how to express ideas clearly and more. Open to students in grades 9-12.
Cost: $350
For questions and more information, contact Aimee Heller.
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