High School Tips

So you're a high schooler? Possibly an adult looking for tips to tell your kids since the world has changed so much. This guide will tell you everything about high school these days!

Freshmen: Incoming freshmen you need to ask yourselves a question. Do you want to go to high school for all four years or just three? If you didn't know this you can graduate as a junior for free! You heard me, FREE! You can request to see your counselor at your school to discuss this. It takes a little extra dedication but it pays off in the end! Think about the pro's and con's to go with it. These years are vital for your academic career, so do your best. You're at the bottom of the chain right now, it can feel overwhelming trying to find your classes but don't worry. Do things you love, join sports you like, clubs you might like. Most of you are 14-15, you're still young so don't focus on working quite yet. Focus on your grades and select your friends wisely, stay away from anything that is bad.

Sophomores: So you're in the second year of high school, huh? Now that you've decided if you want to graduate next year or the year after start looking into scholarship opportunities, military options, or what kind of diploma you're going for. If you didn't start looking into diplomas freshmen year and you're going for your senior year then you have time. You're probably 15-16 now. When you turn 16 more job opportunities open up. Begin your research on jobs and choose which one you'll enjoy more and get paid more. If you live somewhere where there's an amusement park look into jobs as a ride operator. Ride operators can start off around $12 an hour! See if they hire 16 year old's. Continue focusing on school and grades along with working. You need to balance these out, you've balanced grades and sports/clubs out by now I'm sure. Now try juggling all three of them or just a job, grades, and maybe one sport or one club. Don't overwork yourself, you don't want to be burnt out already. For sophomores graduating next year, you need to look into the scholarship opportunities and the summer before junior year get an SAT prep book. You'll also be taking your PSAT this year if you haven't already. Always study for the PSAT and SAT and achieve the best scores you can get. Colleges don't look at SAT scores anymore but it still shows dedication and increases your chances of getting into the better colleges. It also gives you scholarship opportunities. Ask your parents about opening a bank account if you haven't done so already, get a debit card.

Juniors: Hey juniors! Congrats on making it this far, you're about 16-17 now. You'll definitely be wanting to start driving! Pass your permit test and get your license if you haven't already. If you could afford Driver's Ed than congrats! Start researching colleges, scholarships, apply for colleges if you're graduating this year. Ask your counselor if you have any further questions. Continue keeping your grades up, keep that job going, buy your own car. Juniors graduating you might look into emancipation, all info is online for how to do it, when, how old you have to be, fees, and more. Talk to your parents about the co-signing for your apartment or home. You could also stay with a friend and have them charge you rent.

Seniors: Seniors!!! You've made it to senior year but don't give up quite yet. Decide if you're going to college or not. Apply for colleges, scholarships, and keep those grades up. Keep your job, own a car, and start looking into apartments unless you're going to live with your parents. You're taking the SAT this year, so study up and don't worry too much about it, as long as you're prepared than it won't be intimidating for you. You're about 17-18 now! Possibly start paying for your own groceries, pay your parents some rent or utilities. Start asking your parents questions about building your credit up, car insurance, getting a car if you don't have one yet, and how to get your own house or apartment. Remember to not fret too much, your parents have your back and so does your school counselor.

For more tips contact me. (574)355-5963

Nathan

Good luck everybody, hope this helped all of you!