Time Management Tips For High School Students

It's 10:00 -- Do You Know Where Your Homework Is?

Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always running late. Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.

1. Make a "To Do" List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your task - And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
Get some reading done on the bus ride home from school, for example, and you'll kill two birds with one stone.

3. It's Okay to Say "No."
If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it's ok, to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

4. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.

5. Review Your Notes Every Day.
You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.

6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.

8. Become a Taskmaster.
Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.

9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.

10. Keep Things in Perspective.
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for yourself, be sure not t.o overdo it.. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.

Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you have a better chance of achieving your goals.

Sure, life in school is pretty interesting. You've got algebraic equations, science lab reviews, sentence diagrams... But chances are, you've got commitments outside of school, too. Maybe you have a part time job, play in a band, are on a sports team, or do volunteer work.

Colleges Care
The good news is that colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Yes, your academics probably come first, but your activities reveal a great deal about you, such as:
• How you've made a meaningful contribution to something.
• What your non-academic interests are.
• Whether you can maintain a long-term commitment.
• Whether you can manage your time and priorities.
• What diversity you'd bring to the student body.

Maintaining a Balance
Keep in mind, colleges are not interested in seeing you "do it all."
"We're looking for a commitment to and a passion for an activity outside of the academic setting -- we're looking for depth rather than breadth." Nanci Tessier, College Admission Director
Colleges don't have a checklist of requirements when it comes to extracurriculars -- they want to see your individuality
-- and your consistent commitment.

Haven't Gotten Involved Yet?
Lots of school, community, and religious organizations give you chances to explore your interests and talents. If you haven't felt drawn into something yet, there's no shortage of opportunities for you to explore. For example:

School Activities
It's pretty easy to find out about activities available at school. Once you start exploring, sometimes the challenge is figuring out how much to do. Here are some quick tips:
• Most importantly, when you find something you like to do, stick with it.
• If you're interested and have extra time, try to excel in more than one area. For example, write for the paper and
volunteer. But make sure you're giving your all to each activity, and, most importantly, to your school work.
• Don't worry about being president, or captain. The key is whether you've done something significant, center stage
or behind the scenes.

Work Experience
Work experience -- paid or volunteer, year-round or summer -- can help you identify career interests and goals, gain work experience, and apply classroom learning to the real world. It's also a great way to earn money for college, of course. Consider arranging for an internship or to shadow someone at his or her job.

Community Service
You can also gain skills and experience through volunteer work, such as by tutoring elementary school kids or spending time at a local hospital. Some schools even offer academic credit for volunteer work.

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