In the quest for the “perfect college” it’s easy to get caught up in the college admissions frenzy and lose sight of what’s truly important as you begin the new school year: that is, making the most of high school. High school is a time to learn more about yourself in a relatively safe environment. During these years, you can try out a variety of extracurricular activities while learning more about the academic subjects that engage your interest. You can follow your passions by choosing advanced classes in subjects that truly interest you, and hone your leadership skills through participation in student government, publications, sports, the arts and various clubs.
Rather than choosing activities with an eye to impressing college admissions officers, select those that truly interest you. During the early years of high school, you may wish to try out a number of different activities. Through deeper involvement in the one or two activities that really click with you, you’ll develop leadership skills and a sense of purpose. It’s the depth of involvement in activities, rather than number of activities, that truly matters to colleges.
High school is the time to discover more about who you are. With a wider pool of potential friends than in middle school, you’ll make new friends based on common interests, similarities or differences. You may even find yourself changing groups of friends throughout high school as your interests change.
Don’t overload on classes. Take only as many honors and AP classes as you can comfortably handle. Although you may receive a bump in your GPA for these classes, that “bump” comes at the price of a heavier workload and more hours of study outside of school. Ideally, you should take advanced classes in subjects that truly interest you. That interest lightens the burden of the extra work required.
High school is also the time to be yourself and to give some time to others. Pursue outside interests by taking classes in your community in art, music, dance, martial arts, drama or language. Make time to give back to others by volunteering your skills in a meaningful way. As with clubs, choose community service activities that matter to you. Find a cause and devote yourself to it.
During these years, learn all you can. Be open to new ideas, concepts, and views, both academically and personally. Read widely. And remember that learning doesn’t end when the school day is over. You’ll learn a lot from summer jobs, friends, volunteer activities, courses, travel and self-exploration if you simply “seize the day”!
