Navigating High School Success! Ten Tips for Rising Freshmen
Starting high school marks an exciting time for young students, with new experiences and opportunities awaiting them. As your student transitions into a rising high school freshman, it is important to understand that there are actions they can take now to benefit their college application process in the future. However, while we encourage younger students to keep an eye on college if that is their future path, we want to ensure they still enjoy the high school experience. In order for a student to be a successful college applicant, they first need to be a successful high school student. By adopting just a few proactive strategies, your student will establish a strong foundation for a rewarding and accomplished high school experience.
Embrace Academic Exploration: Encourage your student to embrace the diverse range of subjects available to them in high school. This is an opportunity for them to discover their interests, strengths, and passions, fostering a love for learning and personal growth.
Establish Good Study Habits: Support your student in developing effective study habits early on. Help them create a consistent study schedule, find suitable study environments, and employ active learning techniques that enhance their understanding and retention of knowledge. Freshman grades matter, so starting strong is essential.
Build Relationships with Teachers: Highlight the importance of building positive connections with their teachers. Encourage your student to actively engage in class, ask questions, and seek guidance when needed. Learning how to communicate with adults and advocate for themselves is a skill that can benefit anyone.
4 . Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: Motivate your student to participate in extracurricular activities aligned with their interests and passions. Involvement in clubs, sports teams, or outside activities allows them to learn what they enjoy, grow their passions, and develop leadership skills.
5. Volunteer and Engage in Community Service: Stress the significance of community service and volunteering to your student. Encourage them to seek opportunities to positively impact their community, demonstrating their commitment to helping others and fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility.
6. Develop Strong Time Management Skills: Assist your student in developing strong time management skills, as this will help them navigate the demands of high school effectively. Encourage them to create schedules, prioritize tasks, and find a balance between their academic, extracurricular, and personal commitments.
7. Cultivate Effective Communication Skills: Emphasize the importance of effective communication skills for their overall success. Encourage your student to practice clear and concise written and verbal communication through presentations, group projects, and writing assignments, enabling them to express themselves articulately.
8. Seek Mentors and Guidance: Encourage your student to seek mentors or role models who can provide guidance and support throughout their high school journey. These individuals can offer valuable insights, advice and help them navigate challenges they may encounter.
9. Start Exploring Colleges: While it may be early to make concrete decisions about college, encourage your student to explore different institutions, their programs, and their campuses if possible. This exploration will help your student understand their preferences and goals for their future educational path.
10. Focus on Personal Growth: Remind your student that high school is a time for personal growth and development. Encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and develop resilience. Engaging in activities that nourish their mental and emotional well-being, such as hobbies, mindfulness, or self-reflection, will contribute to their overall growth.
As your student enters high school, they embark on an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth and preparation for their future. Encourage them to embrace this transformative period, knowing they are establishing a solid foundation for future endeavors. By following these tips, your student will take proactive steps towards enjoying a fulfilling high school experience, a successful college application process, and a strong future.
If you have a high school student and don't know where to start on the college process, North Shore College Consulting is offering one hour sessions with one of our expert college counselors to walk you through the process from start to finish and answer any questions you have. This session is a great way to help motivate your student to start the school year strong! Contact us to book your session today!