The transition to high school is often daunting and overwhelming for many, but junior high students don’t have to fear anymore. The Gamut has accumulated some helpful tips for students to prepare themselves for the next facet of their educational journey.
- Organization is key
Though it may sound cliché, having an organized routine truly is one of the habits that will make or break your academic success when it comes to high school. With the plethora of extracurriculars outside of school, students must manage their time efficiently and form efficient study habits that will carry them through high school. For further supplements to help with these habits, you can check out The Gamut’s article on the best apps for student productivity.
- Explore passions
If you are unsure of what you’re interested in, take the time in freshman year to explore and find what grabs your attention. Not only will these programs help you pursue your passion, they will also serve as great readiness for future career outlooks. However, be careful to not fall into the trap of club-overloading; commitment is key, and joining a bunch of clubs that you have no motivation nor time for is not useful.
- Don’t compare
A prominent challenge at Oxford is resisting the pressure to base your values on grades or other symbols of success. Comparison can often extend past academics to social life, and extracurriculars as well, creating a degrading environment. You may feel pressured to compare yourself with those around you, but you must realize that you have your own talents that make you special.
- Have a social life
Stress and pressure will always be a prominent component of an Oxford student’s life. Therefore, The Gamut also suggests that you take the time to enjoy high school, making sure to attend fun ASB events and participate in energetic spirit weeks. Sports are also great options for athletes looking for activities to join. Not only will you be able to form close relationships with your teammates when joining sports or making memories at a school dance, you can also discover new communities unknown to you during your first two years at Oxford.
- Talk to upperclassmen
With attendance to more social events, junior high students will also be able to find friends in upperclassmen; they are not only cool, they are also full of resources and inside information regarding classes, teachers, and more. You will be able to find older confidantes in your upperclassmen and soon see that upperclassmen can be a great help for planning your future.
- Set a goal
Finally, you should always set a goal. Whether it be a long-term goal which spans over the course of your entire high school career or short-term ones made every quarter, specific and achievable goals not only act as guides for your future, but will also keep you accountable for being productive during the school year.
These are only a few of the tips that will help make your transition to high school an easier one. In the end, what matters most is the life lessons and experiences you learn as you further your journey.
