Use Your Time Well

Make the most of TV or telephone time by doing something constructive- matching socks, clipping nails, cleaning out backpacks or files, etc.

Take Five

“Take five!” Break up your study time. Reward yourself. Do something you like to do. Use a timer to remind you when breaktime is over.

Find a Notebook That Works For You

Some students prefer one notebook per class. Others use a divided spiral bound folder large enough to accommodate notes from all current classes with separate pockets for handouts. The 3 ring binder with dividers is the most flexible in its use. Experiment to find the system that works best for you.

Scout It Out

The first day of school can be very nerve-wracking. Make it less stressful by checking out your school before the school year begins. Use your schedule to plan your route for each day.

Important Names and Numbers

Record the names of other students in your class and their phone numbers. You might need to call with a question about an assignment

Travel Journal

Keep a journal of your travels. You will sharpen your awareness of your surroundings and your writing skills. Reading your journal will bring back vivid memories of your vacation, which can often be used in essay assignments or just to help you relive that special time.

Dorm Living: Bathroom Items

You will need all of the toiletries you normally use at home. Add shower shoes and a bathroom caddy and you will be set for the communal type bathroom. If you have a private bathroom, you may need to bring your own shower curtain. Since your towels will be hanging in your room, coordinate them with your bedding. Be aware that extra fluffy towels can be difficult to dry and use lots of quarters on laundry day. Collect common items such as a thermometer, aspirin, band-aids, and cold remedies to make your personal medicine cabinet.

Career Exploration

Do some career exploration by volunteering your time in an area you are considering for your future. Unless there is a safety hazard, your help will be welcomed by most companies or organizations.

Backpack Pit Stop

Select a location (a coat hook, shelf, or box in the closet), which is on the way out the door and will be convenient for keeping your backpack and other items that need to go to school. You want your spot to be handy without blocking your family's way.

Read the Question First

When doing a worksheet or taking a test over a written section read the questions first. This skill will help you focus on what is important and improve your comprehension.

Dorm Living: Cleaning Supplies

Not only will you need laundry supplies such detergent, bleach and softener, but you will need a laundry basket, hangers, and a roll of quarters. For cleaning your dorm room you will need paper towels and glass and surface cleaners. Mops, brooms, and vacuums are often available for check out in the dorm, but you might want your own small hand broom and dustpan.

Increasing Concentration Time

If you have difficulty concentrating for the time it takes to complete assignments, find out how long you can concentrate. Start with a time that is comfortable for you. Gradually increase the amount of time you keep on task before you take a break.

The College Interview

An interview is mainly a conversation. The interviewer is interested in you as a prospective student and the way in which you respond to the questions, not in asking trick questions. Most questions will be the easy common ones concerning why you want to go to that institution, what your goals are, and your interests. Often there is a reflective question such as "What was your research paper in senior English and what did you discover through the project?" Be relaxed and confident. Follow the same steps you would for the night before a big test: get plenty of rest, have everything you need laid out and ready to the night before, give yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment. A smile and good eye contact will help you make a good impression.

Use Site Maps

Make the most of your online time by using the site map available on most homepages as you would a table of contents.

Show What You Know

Working on skills you have already mastered can be boring and a waste of instructional time. If you feel you have already mastered the skill, which is new to your class, unobtrusively ask your teacher for a way that you can prove your capabilities. Use your time released from the whole class assignment to learn something new to you.

Alternate Activities

When doing chores or homework alternate things you don't mind doing with those you don't like to do

Study Daily

Study a little each day rather than just before the test. Studying 10 minutes a day on vocabulary words is more effective than 70 minutes the day before the test.

Pick a Study Time

You may have to try different study times to find the best one for you, but after you have found your optimum time, stick with it.

Dorm Living: Bedding

Most dorms have extra-long twin sized beds. For the best fit get the extra-long twin sheets. (Full sized sheets will work, but take extra time and effort to stay neat.) You will also need your personal pillows and covers. Find a bed ensemble that you like and decorate your room around it. You will spend a lot of time in your dorm room, make it comfortable and visually inviting.

Improve Your Vocabulary Through Current Events

Use current events to improve your vocabulary. Write down any new word you encounter in a news article. Find its meaning in a dictionary. Use the new word three times and it is yours!

Preparing for the SAT

Do at least three practice tests before taking the SAT. The other ways to prepare are books, classes and computer software. The one you choose depends on your study habits and cash reserves.

Dorm Living: Kitchen supplies

Essentials for your dorm room kitchen include: silverware, plates, glasses, bowls, paring knife and a can opener. Then you need something to heat water, such as an immersion heater, a coffee pot or microwave oven. Your grocery list will depend upon your cooking and storage capabilities. Many dorm dwellers are opting to have a personal refrigerator. Check with your roommate before investing in a ‘fridge or microwave to avoid duplication. Even the most basic pantry will include dry soups and drinks, which can be mixed with hot water to make a meal.

Scholarship Applications

All scholarship applications should be done neatly in black ink. They are even more impressive to the selection committee if they are typed. New software programs allow scholarship applications to be scanned then completed on the computer.

Know and Be Known by the Counseling Office Personnel

Information about special opportunities for high school students, such as leadership conferences or academic camps, is usually routed through the counseling office. Students should make themselves and their interests known to those working in the counseling center.