How to Graduate High School

High school is the foundation for higher education or any other future plans you have for your life. While your high school years may be ripe with bouts of angst, uncertainty, new freedoms and challenges, you must stay focused and do everything necessary in order to graduate.

Things You'll Need

• High school student handbook

Instructions

1. Know what the graduation requirements are. If you know what is expected of you from the beginning, you will know what you need to do. This information should have been given to you in a student handbook or graduation checklist form. If you do not have this, contact your guidance counselor immediately. Create a checklist if you don't already have one and check off the requirements you have fulfilled as you go along.

2. Meet with your guidance counselor at least once a semester to learn about any opportunities at school and to make sure that you are on track in terms of completing your graduation requirements. Prepare for this meeting with a list of questions and problems or concerns that you have.

3. Organize your bedroom and study areas so that things are easily found and everything has its place. If you do not know how, ask your parents or do a search for tips on home organization. Carry the organization to your backpack and your daily life.

4. Learn to manage your time. Use a wall calendar and a daily planner to keep track of assignment deadlines and examination dates. Make a list of things you need to do each day and how long it will take you to do them. For bigger projects, break down the assignment into smaller tasks and schedule a time to do them. Do the same for examinations. Write out what you need to study and schedule a time to study them.

5. Know what is expected of you in each class and what you need to do to get a good grade. Grades are important beginning in your freshman year. If you have questions or concerns about your grades, an assignment or an upcoming exam, talk to your teacher. If you are having trouble communicating with a teacher, speak to your parents and ask that they contact the teacher for you.

6. Study hard but use your time wisely. Read comprehensively and make summary notes on your reading. In class, take good notes, then review them each day and again each week. For more advanced studying, consider compiling your semester's material into a comprehensive outline. This is especially helpful for examinations that cover a year's worth of material.

7. If you are considering attending college, start looking at college programs early and see what the admission requirements are. Build a strong foundation for college by taking as many math, science, English and foreign language courses as possible.

8. Stay true to yourself. Do things that make you happy and are reflective of who you are. Don't worry about what other people think of you. Find ways to boost your self-esteem and surround yourself with positive people who like to do the things you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a schedule that you will adhere to for the week. This should include time for travel, classes, and study and recreation. Learn how to drive by the time you are 18. This can make the transition to college and adulthood a lot easier.

• Do not let extracurricular activities overshadow the time you need to spend on academics. Don't let friendships or romantic interests get in the way of school or your extra-curricular activities. If your friend or romantic partner does not understand, you may need to look elsewhere.

References

• Tips For High School Students
• Top Nine High School Tips