5 New Year's Resolutions for High School Students

Nearly half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions, according to researchers at the University of Scranton. And if you’re a high-school student, you could be making resolutions that affect your high school career and even your plans for college

So after a student spends time enjoying family and friends, here are a few suggestions on making the most of the start of this new year.

ALL STUDENTS

“I will work to get the best grades I can”: Take your assignments and tests seriously – they have a huge impact on your final grade. When your teacher tells you what will be tested, give the list a quick run-through and identify the gaps in your knowledge. Start your studying early, and use any resources you have at your disposal. Whether it’s organizing a study group, going after school to meet with a teacher, or meeting with a tutor, do not be afraid to ask for help.

JUNIORS

“I will commit to prepping for the next ACT or SAT test”: With more test dates coming up in January and February, resolve to focus on preparation without other school responsibilities getting in the way. Students can find lots of study resources online, including sample questions, official practice tests, and test-taking tips. We don't recommend they spend their whole break studying, but it's a great opportunity to sneak in some extra prep while they have less on their plates.

“I will spend time honing my college list”: As students start formulating their college list, January can be a great time for research. It's a good way to be productive without too much stress. Ask a ton of questions, and once you have the list narrowed down, VISIT VISIT VISIT. Or, if you can't make that work, virtual tours like those found on CampusReel are a great start.

We invite all parents to join our January 24 webinar on Planning for Student Engagement This Spring & Summer

This webinar will focus on how parents can help support high school students as they deepen their engagement during the spring and summer, what involvement and initiative look like, and a review of the variety of options a student might consider.

9TH & 10TH GRADERS

“I will complete informational interviews in careers that interest me”: As students start thinking about what subjects they're interested in, informational interviews can help them decide if it's really something they want to pursue—as a major or a career. Talking to trusted adults with knowledge of specific career paths is a great way to start thinking about potential college majors and future career possibilities. Download our guide to informational interviews as well as our guided worksheet to help your student get started.

“I will prepare for challenging high school courses”: Challenging high school coursework, such as AP, honors, and IB classes, can boost your chances of admissions at a competitive college or university. So, do your best in your current courses but begin to think about which classes you enjoy most. Review your school’s course catalog for more challenging classes in the same fields. For example, if you love biology and excel in it, you might take AP biology or honors anatomy in the future. What prerequisites will you need to satisfy in the meantime?

While students might feel like they are returning to the same old grind after a fun and relaxing break, January is a time for new beginnings. The New Year presents an opportunity for students to evaluate themselves in light of their goals.

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