As another school year draws to a close, many Cal High seniors are reflecting about what they could have done differently during their high school careers.
Here are some tips and tricks underclassmen can utilize to get the most out of their time at Cal.
Once you familiarize yourself with the many aspects of high school during freshman year, it is a great idea to start selecting courses that cater to your interests or future career paths during your sophomore and junior years.
In order to have as relaxing of a senior year as possible, it is a great idea to start planning what you want to do beyond high school before the final year begins. That way, the process of applying for colleges or other programs is more manageable, especially with an ever challenging academic workload.
Don’t be afraid to try out a wide variety of subjects. Exploring different paths can help you figure out what career you would like to pursue early on in your high school journey.
After three years of self-exploration and hard work, allow yourself some time to relax during your senior year. Reserve fun and easy graduation requirements, such as PE and fine arts, for your final year.
Electives such as newspaper, yearbook and leadership are also exciting classes that teach unique skills unconventional in the classroom. But keep in mind if you aim for leadership positions in these classes, you will have to take the course prior to senior year.
If you signed up for a class for next school year and you’re worried the teacher may not be a good fit, start asking people about their experience in that particular class. Regardless of the subject, compatibility with your teacher can make or break your engagement and overall participation.
“If your teacher doesn’t teach at all, just skip your classes and spend all your time studying at home,” senior Lauren Lee said. “Worst thing you can do is waste your studying time in a class where you’re not learning anything useful.”
If you’re still uncertain, see if there are other Cal classes you are interested in, or consider enrolling in a similar community college course to get an equally valuable experience.
Not only should you take classes that interest you, you should also strengthen your study habits to craft a routine that works for you. Senior Rafaella Wong noticed that her study habits needed a change, and doing so helped her retain the information she learned in her classes.
“My secret to senior success is to not overestimate your studying abilities,” Wong said. “For example, you might just be reading your notes and say, ‘Oh, I’m done studying’. You have to practice the concept and actually apply it to be successful, and that is something that I had to overcome myself, but will keep improving upon in college.”
Concerning extracurricular activities, clubs are a great way to meet new people and deepen your current passions or find new ones. From science to art to community service, Cal offers a diverse array of clubs. Try to find one that piques your interest.
Clubs can also be a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills through officer positions for college applications. But don’t participate in an officer position solely for the leadership experience. You won’t enjoy the experience if you are not genuinely interested, and it will instead only add more busywork to your plate.
In addition, building strong relationships in high school will serve you in more ways than you realize. Strong friendships can help relieve stress during particularly challenging periods. Discussing class material and hosting late night study sessions with good friends can make even the most laborious classes fun.
Strong relationships with teachers and faculty can also serve you well. Not only will a friendly dynamic with your teachers make the class more engaging, but teachers would be more likely to write you highly personalized recommendation letters, which could serve you well during college and scholarship applications.
Lastly, remember to take your time and enjoy it. Although everyone always says it, high school will go by extremely fast. Plan those senior trips with your friends, carve out quality time with your family, and explore that hobby you’ve been meaning to try.
“Try your best and focus on your classes so that you can finish high school strong,” senior Trenton Von Sosen said. “Spend time with your friends to make meaningful relationships.”
Success looks different for every student. Realizing that success can take on various forms can help ease some of the underlying academic pressure many students face throughout high school and beyond.
Ultimately, strive to create memories that go beyond academics to get the most out of a unique high school experience.
