You ask, I answer

Kate Lakatta, Staff Writer

Q: What are the best ways to get through high school and get to college?

A: It’s no secret that high school can be challenging, but ultimately high school is just to prepare you for college and the real-life responsibilities that come with it. Taking classes that appeal to you and fit your level of learning is important, so it is okay to take a class that is not the highest level. Some people believe that in order to thrive in high school you must take all Advanced Placement (AP) classes. In some cases, taking an AP class you are not ready for could not only hurt you in that class but in other classes as well by adding an extreme workload and adding unnecessary stress. Being able to balance your classes is important. Along with your day to day classes, it is important to begin to build a resume that will help you stand out by joining extracurricular activities like clubs or sports. Try to keep your grades up while also setting yourself apart from the average student. 

Q: What are some important things for different grades that they need to know to be successful?

A: Freshman year is a good time to begin to figure out where you fit in socially as well as academically. This is the year to experiment with how to study and how to balance school and your social life. You should also begin extracurriculars as soon as you can. During freshman year is a great time to find what clubs you want to be in; sticking with them throughout high school shows great commitment. Sophomore year is when you are able to start taking electives. This is a great year to really get a grip on your interests. By junior year, most people have figured out the learning styles that work for them. This year it is important to get grades that you are proud of. Senior year is the year to come to an understanding of what you want to do after high school. It is also a year you should make the most of by cherishing your time with your high school friends. 

Q: How do you maintain friendships?

A: Through high school, friendships grow but also tend to fall apart. Lots of healthy friendships involve communication. If there tends to be conflict within a friendship, it is best to communicate about it. Communication can be done without turning into conflict. Many people think that if you are reaching out to address an issue with your friend it is a fight, but it is actually a healthy way to talk through something. This could help you better understand each other and move past situations that have hurt your friendship. It goes without saying that not all friendships need to be saved. Sometimes growing out of a friendship and leaving it in the past is best. 

Q: How do I find a college that suits me? 

A: There is a college for everyone. If you are having trouble finding one, a good first step would be to visit your school counselor. They can help you go through schools that check off all your boxes. Another option is to start researching online; Naviance is a great way to see all that each college has to offer. Visiting colleges that may interest you is also important and can help you discover if you want to spend your next few years there.