A high school student faces many forms of stress, sometimes even more than some adults. When in high school you are faced with a ton of choices and situations. What classes should you take? Is an AP class really worth it? Are you going to be accepted into the college of your choice? How are you going to manage your time to meet strict deadlines? These are only a few questions that high schoolers ask themselves.
When you are a freshman, your new (obviously) to the high school process. Your very first high school decision is what classes you should sign up for. The answer - take the classes you think will help you the most. Some kids choose all Honors or AP courses because they are only concerned with their GPA’s and class ranks. This is not the route to go. If you are going to take an upper-level class, then do it because you care and want to be the best you can. Don’t take one of these classes just because it will increase your class rank, take it because you're serious.I have seen many students take these classes like it's an easy way to be better than everyone else. They sit in class and don’t do what they are supposed to. They go home and play video games or claim that they got home late from a sporting event and they “didn’t have time” to study or do homework. AN UPPER-LEVEL CLASS REQUIRES DOING WORK AT HOME AND IS VERY TIME CONSUMING. If you're not willing to take this step, then don’t take the class. Those who do the work deserve to be at the top, not someone who is lazy. This is one of the main stressors for those who want to be the best, but can’t because of people who don’t care.
When it comes to applying for college, pay attention to the deadlines to apply. If you miss a deadline, they don’t care. You lost your chance. Also, pick the school with the best program of the major you are the most interested in, DO NOT CHOOSE A COLLEGE JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE THE COLORS OR THE CAMPUS. Your education is more important than that. If you work hard in every single class you take, your grades will prove it. Also, you need to be sure to participate in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, etc.). This will be further proof that you are passionate in everything you do. Colleges love to see persistence. This stressor is mainly geared towards Juniors, who don’t have much time left to decide their future. (This is a very scary thought to think you only have one more year left to be sheltered and protected.)
No matter what you do, it is going to require time management. Homework, practice, clubs… everything you do, whether it be a part of a school or something you are required to do at home, make time management your friend. You might have chores at home or an after school job. No matter what, you must keep your grades as high as possible while balancing everything else that is thrown in front of you. Don’t become too consumed with extra stuff that you can’t keep up with.
All of these things contribute to stress in a high school student. We are faced with sometimes more than we can handle. We have to maintain our grades, have a job to help our families pay bills, and participate in afterschool activities. It’s a wonder we haven't gone crazy doing all this and not have any leisure time to relax and do things we enjoy!
