by Amaliya Rakhmatullina, Content Manager
The transition from high school to college is a pretty drastic one. From potentially moving out of your childhood home, to paying for your education, to taking on more individual responsibility, students go through a lot of changes. As a sophomore at Binghamton University, I’m here to give you a (non-exhaustive) list of things I wish I knew when I was still in high school.
One bad test grade won’t kill you. It’s never fun seeing a lower grade than expected, but bouncing back is an important skill to have. Oftentimes people let a feeling of defeat prevent them from future success. Don’t be your own worst enemy!
Prioritization really is key. We’ve all heard of the “gifted kid burn-out”: the student who gives academics their all their whole life, and then they get to college and burn-out. Don’t let this happen to you! Prioritize your goals- short and long term. Having a planner is a great way to keep yourself accountable.
Extracurriculars make you well rounded. Standardized testing and competition surrounding GPAs make it all too easy to forget about the importance of extracurriculars. If sports isn’t your thing, find a club to join! Not only will it likely help you find new friends, it will help you grow into a well-rounded adult and better prepare you for the opportunities you'll have to branch out in college.
Take care of your mental health. A controlled amount of stress is normal, but don’t let it spiral. Reach out for help when you need it- I pinky promise it doesn’t make you “weak”. Check on your friends, even the ones that seem like they have it all together. Physical health begins with mental health!
Learn how to study before it’s too late. This one is big. In high school it’s possible to make it without too much studying, but the same habits won’t fly in college. Trust me, I had to learn the hard way. Have established study times to solidify the information you learned in lecture, and watch your grades take off!
As previously mentioned, this list is not nearly exhaustive, but it outlines the habits that will help you thrive in college and beyond. Learning to study, take care of yourself, and balance your time in high school will set you up for success in college, so make the most of the four years you have!