Flickr user Alyson Hurt
A new year marks a new beginning. It’s commonly a time of resolution-making for people across the world, and high school students are no exception. With college aspirations in mind, high schoolers too can benefit from a few important New Year resolutions that will support their goals of getting scholarships, being accepted to their dream schools, and rounding out high school with great grades.
With that in mind, here are a few resolution ideas for high school students:
1. Utilize Efficient Study Techniques
It’s not just about the quantity but the quality of your study time. If you spend hours with your books but struggle to stay focused, it’s time to explore and implement other study techniques that work for you.
Creating mind maps or using educational apps may be what you need to enhance your understanding and to better retain information. If engaging in group discussions helps, look for neighborhood study groups or create a study group with classmates. Group discussions can spark new ideas and improve your understanding and retention of any topic.
2. Reflect on Your Grades
Don’t wait until you get your report card to assess your progress. Instead, schedule regular grade reflections to track your performance in each class. Identify patterns, recognize areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. This proactive approach allows you to make timely adjustments to your study routine, ensuring continuous academic growth. This is especially helpful for identifying weak areas so you can get additional help if you need it.
3. Research Colleges Regularly
Whether you’re building the first draft of your college list or refining draft number 5, it’s important to regularly look into the colleges you’re interested in. What sort of major programs do they offer? How big is their student body? How much does tuition cost? What sort of financial aid packages do they offer?
Any information is good information, you want to make the most well-informed decision you can when it comes to selecting a college! Even researching two or three hours a week can help. With over 5,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., making your shortlist can seem overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Fortunately, you don’t have to sift through every single college to identify those that are a good match for you. Using this free college search tool can cut down your search time significantly. You can look for colleges based on majors, GPA, test scores, location, and school culture. Now you have a much smaller list to go through and refine to find your ideal college.
4. Apply for Financial Aid
Do it! When it comes to funding to help with college expenses, applying for federal financial aid is one of the smartest moves you can make. Even if you think you’re ineligible or won’t receive much, it’s still worth the effort. Many students are surprised by the aid they qualify for.
Financial aid can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, making a seemingly unaffordable tuition bill somewhat more manageable. Grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities are often included in financial aid packages, and they don’t need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource.
Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. Many colleges distribute aid on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to federal aid, research the financial aid programs offered by the colleges you’re interested in. Many schools provide merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, or other forms of assistance.
Research a school’s financial aid program and use College Raptor’s College Match tool to help you get an idea as to what you’ll likely pay for nearly every college in the USA. These tools are free and can help you identify colleges that fit both your academic goals and financial situation. Remember, every bit of aid adds up, and the time spent applying is a small investment compared to the financial relief you could receive.
5. Research Scholarships
Scholarships are the absolute best way to get free money* for college. They are free to apply to and any award money you win is yours to keep, unlike student loans, which you have to pay back with interest. And, there’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply to or the amount of award money you can win. Nothing can beat that!
Of course, you will need to put in the time to find scholarships you qualify for and to put together a strong application but that’s so worth it. Your hard work will pay off in the long run. Make ‘researching scholarships’ one of the top new year’s resolutions. Start shortlisting opportunities that are a good fit and make a note of when they open and the deadlines. Then start working on your applications so they are ready to send. To start, use the FREE College Raptor Scholarship Search tool.
6. Master Your Budgeting Skills
Budgeting is one of the most important life skills to develop before heading to college. College tuition is expensive and that’s even without the accommodation, boarding, textbooks, college supplies, and everyday essentials. Building strong budgeting habits can make the transition from depending on your parents to total independence smoother and more manageable.
To get started, track your current spending habits. Use a notebook or a budgeting app to record every expense for a week or two. This helps identify where your money is going and areas where you can cut back. Next, create a simple budget by listing your income (allowance, part-time job earnings, or any other sources) and essential expenses like transportation, food, or savings. Building a savings fund, even in high school, can help with future expenses such as college application fees or dorm supplies.
This is also a good time to start researching student loan options to prepare for college costs. Understanding the terms and conditions of student loans early can help you make informed decisions when it’s time to fund your education.
7. Work on Your Applications and Essays
Your college application and essay are the two most important components of the admissions process. It takes time to put together a compelling application and essay that will help you stand out from the competition. A strong application is one that ensures your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and overall development shine through.
One thing you do not want to do is to submit a generic essay to all colleges. Every essay must be unique to the college and the program you are applying to must answer the prompt provided by each college. When working on your essay, pay attention to detail, review for errors, and seek feedback from teachers or counselors.
Starting early gives you sufficient time to revise and perfect your submission, increasing your chances of securing admission to your dream school.
8. Seek Guidance from Teachers
Your teachers are invaluable mentors. Develop a habit of seeking feedback and clarification on challenging topics. If you haven’t done this before, it’s not too late to start in the new year.
Schedule one-on-one sessions with your instructors to discuss areas of difficulty and gain insights into effective learning strategies. Building strong relationships with teachers can positively impact your understanding of course materials.
9. Utilize Academic Resources
Make the most of your school’s academic resources. Attend tutoring sessions, join study groups, and participate in workshops. These opportunities enhance your understanding of subjects, offering additional support for your academic journey.
10. Prioritize Self-Care
Academic success is not just about study hours; it’s about balance. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation to keep your mind sharp. A well-rested and healthy student is better equipped to handle the academic challenges that come their way.
These new year’s resolutions for high school students are all actionable ideas that will help you on your path to academic success. From mastering study techniques to actively pursuing financial aid and scholarships, each resolution is a stepping stone toward achieving your college aspirations. Cheers to a year of growth and academic fulfillment!
Are you ready to supercharge your college journey? Explore scholarships, compare financial aid options, and refine your college list with ease using College Raptor’s free tools.
*While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.
