Any valuable advice for high schoolers?

As a current high schooler, I want to make the most out of my experience and prepare for college. Can anybody share some valuable advice or tips related to classes, extracurriculars, time management, or college planning? Thanks in advance!

As a high schooler preparing for college, it's important to strike a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your high school experience:

1. Classes: Focus on taking challenging courses that are relevant to your interests and goals. While it's important to maintain a strong GPA, taking rigorous courses like AP or honors classes demonstrates your commitment to academic excellence, so it's worth taking them even if your overall GPA may end up slightly lower. Try to strike a balance between taking core, required classes and pursuing your more niche passions through electives.

2. Extracurriculars: Aim for quality over quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities. It's better to have a few activities where you're genuinely engaged and show leadership potential than to spread yourself thin over many clubs. Colleges are interested in applicants with a "spike" or a unique talent that sets them apart from even other highly qualified applicants, so hone your skills in your chosen extracurriculars.

3. Time management: Create a schedule that allocates enough time for homework and extracurriculars, as well as downtime for relaxation and self-care. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set deadlines for yourself. Learn to say "no" to activities or commitments that don't align with your priorities.

4. College research: Start early by researching colleges that are a good fit for your interests, values, academic profile, and financial needs. Use online resources like CollegeVine, College Board's BigFuture, or college websites to gather information about majors, campus life, and financial aid opportunities.

5. Standardized tests: Familiarize yourself with the testing requirements for the colleges you're interested in. Begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT well in advance, for example by taking practice exams to gauge your areas of strength and weakness.

6. Networking: Reach out to teachers, counselors, and fellow students for advice, support, and opportunities. Connect with people in your chosen field of interest, attend college fairs, and visit college campuses to learn more about potential schools.

7. Summer experiences: Utilize summers to explore your interests, build your resume, and develop new skills. Consider internships, summer programs, research, or volunteering to deepen your understanding of a subject or gain experience in your desired field. CollegeVine's blog has some good suggestions for how to spend your summer productively, with options sorted by both geographic location and academic area of interest: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/extracurricular-activities/summer-activities/.

8. Essays and applications: Begin working on college essays and applications early, to give yourself plenty of time for revisions and feedback. Focus on crafting a unique essay that showcases your authentic voice and experiences. Remember that CollegeVine's blog contains extensive guidance on how to tackle both your main personal statement and any school-specific supplemental essays - this post (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/) breaks down each Common App prompt, for example.

9. Financial aid: Research financial aid options and scholarships early on. Be prepared to submit the FAFSA when it opens, and use schools' net price calculators to estimate your expected financial contribution.

10. Self-care: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being through exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Manage stress by developing healthy coping strategies and seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors when needed.

Remember, the high school experience is about personal growth, developing meaningful relationships, and finding your path. Strike a balance between academic and personal life, and try to enjoy the journey!