Moving as a High School Student in the Military

Okay, so I'm a military rising junior in high school. We move around a lot. How do I keep up with my academics and other activities when I'm constantly switching schools? Has anyone else experienced this?

It's definitely challenging when you're frequently changing schools, especially while trying to maintain strong academics and extracurriculars. However, many military families successfully navigate this, so it's possible. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Curriculum Consistency: Try to ensure as much consistency as possible in your course selection from one school to another. For instance, if you're taking AP courses, these are standardized and typically offer continuity across different schools. That being said, each school has its own curriculum, so there might not be a 100% match-up. You might need to do a bit of self-study or hire a tutor to fill in any gaps.

2. State Requirements: Be aware of differing graduation requirements! Each state has its own, so make sure to familiarize yourself with these whenever you move. Your school counselor can help you understand these requirements and ensure you're on track to meet them.

3. College Admissions: Fortunately, colleges are experienced in understanding diverse educational backgrounds, so your situation won't be unfamiliar. They'll assess the strength of your coursework in the context of what was available at each school. Make sure to explain your situation in the additional information section of your college application.

4. Keeping Up with Extracurriculars: Look for activities that are common in many areas (sports teams, theater groups, volunteer organizations) or can be done independently (writing, artwork, coding projects). It's not the number of activities, but the depth of your involvement and commitment that truly matter.

5. Portable Activities: Consider pursuing hobbies or interests that are portable and can move with you, such as a blog, martial arts, an online book club, or even creating your own YouTube channel based on your interests.

6. Military Children Programs: Tap into programs specifically designed for military children who frequently move, like the Military Child Education Coalition, which provides academic and extracurricular support.

Remember, overcoming obstacles can build resilience. Take advantage of the unique experiences that come with diverse locations — each move is an opportunity to meet new people, experience new places, and gain a wealth of new experiences.