Top 10 Ways to Survive High School

Okay, let us explain. Right now you’re probably thinking that getting to know your high school teachers is the lamest and most unpopular thing a kid can do. However, as you’ll soon find out, popularity and looking cool isn’t nearly as important as getting solid grades and actually doing what you’re supposed to in school, which is learn stuff! One of the best ways to do this is by getting to know the people who are educating you. In doing so you will create a friend who can not only help guide you when things get tough, but who is also well versed in how to handle the stresses of the real world. So… what’s up, teach?

This one is a no-brainer. When you’re in high school, you need to be operating at 100% to properly absorb information and remain alert throughout the day. However, getting the required 7-10 hours of sleep every night can prove difficult when the homework, extracurriculars and hangouts with friends start to add up. Your best bet is to make a schedule for your weekly activities so that you can still do what’s required of you while also hitting the hay for the appropriate amount of time. This is a good habit to get into, because it’s a lot harder to be exhausted at work than it is in high school.

While high school might feel like a giant popularity contest, it really isn’t. High school is not a microcosm for real life. In fact, it’s more of a random jumble of half grown little humans who still haven’t learned to properly function in the world. As such, you shouldn’t spend your time trying to look cool in front of other people. The moment high school ends so does the reign of the prom king and queen, and no one is going to hire you just because you made the monarch of dressed up gym. Focus on your grades and having fun with your friends. That’s what really matters.

Whether it’s because you’re feeling overwhelmed, nervous or simply need a little guidance, you should never be afraid to ask someone for help. That person could be a parent, teacher, guidance counselor or friend, but the important thing is that you be willing to reach out when the time comes. As is the case in all levels of school, the more you advance, the harder it gets. Just because you don’t need advice at 13 doesn’t mean you wont need it at 17. Get into the habit of talking to people when something is wrong. Chances are it will make the problem seem much smaller.

One of the worst habits you can develop during high school has nothing to do with partying too much or skipping class. No, the habit you want to avoid is cramming for tests instead of taking a little time out of each day to properly prepare. You might be able to get away with it for awhile, but once you hit college it isn’t going to fly – especially when your grade 8 book report turns into 20 page essay on mechanical engineering. Whether it’s a project, essay or test, don’t wait until the last minute to get it done. There’s nothing worse than staring at a blank page in your word processor at 2:00am…

When it’s time to start applying for colleges, you don’t want to be the one person who has no idea where they want to go, or what they want to study. The best way to avoid this is by beginning to explore your options as early as possible. There are literally thousands of different colleges and universities to choose from, each with their own set of unique attributes. Do you want to go to a big school or a small one? In the city or in the country? Which school offers the best economics program? What’s the campus like? These are questions you should be asking long before you mail in an application. It’s never too early to get a jump on your future.

High school is already tough enough without trying to do it on your own. That’s why it’s vital to develop strong relationships with a core group of friends. The number of friends you have isn’t what’s important; it’s about finding people who are kind, respectful and willing to have your back when the going gets tough. Not only that, but having friends is a key component in making sure you don’t get stressed or overwhelmed in a period of your life that is supposed to be fun. If you’re new in school don’t be shy, strike up a conversation with someone. It might just be the thing that transforms your high school experience.

One of the worst parts about high school is having to deal with bullies. At one point or another, you’re going to come face to face with a jerk, someone who takes pleasure in putting others down be it physically or emotionally. In those moments, it’s important to stand your ground and not be intimidated. Often times, people will bully others for attention or because they lack self-esteem, so no matter what, you should never encourage them. Instead, go find a teacher, or better yet, stand up to the bully yourself – as long as it’s not with violence, of course. Don’t allow yourself to become filled with regret over something you could have done, but didn’t.

One of the best parts about high school that many people tend to neglect is the plethora of different activities that are available to them. From the chess club and the dramatic society to soccer and badminton, there are tons of different extracurricular activities for every personality type. High school isn’t just about cramming for tests and avoiding bullies. It is a time of discovery, one in which you can try different things to find out what you like and what you don’t. Additionally, taking up an extracurricular activity is a great way to make new friends! Don’t miss out on one of the best aspects of being a high school student.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



Remember That Everyday Isn't Going to Be Perfect



Make Time for Yourself



Use the School Time Efficiently

It might sound like a cliché, but it’s the truth. When you’re in it, high school can feel like it’s the only thing in the entire universe that matters. But in reality, it is but one of the many different things you will experience in your lifetime. While you will definitely have to stare down problems big and small, try to keep in mind that it will all be over soon. So what if you dropped your lunch in the middle of the cafeteria or got an C on your math exam? They are but grains of sand on the beach that is your life. So cheer up, because life after high school is pretty sweet.