by Sydnee Fox
The school year sneaks up on you fast during summer; you want to make sure you are prepared. Although you have a whole two months to do so, it takes a lot of time and effort. Here are some things you should think about:
- AP Summer Assignments/Other homework
We all know the struggle of trying to manage your time carefully during our break; that’s why you need to work on any assignments you have at any chance that you get. When you’re laying in bed watching netflix, or even in a car ride if you can, you want to get as much done while you aren’t doing anything so you have as much time as possible to enjoy your summer.
- School Supplies
Although it sucks walking into a store and seeing school supplies, you do need them. Some of the best and not-so-expensive places are Staples, Dollar Tree, and Walmart. These are some of the things you need, as well as whatever your teachers say you need.
- Binder
- Pens/Pencils
- Notebooks
- Tape/Glue/Stapler
- Bookbag
- Headphones
- Read the Syllabus
On the first day back to school, the students are asking the teachers questions, most of which can be found in the syllabus. If you have access, read the syllabus ahead of time so you are aware of how the class works and what the expectations are. Things like if you are allowed to eat in class, to how your assignments will be graded.
- Set Goals
Although you can make goals anytime throughout the year, it is best for your benefit to set them at the beginning of the year and modify them as you go. This is because sometimes you don’t know what to expect from the upcoming year. Don’t just set goals like “get good grades” or “study every night”, you should be more specific. Tell yourself to get an A in geometry class or that you are going to study for 2 hours every night. This is a great opportunity to look back at the previous school year and see what you need to work on most.
- Start setting your alarm
As much as we are all dreading it, start to set your alarm for whenever you wake up for school about a week or two before school starts up again; do not go back to sleep afterwards! This will help you not be so drowsy on the first day. So get up and get ready, even if you are just staying home all day.
- Set up the night before
The night before school, pick out an outfit and pack your bag. This will help you just in case you wake up late or are in a rush. You don’t have to worry about wasting time picking an outfit or that you’re forgetting something.
- Charge your computer the night before
Charging your computer the night before will prevent many, many problems. Not sitting near an outlet in class can be a real struggle; especially if you need to find a new place to sit.
- Know where your classes are
If you can, look at your schedule before school starts and try to memorize what hallway or room number you are going to. This will make sure you’re on time to all of your classes and maybe even give you time to set up in class.
- Find people that are in your classes
Finding people in your classes will help you a lot throughout the year. Making a group chat with those people can allow you get to know your classes better and make studying much easier. This will also let you check answers for homework and answer any other questions that you have about the class.
Going back to school is hard, but it isn’t impossible. So use these tips and start preparing early.
(Proofread by Aine Moriarty)