#haleyib

[blackinstemacademia]

How to be Organized - IB & AP

@niviasthoughts requested this

1.  Get a PLANNER. Don’t think that you will survive without it, because that is a lie. And when you get it, actually use it. This is for your sanity

2. Have a separate monthly Calendar that you can just use to map out your tests, due dates, activities, and whatnot. Also think about also having a digital calendar so that you can get reminders.

3. Assign sections, notebooks, binders, or folders to each class that you have so that you don’t mix them up. Also, it makes it easier when you’re looking for something.

4. Organize your google drive or document files. This is crucial because a lot of your assignments will have to be typed. It is best to organize it as you go instead of waiting until it’s too messy.

5. Date EVERYTHING! I’m talking notes, quizzes, vocab, tests, activities - all of that. Because what ends up happening so often is that I will vaguely remember a time frame, but not the actual titles of topics. Just trust me on this one.

6. Make a personalized version of these tips because some things may work better for you and some things may not. Find your best way to be organized.

[blackinstemacademia]

Junior Year Advice

1. Take the SAT/ACT at least once and take them seriously. I beg you not to do what I did and kind of just b.s them because it’ll come back and haunt you while you are rushing to get a good score at the last minute. I seriously regret not taking the tests seriously the first time I took them.

2. Yes, this year’s grades matter. They will be the last full grades that colleges will see, but don’t mentally hurt yourself. Strive for those amazing grades, but do keep in mind that good grades won’t matter if you’re not healthy enough to reap the benefits.

3. If you haven’t already done so, get leadership positions in clubs and activities. This is what makes you stand out in the crowd, but disclaimer: only do it 2-3 clubs...NO MORE THAN 3. You’re going to hate yourself if you don’t heed my warning.

4. Make sure to find some fun in the middle of the stress. Junior year tends to get a bit stressful, but try to include tidbits of fun here and there. This is most likely the calm before the storm of senior year.

5. Don’t rush growing up. I get it, you’re 16/17 and the world needs to know, but be a bit childish here and there. Everything will come in due time, so just chillax a little.

That’s all for now, feel free to ask any questions!

[blackinstemacademia]

Mental Health in Academics

Too often do we see posts about working harder to get those “beautiful” grades. Let’s make something clear right now, there is absolutely nothing beautiful about getting high grades if you are not in the right mental capacity to truly love them. As someone who has spent most of their high school career doing exactly what I just preached against, I am telling you that it isn’t worth it. Being in a bad mental state makes anything lower than 100% seem like the end of the world. It isn’t and I have finally gotten to a point in my life where I can say that I truly understand the importance of mental health. And I hope that I have helped you understand too. 

[blackinstemacademia]

School isn’t all about pretty notes and good grades. It is also about finding your niche, creating boundaries, and learning about yourself.

[blackinstemacademia]

Advice for High School Sophomores

1. If you haven’t joined clubs yet, JOIN CLUBS! Now that you finally have the whole high school thing under control go ahead and join clubs. Don’t go crazy, only join the clubs you’re actually interested in.

2. This year is very much a filler year, nothing really happens. The excitement of attending high school has worn off and now you have 3 long years ahead of you. You’re going to feel as if your life is boring, and it is completely normal.

3. Take Challenging Classes. This is the perfect time to start taking AP and Honors classes. Don’t overload! Be aware of what you can and can’t handle. It’s time to start thinking about your transcript.

4. Friends are a doosey. You’ll start school and some people won’t talk to you while some people start talking to you. Drama either begins or is continued. Just smile and wave, smile and wave. <<Do you get the reference?

5. Relationships are ehh... Once cuffing season arrives, it seems like everyone you know is pairing off. But beware, Don’t fall into the traps. Don’t entertain the seniors, they’re most likely just looking for quick fun. If it feels like you’re the only single once, trust me you’re not. You don’t need a significant other.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

[blackinstemacademia]

if it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t worry about it for more than 5 minutes

[blackinstemacademia]

don’t worry about having everything all figured out right now because chances are that it won’t go according to plan anyways

[blackinstemacademia]

Without drops, rollercosters wouldn't be rollercoasters

Without drops, life wouldn't be life