Calling all high school students…!
Ok, well, that isn’t exactly what I deem a good opening statement. But you get the point. I have noticed a lot of high school advice are coming from current or former IB students that is dedicated to an exploration of the IB world – but what about high school students who are not in the program? They are not inferior by any means, which some bias may judgementally disagree with. However, whether you are in the IB Programme or not, I think this article of advice from a heavy-duty IB procrastinator (me) would definitely help some of you who are stressed about high school and whatnot. Learning from personal experience does have its merits.
For those who are taking the International Baccalaureate  (IB) Programme or have heard of it, you are most likely aware that IB students are notorious for procrastination. It may seem contradictory to our – supposedly – studious characters, given the amount of homework, assignments, projects, tests, quizzes, essays that we have to accomplish by the end of the week. My theory for procrastination is this: if we didn’t take some time out of the day for ourselves and just go straight to the fatal homework desk when we get released from the industrial prison, we’d never have time for ourselves; and without some quality relaxation time, things just go wrong. Your mentality becomes skewed; body weakened. Sleep pattern – wait … what is this “circadian rhythm” you speak of? Even the factory owners noticed during the Industrial Revolution that their workers’ efficiency increased with coffee breaks in between each shift. So why shouldn’t we receive the same benefits?
And it is not only the so-claimed IB stress that is plaguing high school students. Regular classes are not what you exactly call “chill” classes either – though I would suspect it would be a rather frosty, inhospitable environment. Although never having experienced the classes myself, I did hear lots of stories from friends in the regular program; and believe me, they accomplish more projects and learn more in social studies than we IB students do in history class! This is not limited to social studies, mind you. Other core subjects demand a great amount of one’s attention. Especially when grade 12 is the year for diplomas. When the looming threat of university and scholarship applications draw near, the amount of stress may seem intolerable at times. The human mind at our age just isn’t wired to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Now, enough ranting. Let’s get down to the points of advice. How can we, as high school students, triumph STRESS?
Post-Secondary/University Applications
1. START EARLY!!!
I’m not kidding when I say this. You may have heard this a million times from your teachers, your counsellors, your parents. But I don’t care. This is a critical step to ensuring your success in this quest to triumph the school system (however clichéd or cheesy that may sound). I know that for myself, thinking about university was difficult: it’s such a long time away (I’ve still got loads of time to look into it), high school will never end (no one really likes too much change when we’ve all snuggled in our favourite front row seat in mathematics class), I’ve got homework to cram (of course you do), and… what was I supposed to look into when I get home again?
Seriously. Use the summer of grade 11 if you have to. Look into universities with programs that interest you. Talk to your teachers, your career counsellors, your friends. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to help you (or if not, at least you’ll get something out of it, right?) Spend the summer or even the school year trying new opportunities – whether it be courses, volunteering, internships, or work. Get to know yourself. Get to know what you like.
Make a list of universities that you would want to apply to. Keep this list in a place you won’t forget, so that you wouldn’t bury it under some ancient history textbook. Tack it onto your fridge if that’s what it takes to remind yourself. Always keep this in mind so that you wouldn’t have a surprise knock from Mr. Deadline down the road.
Keep in mind that the university program you choose is not carved in stone, as the saying goes. Most programs host the same first and second year courses and then get into the specialized area of knowledge in the third and fourth year. Don’t be stressed out about what you want to do, what you want to become. Don’t be like me, who stressed out for nothing. Eventually, you’ll realize what you enjoy doing. If not, time will tell – and it’s not like you have to attend post-secondary right after graduation from high school. A lot of people take time off to see the world.
I guess what I’m trying to get at is: BEÂ PREPARED. And DON’T STRESS.
2. Make note of DEADLINES
As I was saying, a great part of being prepared is knowing your deadlines (who would’ve thought…?) Setting earlier deadlines for yourself helps a lot. This way, you would be able to polish off your applications before the universities require them to be in. You’ll have a better chance of being admitted with an impressive application instead of one that is wrought with error.
Again, the fridge thing. I personally keep a white board calendar will all my events listed on it. As a forgetful person and a procrastinator who is often unfocused on the important things, keeping a calendar with all the due dates right in front of me on my desk is especially helpful. Developing a habit of looking at the calendar everyday is even better. If you find that you are starting to ignore/not notice the bleak piece of paper or board of white (thanks to sensory adaptation, for all you bio-savvy kids out there), move it. Move it to a place where you start noticing it again.
Scholarship Applications
1. START EARLY!!!
For scholarships, starting early might be as important if not more important than starting early on university applications. The majority of applications require an adult signature or endorsement of some sort. Inform the adult whom you are going to ask for a signature from – what the application is for; what you have written on it. Adults appreciate your respect for their time. Don’t be like me and finish my first scholarship application last-minute… you don’t want an awkward relationship with an adult at your school.
2. Make note of DEADLINES
Refer to the previous section. Don’t be Bad Luck Brian.
3. Know what they’re looking for
READ the application eligibility and UNDERSTAND what they are looking for. If you are not eligible because of any reason (age, nationality, attendance of school), don’t spend your time filling out the application and then finding out in the end! Time is precious.
Being Focused & Motivated
I know that this year, personally, was a difficult year in terms of staying focused and motivated. Under stress, many things may seem pointless; you would have no incentive to do anything. I suggest finding time for yourself, finding a REASON for yourself to STAY MOTIVATED. It would be more valuable to spend time on a three hour movie and being able to focus afterward than spend four hours restricting oneself from relaxing and end up accomplishing nought. One warning though – don’t go too far with this method and spend a week trying to please yourself, ending up nowhere with your work.
When, consciously or unconsciously, comparing oneself to others, one may think one is not accomplishing enough to be a contender in this competitive world. I know that for myself, I felt like I was not contributing enough to my extracurricular activities. As a result, my focus shifted off schoolwork and onto volunteering. Though many applications claim that they value extracurricular involvement (not saying they aren’t), academics is really important as well. The key to success is to KNOW YOUR LIMITS, know how many things you can manage at a time and FIND A BALANCE in your lifestyle; but also be open to change. Break the triangle of the three dilemmas.
Action!
Just go with it! You’ll do great 😀
