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Entering Highschool: The Opportunities and Challenges that 9th Grade Presents

By Michelle P on September 8, 2024

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High school is absolutely terrifying. On my first day, I walked into the wrong building to find my locker, and I was the new freshman among the experienced sophomores. I was terrified of being late to my classes and not being able to make friends. The universal experience as an incoming freshman is meeting hundreds of new students from other schools, getting a new schedule, and having to explore a new campus. The change from middle to high school is drastic but provides an opportunity for growth. Let’s break down this transition into two different areas: building habits and getting involved in school.


Building Habits for High School

Advice about building habits has doubtlessly been repeated countless times. However, this advice is crucial since freshman year provides the basis for students’ high school careers. Freshman year is a new start for students to build habits and form a different mindset toward their schoolwork.

Habits for high school can be built in various areas, such as nutrition, sleep, and studying. Two techniques to build healthy habits that will be covered are:
  • The Pomodoro TechniqueSwitching from Passive to Active Studying


The Pomodoro Technique

When study habits are mentioned, one of your first thoughts is probably how you approach your homework load. How do you prioritize certain tasks or chunk up your work time? If you’re struggling with efficiently completing tasks or staying focused, the Pomodoro Technique can be a solution. This technique is used for time-management. The first step is listing out all your daily assignments and write an estimate of how long each assignment will take. Prioritize your assignments based on their point worth, urgency, due date, etc. Make a study timeline of which assignments should be completed first and by which time mark. Lucy Rogers, a school psychology intern at Foothills Academy, recommends The Pomodoro Technique. This technique includes cycles consisting of study time then breaks. Recommended time periods for the Pomodoro Technique are twenty five minute long study sessions and five minute long breaks. After three to four cycles, take a longer break.


Switching from Passive to Active Studying

Have you ever looked back on a passage you read or a topic you took notes from and realized you recalled little to no information? Rogers defines passive studying as simply reading or highlighting notes compared to active studying, which is engaging with the text and adding your own thoughts. So, what are some steps to begin actively studying?

First, you can actively study before you even begin taking notes. The University of Pittsburgh recommends previewing the material before class and “[writing] down questions and any thoughts of inquiry” you have. Next, participate during class to stay focused and gain a better understanding of the material. This can involve talking with classmates or asking the teacher questions.

Another way students can actively study is during independent, paper work. Rogers recommends to “work with the material in a multi-sensory way.” This can include making flashcards for verbal studying, creating acronyms, or creating memorization tricks. Laura Frustaci, a writer from Harvard University, states that the benefit of flashcards is that they challenge students to consistently recall information overtime.


Getting Involved In School

Apart from academics, high school freshmen are exposed to a variety of clubs they can join. Freshman year provides an opportunity to explore different interests through clubs and participate in school activities, such as Homecoming and spirit days.


Clubs

There are a myriad of clubs in high school that range from debate to coding to drama. Participating in different clubs allows students to be exposed to new or existing areas of interest and build connections with other students. Grand Canyon University finds that clubs provide an opportunity to make more personal friendships and improve communication. Additionally, interacting with classmates outside of class allows students to build soft skills, such as effective communication and collaboration on projects.

Furthermore, clubs can help you long term if you’re considering applying to colleges. College applications look at extracurriculars students have done in high school. Earning volunteer hours through clubs such as Key Club and having leadership positions can only further your college application. It demonstrates leadership and your potential to impact your community. Princeton Review recommends focusing on quantity over quality. Choose a couple clubs that you believe you can dedicate your time to as well as enjoy participating in. This shows that you’re passionate in areas outside of school, and you’re able excel in those areas through awards and leadership positions.


Conclusion

Using the same study methods consistently builds habits that let students focus long term. As students receive larger workloads, habits built in ninth grade can make the studying process quicker and easier. High school is difficult to navigate and the workload substantially increases. However, the key to excelling in later grades is working ahead in your freshman year. Build healthy habits and interact with your peers. Participate in school events and focus on areas you’re confident in and enjoy.

If you need more help, check out our Reading and Writing Subworld on Schoolhouse! Ask questions and get one on one personalized help from our amazing group of tutors.

Thank you Maya Behura for editing this article!

Sources:
  • "Active Study Strategies." College of General Studies, U of Pittsburgh, www.cgs.pitt.edu/why-cgs/mccarl-center/academic-success-resources/active-study-strategies. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
  • Frustaci, Laura. "Study Habits for High School Success: Tips and Tricks for Underclassmen." College Advisor, www.collegeadvisor.com/resources/study-habits-high-school-8-9-grade/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
  • "How Important Are High School Clubs?" The Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/joining-high-school-clubs. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
  • Rogers, Lucy. "Developing Efficient Study Habits in High School Students." Foothills Academy Society, 9 april 2024, www.foothillsacademy.org/community/articles/developing-efficient-study-habits. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
  • "7 Reasons for Joining Clubs in College." Grand Canyon University, 13 july 2023, www.gcu.edu/blog/gcu-experience/clubs-in-college. Accessed 1 Sept. 2024.



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