TIP OF THE WEEK, APRIL 26, 2010

Making Time

Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.

1. Make a "To Do" List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
Get some reading done on the bus ride home from school, for example, and you'll kill two birds with one stone.

3. Its Okay to Say "No."
If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

4. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.

5. Review Your Notes Every Day.
You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.

6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7-8 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.

8. Become a Taskmaster.
Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.

9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.

10. Keep Things in Perspective.
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for yourself, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.

Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals. Implementing these strategies will help you to be more successful in high school and in college and eventually in your career.

TIP OF THE WEEK – APRIL 19, 2010

Be Open to Opportunity: Stay Curious

Over and over again, students say that college led them to career paths they never imagined for themselves, or weren't even aware of. Even if you know what courses you want to study, even if you already have a possible career in mind, stay open to new opportunities.


Students should not feel pressured to declare a major before starting college or even during the first and second year. There is no reason to have to know exactly what you want to do until you have taken a few courses to determine what you like and don’t like. Of course, high school is an excellent time to start the process of identifying courses and areas of study that you like, but many high schools do not have the curriculum to let students explore all their options, so that college becomes the place for you to travel down all those avenues and opportunities through required electives and various student organizations.


Of course, don’t ignore possible major and career choices early on, just make room in your schedule to try new things. You may be surprised to find you have an interest in a topic you’ve never experienced before!