We have officially been in school for over a month now, and as we finish making the shift from summer to school, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Although it feels like the school year has just begun, many students at Rosary are busy with homework, sports and other extracurriculars. It’s normal to feel stressed and unsure of what your next move should be in the big abyss of high school. So, with help from Director of Counseling Mrs. Lee, here is an academic outline of what you should be focusing on this school year.
Where should the different grade levels be academically focused to improve their high school career?
Seniors: Our seniors are getting ready to leave Rosary’s small bubble to take on the rest of the world and do great things! It’s officially application season for colleges, which means you must stay organized. Balancing schoolwork and completing applications for colleges can be difficult. Mrs. Lee recommends keeping a detailed plan of all your college admissions deadlines.
Along with planning, it is super important not to procrastinate. Get your applications done ahead of time or slowly begin working on them so the deadline doesn’t sneak up on you. If you are feeling unsure of the college admission process, it is super beneficial to take admissions workshops (offered at Rosary) and ask questions. However, senior year isn’t just about college applications. While some senioritis may hit you, it is important not to let your grades plummet. If your grades drop excessively, many colleges are able to change their minds even if they’ve already accepted you. Most of all, remember to enjoy your last year at Rosary and stay on top of your work!
Juniors: The moment has finally arrived for the class of ’27 to enjoy their time as upperclasswomen. Being a big sister on campus comes with much responsibility.
It’s time to start thinking and researching about colleges, careers and your interests. Start to narrow down your list of possible career choices. While this may seem like a big task, you can do this by finding electives that excite or interest you. Make a list and slowly start researching if you would consider a career in any of these paths. Along with looking at career choices, you can begin to think of colleges that may suit you. Look at college websites, tour the campus or talk to a current student there. It will also be beneficial for you to build relationships with your teachers at Rosary and begin thinking of who you want to write your college recommendation letter. Junior year is also one of the most academically challenging years of high school. You must stay on top of your grades, even if this means missing some social activities to do extra studying. This is your last year before you start applying to colleges, so it is important to make the best of it!
Sophomores: It is the sophomores’ second year on campus, and they must make it count! While some girls still may be adjusting to high school, sophomore year is a good year to get involved. However, you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. It is easy to get overinvolved and not have time for things that you care about. Begin to narrow down your interests in and outside of school. Instead of becoming overly involved, make sure to do the things that interest you consistently. Finding yourself is a big part of sophomore year, whether that means joining a sport or becoming a leader on campus. Anything is possible if you work hard and consistently try to do your best.
Freshmen: It is an exciting first year of high school for our freshmen sisters! Your freshman year should be all about learning to balance the new wave of work during high school. Now is the time to ask questions, work hard, and build healthy habits. If you need help in a subject, learn what ways you can improve your studying, such as going to office hours, attending NHS tutoring, or doing extra work to make sure you understand new material. The habits you build this year will last you the rest of high school. Try to avoid procrastination and use the resources that Rosary provides. It’s important to get to know yourself and how you thrive so you can be the best version of yourself mentally and academically!
What is the biggest thing you recommend to students to help them stay on top of their work?
Mrs. Lee’s biggest recommendation to stay organized is a planner. It is easy to let homework get lost in your head or mix up testing days. In each class, you can simply write down your work in your planner. This way, you know when everything is due and what you have to do at home. Mrs. Lee also recommends setting small rewards for yourself after completing certain tasks. An example would be to watch an episode of a show after you complete your homework for your two hardest classes. These small rewards help you focus and not procrastinate doing your work.
All in all, our Royals are set for this school year. Remember never to be afraid to ask for help from teachers or counselors. There are so many opportunities for you to do great at Rosary this school year, so use your resources and try your best!
