Put In What You Expect To Get Out by Madison

Put In What You Expect To Get Out by Madison - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

High school is an academic roller coaster. One minute you could be failing, the next minute you could receive all the a's you have ever wished for, but grades aren't everything. Most students get by in high school by doing the bare minimum to pass a class, or even to graduate. Students will take the easiest courses for one of two reasons: one, they will not have to put in any effort whatsoever or two, their GPA will be the highest in the grade. My advice to younger students or incoming freshman in high school would be: pick classes that suit you and your learning abilities, do not sell yourself short, challenge yourself.
What I mean by picking classes that suit you is this; if you think you could receive an A in a standard algebra class easily, take honors algebra and apply yourself. Most students know their limit, they know what they should and should not be taking. If you are not sure which class you should be in, try the honors or AP class before you choose the easier class. If the class becomes too hard, you can always change your schedule afterwards. If you have found that a class is too easy for you, or if you are beginning to think a class is too easy, ask yourself: "Am I grasping these concepts faster than everyone else?", "Am I getting higher grades on every test, homework, or-in class assignment?" If yes, then the class is probably too easy.
Do not pick classes based on the classes your friends are picking, I cannot stress this enough. Your education is more important than being with your friends for an hour and a half in class. If you are smarter or less talented than your friends, that is okay. Take classes you will succeed in and challenge yourself in, rather than a class you will breeze through and learn nothing in.
If you hear, "I heard Miss so-and-so's class is so hard" or "All my friends failed that class", do not let these comments phase you. Your learning abilities are different than other student's learning abilities. Go into the class with an open mind and explore your options, do not let people's opinions interfere with your class schedule.
As a student, you will have plenty of opportunities to get out of assignments, tests, etc. You will be able to have fun and make memories throughout high school that last forever. On the other hand, high school is about learning and getting an education, as well as being well prepared for college; which you will only do if you put in the effort. If you put in the effort when making your class schedule and challenging yourself by taking harder courses, chances are you will get much more of an experience during high school.