Make High School Count
By Mapping Your Future, www.mappingyourfuture.org

High school is an exciting time in your life. You will be learning new things, meeting new people and making the steps towards college and your future.

Right now you may not know what you want to do with your future — or exactly how to get ready for it. That's okay! You have plenty of time to figure out what interests you, what you're good at, and how those things add up to a career. The most important thing to do right now is make sure you keep your options open.
Don't let a "maybe" keep you from preparing for future options!

• Maybe future education is too expensive.
• Maybe future study is too hard.
• Maybe I won't fit in.
• Maybe my family has other plans for me.

Don't assume. Find out the answers before you decide something is not an option for you!

Tips for making your classes count

• Sit close to the front of the classroom when possible.
• Join in class discussions.
• Ask questions! If you don't understand something, chances are others in the class don't understand either.
• Keep up with class assignments. Finish them before they're due.
• Ask for help in any class in which you find yourself falling behind. Remember, your teachers want to help you succeed!
• Look for ways to sharpen your basic skills in each class. You can practice your writing skills in history, your algebra skills in science, and your math and science skills in vocational education classes.
• Learn keyboarding skills so you can type your own schoolwork and use a computer.
• Learn to take good class notes. You'll be taking lots of notes during the rest of your life.
• Learn to proofread, correct, and rewrite your written work.
• Develop test-taking skills. Your counselor and teachers can show you how to get started.

What you do outside of school counts, too!

• Develop habits now that will help you succeed in high school, in education after high school, and in the world of work.
• Find a quiet place to study where you won't be interrupted. Is it just too noisy at home? Ask your family or a teacher to help you find a place to study.
• Plan a daily homework schedule and stick to it. Do more than is required.
• Ask your family or friends to read your written work. And ask them for help if you're having trouble at school.
• Use your local library. If you don't have a library card now, ask the librarian for one. They're free.
• Read newspapers and magazines. Talk with your family and friends about what you read.
• Look up words you don't know in the dictionary. Then use your new words in writing and while talking.
• Talk with your family about career plans and what you want to do in the future.

Courses to Take in High School

Whether students plan to go to a four-year, two-year, or technical school, there are certain subjects that are critical to their success. New Hampshire Scholars offers guidelines to help students navigate the course options that their high school provides to ensure that they are qualified and prepared for college. For more information about their course recommendations, please visit www.nhscholars.org. Also, be sure to discuss your college plans with your school counselor so they may help you select the right high school courses for you.

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