Keep your options open - 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.

Learn how to learn - Now is the time to concentrate on improving your skills as a student. If you practice the following tips, you may find you enjoy your classes more:

• 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 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.

Know the basics of class scheduling - You need to be thoroughly familiar with all the required courses and graduation requirements of your high school.