Academic Advice

In the modern era, education is important for students of all ages. From primary school to college, school provides you with so much individuality and options. There are many pathways for everyone no matter what you want to pursue. But for the path of the in between, there are many, often stressful points before college. 

High School

High school is where you develop skills preparing for college, learning material harder than that learned before. This alone can result in silent stress. Whether you're new to high school or if its your last year, there are many ways to get help in and out of school, no matter how small or large the issue. Here... these solutions will, hopefully, help you navigate through your year(s) of high school that much smoother.

Falling Behind

If you notice you’re losing pace with the rest of your class or consistently missing due dates, an important step to take is to talk with your teacher. Arranging a meeting time, sending a quick email, or stopping by during a free period can really help you connect better with your teacher and learn tips to use for the future in the class. Maintaining a positive attitude, while hard, is vital during this process. Be honest with yourself and your teacher about your strengths and weaknesses. 

Unsatisfactory Grades

If you want to improve your grades in any way, there are multiple resources at Nisky that can help you do this. Located in the library, the ARC (Academic Resource Center) is a student-led organization that is designed to help you in any way for any class our school offers. These students have expertise in every sector, from Math to Language. They are extremely reliable and a student voice can help you understand material easier. During every period of the school day, you are able to walk in and inquire with any questions you might have. Tutors are also available after school by appointment. Another resource is the Homework Club, offered after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the Library as well. Here, both teachers and students offer their support to help you improve. This is more group-based but may be more optimal for you if you prefer a method like that.

Overflowing Assignments & Stress

As you progress through the year, getting more hefty assignments and more homework is inevitable, as is stress. Learning time management is crucial. By portioning out your work, and getting assignments done as soon as they are assigned can make life more manageable and less stressful. You could also use a planner to organize events and due dates in one place. It keeps you organized and can help visually prioritize certain tasks over others. Other possibilities include stress relief techniques, taking timed breaks, focusing periodically on self-care while studying, journaling, or listening to music. These are just a few examples, but depending on the work load you have and what you are studying or doing you have to adjust your techniques based on your circumstances

College Admissions

Everyone has different approaches to their path after high school, so this might not be applicable to everyone. But a majority of college applicants face some form of stress during the application process. For underclassmen, there isn’t a huge need to start thinking about college unless you already have a developed plan. For juniors and seniors, be mindful and make a manageable schedule to balance school and college prep. College is such a value to those who plan on taking that route. Some common advice is to establish a strong relationship with your counselor at Niskayuna. Fostering this relationship makes the college process just that much easier. College tours are also a good tool to help find a college suited to you. Online and in-person tours are available for many universities now. 

These are only a few of the solutions to help you during your high school years. Not all of these will work for everyone, so it is important to find the best track for you. Remember everyone in our school is supportive of student success and achievement. Staying on top in current classes can help you for your future, and even when you falter, the NHS community is here to help catch you.