Take The Right Classes & Do Your Best

1. Enroll in the right courses. It is wise to apply yourself in high-school-level courses that you are able to complete in middle school. Many school districts in South Dakota allow students to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, allowing you to take additional math courses (AP or Dual credit) while in high school that can count for college credit. If you are ready, take advantage of these opportunities and perform your best because many colleges and universities count them as part of the high school grade-point average even though they are taken in middle school.

2. Set aside time each day to read for enjoyment. The ability to comprehend the material you read will be an essential skill that can improve your success in high school and college. Find time to read for enjoyment so that reading doesn’t become just another monotonous activity that you come to dread. David Storper, president of Bethesda-based Prep U Tutoring, said, “The common denominator among the very best test-takers is a strong background with books. This is usually a habit that starts at a very early age. The problem that many students face is that they are only reading assigned books from school, which can be less than inspiring.”

3. Develop practical organization skills. Your ability to manage a schedule and meet deadlines may not seem to have much to do with college, but it does. You will find you will be self-sufficient enough to juggle a college workload while doing all the other necessary chores of life.

4. Take advantage of any opportunities to visit public universities or technical institutes in South Dakota. If you find yourself on campus, set aside time to explore and become comfortable with what it will be like to be a college student. Make it a family road trip – it could be fun for the whole family to get to know about the campus together!

Take a foreign language. If you are curious about the world or other cultures, then learning a foreign language can provide you with valuable exposure. Most middle schools do not require a foreign language, but nearly all offer some classes that can be useful for better preparing you to take similar courses in high school.

5. Character counts. Being truthful with good morals is critical to your life and your career.

6. Get a hobby. “Embracing a hobby or pastime is the key to career success and life satisfaction,” said Zac Bissonnette, author of the recent college admission guide “Debt-Free U.” He advises middle-school parents not to “let yourself or your kid get caught up in the rat race of mindless achievement. Take time to think, and take time to play.”

7. Job Shadowing. Visit with family members about their job and options for you to job shadow them to decide if their occupation matches your interests.