Why would someone take an eight-straight?
I took an eight-straight my sophomore year and it was the best decision for me personally. I took an eight-straight because I wanted to take two electives and a language while also taking the five circular classes: history, English, math, science and gym. These were classes I wanted or had to take. I also preferred an eight-straight because I do better with not having a break in my day. Freshman year, when I had lunch, I would always feel so tired after and ready to leave, but not having lunch and just eating throughout my classes, I was more engaged and would relax after the school day was over. Eight-straights are definitely not for everyone and sometimes I do wish I had lunch so I could hang out with my friends, but it’s what worked for me. I would recommend an eight-straight to students who want to take a lot of electives along with the required classes. Just make sure your schedule is balanced and you’re not overworking yourself.
How can you prepare for AP tests or Pre-ACT?
To prepare for AP tests, I would say you really need to use the opportunities given to you in class. Most AP teachers will give out practice AP tests in class that you can get practice with feedback to help prepare. There are also great AP resources such as albert.io and so many helpful YouTube videos. Overall, work hard in class and prepare for the test by taking practice tests.
BHS has recently switched from providing the SAT to the ACT, so I didn’t take a pre-ACT till my junior year. I would say take advantage of the pre-testing the school does to help prepare before your junior or senior year. Then when you plan on actually taking the test that’s when I would start to get more serious with prepping. My mom bought me an ACT book off of Amazon that had practice tests and explanations to all the problems. A lot of my friends also got tutors to help with the prep. I will say that an ACT is not the breaking point if you do bad. There is so much more that goes into your college application that is not a standardized testing score. So if it’s bad don’t stress too much but if you have a good score that’s also great!
How do you balance school and extracurriculars?
Creating a work-life balance is hard for everyone, even adults! You have to learn how to efficiently use class time. Other than studying for tests, I’ve rarely had to do math homework in my time outside of school; my teachers have always given me loads of work time. Using this time seriously makes a difference in the amount of work you have to do at home. Another way I balance school work with everything else is prioritizing. When I say learn how to prioritize, I mean know when you can get things done. If you have a test or project coming up but you know you’ll be crammed on time later in the week, use the time you have now to get things done. The hardest part is finding time for yourself. Use your time wisely and when you have free time, don’t just use it to be on your phone! Read a book or spend time with friends and family; there is so much you can do that doesn’t involve technology. I’m not sitting here and saying I’m perfect — I’ve procrastinated and spent so much time on my phone. I’m still learning how to have a work life balance, it’s one of the most difficult things in life. What’s important is that you’re making an effort.
