TOP 10 SKILLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

1. TIME MANAGEMENT There are just 24 hours in each day. Manage your time wisely and you'll get the maximum out of each day. Use a daily planner. Be sure to break down long-term assignments so you are not stuck doing all the work in one night. Questions: Do you find yourself feeling rushed most days? Do you often run out of time to work on assignments, or forget when they are due and end up turning them in late?

2. GOOD STUDY HABITS Good study habits include these basics: Be prepared for class, and attend classes regularly. Complete assignments thoroughly and in a timely manner. Review your notes daily rather than cram for tests the night before. Question: How would you rate your study habits on a scale of 1-5?

3. SETTING ATTAINABLE GOALS It's important to set goals, as long as they're attainable. Setting goals that are unreasonably high is a set-up -- you'll be doomed to frustration and disappointment. Questions: Have you ever set an unattainable goal for yourself? How can you change it to an attainable goal?

4. CONCENTRATION Listen to your teacher and stay focused. If you don't understand something, ASK QUESTIONS! You've heard it before, but "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask" is absolutely true. If you've been paying attention, it definitely won't be a dumb question. Questions: Is focus a problem for you in class? (How well are you focusing on this lecture?) What can you do to improve your focus?

5. GOOD NOTE-TAKING STRATEGIES You can't possibly write down everything the teacher says since we talk at a rate of about 225 words per minute. But you do need to write down the important material. Note-taking should be in a form that's most helpful to you. If you're more of a visual person, write notes on different colored index cards. Music can also be a good memory aid as long as you don't find it distracting. Re-writing your notes daily is another strategy Questions: Do you generally take notes in classes, even if it is not required? Is your method of note-taking helpful to you?

6. TIMELY COMPLETION OF ASSIGNMENTS Teachers assign homework for a reason. Getting it done on time helps you keep pace with the learning. Put your homework to good use. Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put into it! Question: Do you set a purpose for each homework assignment to ensure that you will get something out of it?

7. ORGANIZATION Being organized will save you valuable time and allow you to do everything you need to do. It is much easier to find what you are looking for if it is always in the same place. Keep all your study materials (calculator, planner, books, notebooks, laptop, etc.) in one convenient location. Questions: Do you lose assignments and handouts from teachers? How long does it take you to find what you need to do your homework?

8. MOTIVATION Motivation helps you learn and work hard, whether or not you like a specific subject or teacher. Self-motivation can be extremely important when you aren't particularly excited about a class. Set your own goals, and get the most out of it that you can! Your commitment will pay off in the end. Success is up to you! Questions: Why are you at school? How do you motivate yourself? Are you committed to doing your best?

9. COMMUNICATING WITH TEACHERS There are times when you will need to speak with a teacher regarding your schoolwork. The following communication strategies will help make your discussions positive: First ask when it would be convenient to meet. Then show up on time. This shows respect for a teacher's time. Decide the specific points you need to discuss in advance, and begin with what is most important to you. Be prepared to compromise if you and the teacher cannot reach agreement about an issue. When you are reasonable, you encourage the person to whom you are talking to be reasonable and fair. Question: Do you speak with teachers when you need help?

10. MANAGING STRESS Stress is natural, and some level of stress can benefit performance. However, too much stress is not healthy for your body or your mind. Stress becomes negative when it continues for too long without relief. Excess stress can lead to distress, which can cause physical problems such as headaches, stomach aches, sleeping problems, burn-out, and feelings of hopelessness. Questions: How do you manage stress? Do you give yourself breaks between stressful demands?