Throughout their high school years, students are making decisions that will ultimately impact the success of their college applications. Most notably, they are choosing the high school courses they will take, and the level of difficulty of those courses.

There are certainly guidelines required by the state of New Jersey, including four years of English and Physical Education/Health, three years of Math, Science and Social Studies, and an array of courses in World Languages, Visual or Performing Arts, and Financial Literacy. But students are given great latitude as to the specific courses taken within these fields and the level of rigorousness of these courses. Also, students with the goal of enrolling in an elite college or university should seek to surpass the minimum high school graduation requirements.

Regarding Math, for example, students are required to take Algebra I, Geometry, and one higher level course. But many colleges strongly favor students who have studied both Pre-Calculus and Calculus during their high school years, particularly if they will be pursuing a major in Business, Engineering, Architecture, or other math-intensive field. Such students need to carefully plan their four-year course of study, as they may need to double-up on Math during one high school year or take a summer course for which they will be given credit.

Electives are another area in which high school students have a great deal of latitude and an opportunity to impress college admissions officers. Students considering a major in Business or Economics should study Macro and Microeconomics during their high school years. Those seeking a career in Psychology should take a course in that field. Students planning a future as Physical Therapists should choose to study Anatomy & Physiology. There is often a supplementary essay on college applications asking students to explain why they have chosen their particular major. By taking a high school course in the field, they will be able to rationalize their choice.

Students should pursue the most rigorous course of study for their abilities, focusing on their areas of interest. Most local high schools offer an array of AP courses, for which students may be awarded college credits based on their performance on end-of-year AP exams. Students considering a pre-med track in college would do well to undertake AP Biology and/or AP Chemistry. Students anticipating a future career in law may favor AP Government & Politics and/or AP US History.

The courses chosen by high school students, and their level of rigor, will certainly be noticed by college admissions officers.

With finals rolling around, many students will be cramming their time to study and consume course information in the most efficient way possible. Students all over campus will be burying themselves in books, numbers and all kinds of symbols to finish off their semester triumphantly. 

But what are the most optimal ways to study?

Make a study schedule

Procrastination is a big factor in limiting a student’s potential. Planning a schedule for studying ahead of time can help prevent questions like ‘should I study right now, or later?’ 

Give yourself a reward

Something as small as buying a cup of coffee or allowing an episode from a comfort show can be rewarding and could promote productivity. A reward waiting for you can be a great motivator to get the hard work done.

Try out different methods

Simply reading notes from a lecture might not be enough for some people. Try engaging your brain by using flashcards or taking a practice test. 

Study before sleep

Studying right before bedtime can help promote better memory of the learned subject. It is a positive thing to rehearse any information that the student will find useful an hour prior to going to bed. 

Choose the right environment

Your environment is very important. Understanding where motivation and concentration are most productive is necessary. For some students, they may study well at busy coffee shops on campus, like Espresso Royale or Cafe Paradiso. For others, they may study best at the Main Library or at the Grainger Engineering Library.

Stay away from all-nighters

The most important factor is not how long someone studies, but how they use and structure their study time. Long study sessions can lead to a lack of concentration and retention of learning. Short yet productive study sessions that are spaced out could be more effective for students.

Study with others

Committing to a study group can help students stick to their study schedules. Having a commitment to a group of hardworking students holds them accountable and promotes an encouraging environment. 

Know the right material to study

Review the syllabus and listen to the instructor. Check up on emails that might contain updates or information about the upcoming exam. Have an idea of what will most likely be on the exam, and what might not be. 

Breaks before a breaking point

Study breaks could increase the quality of the study session. Breaks can not only reduce stress, but they can also prevent you from getting overwhelmed. 

Have confidence

Having confidence in your own abilities helps, even if it seems hard during these tough times. Believing and trusting in oneself helps to destress and focus on moving forward. by  KOUMAE ADAMS,