You may be thinking, "College? That’s too far off to think about!" But you’d be wrong. Middle school is definitely when you should start thinking about your future and the best way to get there.
Of course, your future is linked to the career you decide to follow, and college is where you gain the skills for your career! So a little planning now—and keeping your grades up—will go a long way later.
Reason #1: On average, most college graduates earn a lot more money during their working years than people who stop their education after high school.
Reason #2: The more education you get, the more job security you’ll have. According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there will be qualified people to fill them.
Reason #3: Most of today’s good, well-paying jobs require more than a high school diploma. Businesses want to hire people who know how to think critically and solve problems—skills that are taught through post-secondary education.
Reason #4: Education beyond high school brings you a lot of opportunities, including meeting new people, exploring new interests, and experiencing success.
Over a lifetime, a high school dropout working full-time will earn $300,000 less than a high school graduate and at least $1 million less than a college graduate. It’s easy to see that if you want to do well, graduating from high school is a must.
Here are a few more good reasons why you should stay in school:
Bottom line: You’ve got a lot to lose by giving up, and everything to gain by being serious about school.
Think class work and homework are a waste of time? Learning how to study can give you a real edge by the time you get to college. Studies show that the more math courses you take in high school, the more likely you are to graduate from college.
Making good study habits a part of your school life is easier than you think. Here are some tips to get you on the right track.
Focus: Find a quiet, organized space, such as a study table at the library. Turn off anything that could possibly distract you.
Plan ahead: If you have a big test or paper coming up, set aside plenty of time so that you aren't cramming at the last moment. Manage your time and study your most important assignments first.
Pay attention and participate: If you are actively contributing and listening in class, your studying will be easier and more interesting.
Check your work: After you've completed an assignment, take a few minutes to look it over for any mistakes. You don’t want to turn in anything but your best effort.
Don't go it alone: Find a classmate, mentor, coach, tutor, or study buddy to help keep you going.