Starting high school can be a whirlwind of new experiences, and figuring out how to balance a rigorous Branson workload might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — below are some effective strategies to set yourself up for success.
Develop a routine (preferably early on):
One of the most valuable steps to take early on in ninth grade is to develop a new high school routine and get organized. Going to high school, and Branson in particular, often comes with more responsibilities and a more rigorous workload to manage compared to middle school. Whether you prefer a physical planner or a digital calendar (Google Calendar works great), it is extremely important to keep track of all your homework assignments, deadlines and even extracurricular activities all in one place.
Student Body Co-President Imogen Brown ‘25 said, “I’ve found that a physical planner works best for me because it’s extremely satisfying to cross tasks off by hand. I put my assignments down on paper the second they are assigned and use the long-term calendar for tests and projects.”
Avoid procrastination:
While no one sets out to procrastinate, as a ninth-grader stepping into this new chapter in your life, it’s crucial to be aware of how procrastination can disrupt the productive routine you are working to establish.
It can be tempting to put off assignments until the last minute or wait to complete the assignments if you don’t have that class the next day. Staying one day ahead in assignments and not procrastinating as a whole, takes away the unnecessary stress and lower-quality work that could result otherwise.
“I always try to stay one day ahead in my assignments by getting them done the day they are assigned,” Brown said.
As for large projects, breaking them into smaller, more manageable tasks and deadlines can make them easier to tackle, ultimately preventing you from staying up until 3 a.m. the night before it is due trying to crank out an entire project. By staying on top of your work and addressing each task in a timely manner, you will find that your workload does not feel as daunting and is quite manageable.
Meet with your teachers:
Remember the importance of seeking support from your teachers! Building strong relationships with your teachers can be very helpful to your academic success, as you will be more comfortable asking questions and meeting with them for additional support. If you are struggling with a specific concept or even if you aren’t and just want to further your understanding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers. They are there to support you and can provide additional resources and clarification. Take advantage of the office hours they offer, especially before tests.
Student Body Co-President Mo Jocoby ‘25 said, “I would always go into Mr. McCarthy’s Precalculus office hours before the tests. It was so helpful to go over questions I had in the study guide. It definitely helped my overall test scoring.”
It is crucial to email teachers early on. Taking this proactive approach not only helps you stay on track but also demonstrates your commitment to your studies.
Balancing your workload as a ninth-grader requires a blend of organization, time management and, arguably the most valuable, communication. By developing a new routine, avoiding procrastination and engaging with your teachers, you will be well on your way to a successful and manageable high school experience. Embrace these strategies and remember that the skills you develop now will not only stick with you, but benefit you throughout your academic career. Get ready for an exciting and productive first year!
