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 — there are some effective strategies you can use to manage your tasks and set yourself up for success.
Develop a routine EARLY
One of the most valuable steps to take early on in freshman year is to develop a new routine and get organized early in the year. High school, and Branson in particular, often comes with more responsibilities and a more difficult schedule to manage compared to middle school. To stay on top of things, start by setting up a system that works for you on day 1 of classes. Whether you prefer a physical planner or a digital calendar, it is extremely important to keep track of all your homework assignments, deadlines, and even extracurricular activities all in one place. For a physical planner, take a trip over to good old Staples or set up Google Calendar to maintain an organized schedule.
“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,” said Imogen Brown ’25, Branson’s 2024-25 student body co-president.
Avoid Procrastination
Now, yes, this is a given — no one sets out to procrastinate, but as a freshman 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.
“I always try to stay one day ahead in my assignments by getting them done the day they are assigned,” said Brown.
Staying one day ahead in assignments and not procrastinating as a whole, takes away the unnecessary stress and lower-quality work that would result otherwise.
As for large projects, breaking them into smaller, more manageable tasks and deadlines for each step 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 the whole 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 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 and utilize them, especially before tests.
“I would always go into Mr. McCarthy’s Pre-Calculus 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” said Mo Jacoby ’25, Branson’s other 2024-25 student body president.
It is crucial to email teachers early on to get to know when they have available times or which free blocks you share for a successful year. Taking these proactive approaches not only helps you stay on track but also demonstrates your commitment to your studies.
Balancing your workload as a freshman 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 excited for the first day of school and a productive year!
