Young men should make the most of their time at a private high school. In addition to your academic pursuits, you need to find a healthy balance between friends, social functions, and activities to get the full benefit of these four years before heading off to college. Don’t let stress and anxiety hamper your chance to succeed. Follow these five simple tips to enjoy your high school years while maximizing your opportunities.

5 Tips for Success at Private High School

1. Learn to Prioritize

The final school bell of the day doesn’t mean your studies can wait until tomorrow. Learn to prioritize your studies and homework into manageable chunks that will let you enjoy your free time. Video games and friends will always be there after your schoolwork is done.

2. Participate in Class

Raise your hand, state your opinion, and join the discussion. Students that actively participate in classroom dialogues retain information better than their peers. Many teachers incorporate student contributions into their grading process, so let them know you’re engaged by taking part in the discussion.

3. Learn How to Study

Most students assume they know how to study, but certain techniques will prove more effective to their learning habits. Cramming information the night before a big test is much less efficient than evaluating small amounts of data over a few days. Find a good place to study away from distractions, and consider teaming up with like-minded peers in a study group.

4. Get a Good Night’s Rest

Don’t underestimate the positive effects of sleep. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep on school nights to wake up in a good mood and have an easier time focusing throughout your day. Tired students have trouble concentrating, which can lead to bad grades, so set a bedtime routine and follow it for a restful night.

5. Be Active

Sports aren’t the only way to be active at a private high school. Debate teams, student council, and many other clubs are available for students that want to be involved in school activities. Instead of overextending yourself with multiple activities to embellish your college application, focus on a few significant ones that peak your interests.

Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ has been educating students in a diverse private high school environment since 1963.  As one of Middlesex County’s top all-boys Catholic high schools, students will experience a rich education along with college-prep courses and extracurricular activities. Visit their website for details about admission or call them at (732) 549-7600.