How can I do better in school?

Question

I'm a junior in high school and i take 3 hard classes right now: Honors English 11, Physics, and Pre Cal. I work part time after school, so by the time i get home which is around 7:45-8:00pm, I am too tired to even think about doing homework. If I do get up and do it I never finish it because I start watching T.V. or end up going to sleep. Because of this, I'm failing 2 classes. I really would like some tips on what I should do. I'm trying to get into college next year so I really want to do good this year. I don't want to quit my job because I REALLY need the money. So please share some tips so I can tackle this problem.

Answer 1

I'm not saying you shouldn't work, but you need to find a job that doesn't tire you out so much.

Usually in English or History class, the teacher gives clues as to what the most important concepts are -- the ones that will be covered on tests and in papers. When you're in class, try to predict what those concepts will be. Usually they are mentioned near tyhe start of class, near the end, and they get more writing on the board.

You can also meet with the English teacher for 15 minutes once a week to pick up hints. If you go in, they might say, "Why don't you tell me what seems like an important confilct in (whatever novel). " Answer, and then the teacher will lead you around to what he/she has been getting at.

Maybe it would help to do your science homework with one or more other kids. It helps keep your mind on your work. But you have to do that Physics and Math.

The only alternative I can think of is to drop out of Honors. Because if you are flunking, you're not going to get into college at all. If you take average courses, at least you can get into a pretty good school.

You know, Physics and Calculus aren't even covered on the SAT.

Answer 2

Sounds like you have too much on your plate. You need to be realistic about the variables. If working leaves you too tired to study by 8, then that is unlikely to change no matter how many textbooks you tab, how many study strategies you employ, etc.
If the job is a non-negotiable, then you need to drop a class. If you cannot drop a class either, then you are not going to do very well. I would hate to suggest caffeine to a person so young- you'll need that for college so why squander your tolerance so early.
Even in college, one hard class was all I could ace at a time (the rest should be fluff).

That said, in any case, you need to become a zealot even if you make some room by quitting a class or your job. You need to find the motivation to overcome being tired and occasionally lazy. It's hard- I am supposed to be studying pathophysiology for my masters in nursing- but here I am at my computer surfing the internet and watching Battlestar Galactica clips- so I feel your pain. We all read rest and recreation.

You don't NEED the money if you are sheltered, fed, and clothed, you just WANT it. I didn't understand that either when I was a junior in high school.

All I can tell you is not to mislead yourself in to believing things that are not possible. Be realistic and develop a plan for success- don't just follow your instincts and hope for the best. A rational strategy and some good choices backing your actions is your only way out of this. Good luck.