Starting high school can be an overwhelming experience at times, especially if one doesn’t know what to expect beforehand. The transition from middle school to high school may be jarring as classes get harder and the school seems bigger compared to previous school buildings. Over the years, Oakton seniors have obtained a lot of wise knowledge and advice based on their experiences in high school.

Study Tactics

Although they can be time-consuming, study guides and homework assigned on Schoology are extremely helpful when trying to understand a class’s content. In addition, taking the time to study is very important. Rylee Williams (12) stated that she “[studies] every night the week before [a test]” and reviews “all the material the night before.” This studying method ensures she can remember all the information so it is fresh in her mind before the test. She also suggests “[turning] off [one’s] phone completely,” so there are no distractions. Another common study method students use is writing notes by hand, as it has been proven to help retain information better compared to taking notes online.

Classes

Oakton offers a wide variety of interesting classes. However, everyone experiences classes differently based on their interests. So how should one go about picking their classes? Williams recommends that students should choose based on “what they are interested in.” Additionally, students should take classes that move at the pace they’re comfortable with. Many students “feel pressured to take AP classes” because it appeals to colleges. On paper, this seems like a good idea, but many students end up feeling extremely stressed and don’t end up enjoying the class.

Extracurricular and Social Events

Extracurricular activities and social events can be a great way to meet new people and discover what one’s interests are. Williams stated that she enjoys being involved in clubs because it allows students to distract themselves from the stress of school and “not worry about anything academic-related.” Getting involved in sports also has great benefits. Not only does it allow students to exercise daily, but it also “releases stress and distracts your mind” when school starts to feel draining.