High school is a stressful time for most students. Yes, the football games are fun to attend and it’s exciting to see your friends every day, but high school is the time when grades really start to count. Most students can get through elementary and middle school without studying or putting that much time into school work, but high school is a completely different atmosphere. This has the potential to stress many students out. From quizzes to tests, ACT preps to finals, students begin to panic. This is just a part of growing up and becoming an adult.

One of the best ways to handle high school is by becoming organized. Shoving papers and notes into your book bag or a random folder will just make school seem more stressful. Get a binder with dividers for each class and when you get home from school, look everything over. Even though looking over your notes each night may seem boring, some teachers only give students one or two days to prepare themselves for tests. Therefore, you would be helping yourself in the long run.

Another way to become less stressed out is to ask questions. If you’re confused in class, then raise your hand. Chances are, someone else is just as confused as you are, if not even more so. Even if you feel uncomfortable asking something in front of the whole class, ask the teacher before or after class in private. One-on-one time with a teacher is one of the best ways to understand something.

Even though high school is a stressful time for most students, getting organized and staying on top of things will benefit you immensely.