How can I possibly have a romantic life with all the schoolwork I have to do every night?

Managing schoolwork and a love life can be very challenging; however, it can be done!

If you are worried about finding a romantic partner in addition to managing school, lay down the law for yourself. Make an organized agenda for completing your homework and give yourself some time to engage in social activities on the weekends – go to a football game on Friday or create an organized schedule in which homework can be completed on either Saturday or Sunday.

If you already have found someone you really like, you have to be honest with them. Express to this person of interest that you would like to pursue a relationship, but that they need to respect your work schedule. If they don’t respect the fact that you need to complete schoolwork, but make it clear that you will still make time for them, they are not worth YOUR time :).

If they do respect your wishes, carve out some time to make plans with them on the weekends! You can still see your partner at least once a week and manage school at the same time. If you really want to see them during the week, you totally can! Maybe you guys can study together?

I just think it is super important that you find someone who respects you and your obligations with school – if they do, they will understand seeing you when you are available and willing. 🙂 Good luck!

How do you manage to find something you are passionate about? For example, how did you pick certain things to be involved in school over others if you love multiple things?

Great question! Finding something that you are passionate about can be difficult, especially at such a young age. If you are a lover of a multitude of activities, join all of them! It is important that you taste all thirty-flavors, so you can ultimately pick your favorite! If you are interested in politics and science, join both clubs! Gather research about the professions that you could potentially be passionate about, and maybe sometime down the road, you will find that you like one more than the other. Also, don’t pressure yourself to find your profession right away. Yes, there is a lot of pressure on choosing what you want to do before college, but in reality, college is where you find yourself. Do what you love in this present moment, try everything you possibly can. With this new exposure, you will acquire insight into what you truly care about. After all, the more you know, the more you know 🙂

Tips for the college admissions process?

The college admissions process can be very rigorous, but if you follow these steps, it might be a little bit easier.

1. Stay ORGANIZED: Create an agenda for yourself with all of the important due dates. Maybe even create a file on your computer that is organized with all of the different schools and their requirements. Additionally, a checklist is an efficient method for staying organized.
2. Do NOT PROCRASTINATE: Have an essay due in 2 weeks? Work on it every day for 30 minutes. It is important that you manage your time and your work and do not leave it for the last minute. These applications and essays are important – take your time and divide it up so you do not feel as much anxiety towards the due date.
3. Be CREATIVE: Colleges don’t look for people that are like everyone else. They are looking for uniqueness and potential. Be creative in your essays; be creative in your applications. Express yourself, either by opening up and being truthful about your hardships and victories or adding a creative flair to your assignments! Be YOU.
4. Continue to TRY in school: Although it is easy to catch senioritis, it is important that you continue to complete your schoolwork. Yes, all of us can only imagine how challenging it is for you to manage school AND applications, but please try your best. Colleges will continue to look at your grades throughout the year.
5. Have FAITH: Colleges have to accept people into their school – it could very well be you. Trust me, you will get into a college. You have worked so hard and truly deserve it. Have faith in yourself – you have the ability to overcome this rigorous process and get through anything.

Good luck 🙂