I think too many high school students are over-scheduled and over-measured. Too many commitments. Too much strategizing about whether or not your choices will help you get into college. Too much emphasis placed on the outcomes rather than the effort. And far too little time spent relaxing, having fun, and just being kids.
Time off—and I mean real downtime that is just for you, the kind that has absolutely nothing to do with getting into college—is just as important to your future success and happiness as time on-the-clock is. When you’re relaxed and recharged, you’ll have the energy and focus you need to make the work hours even more productive.
If you meet with your counselor, why not respect her time and arrive eager to learn and to take her guidance?
If you take a part-time job, why not make the effort to thrive?
If you attend a meeting for your club, why not behave like a leader even if you don’t have an official leadership position?
There’s no need to apply performance measurements to everything. Your time should be your time, without grades, scores, or comparisons.
But the things you do at school, within your activities, and other commitments in the name of getting college-ready, treat them like they count toward your grade. You’ll get more out of—and give more to—your commitments and responsibilities. And if you stumble, there’s almost always an opportunity for a retake without hurting your GPA.