Making the Most Out of High School Post-AP Exams
By Jody Bell
It's that time of year again when high schoolers across the country are wrapping up the dreaded AP exams. Months of cramming, studying, and test-taking are finally coming to a close in May, leaving many students with a sense of relief and a newfound freedom. But with several weeks of school left before summer break, what's a high schooler to do with all that extra time? Fear not! There are plenty of ways to make the most of your last month and a half of school.
1. Take a college class
Are you a junior or a senior looking for a challenge? Want to get a head start on your college education? Dual enrollment may be the perfect option for you!
Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit. Not only does this save you time and money in the long run, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to experience college-level coursework and get a taste of what college life is like.
But it's not just about the credits. Dual enrollment can also provide a boost to your academic and personal growth. By challenging yourself with college-level coursework, you'll develop critical thinking and time management skills that will serve you well in any academic or professional setting.
Plus, dual enrollment can open doors to new opportunities. By earning college credits while still in high school, you may be able to graduate college early, giving you a head start on your career. It also allows you to explore different majors and career paths before committing to a specific field.
Most state colleges offer dual enrollment programs, but they look a bit different for each institution - speak with the guidance counselor at your high school to learn more about your options.
2. Learn a new skill
As students we are constantly learning new things - but we often don’t get to choose what we learn. Have you recently even stopped to ask yourself what new skill or hobby you would learn if given the chance?
Well, as your academic obligations die down, it’s important to keep your discipline and study skills sharp despite all the extra downtime - so, why not embrace learning something you choose?
Pick up a new instrument, learn how to cook, try your hand at art, or maybe get into a new sport! With the internet it is actually possible to learn anything you want without many resources.
For many people, once you’ve tackled the steepest part of the learning curve for a new skill, it becomes a lot more enjoyable. If you commit to a schedule and stay disciplined, by the time summer rolls around you may have picked up the foundation of guitar, painting, or an activity that you genuinely enjoy!
3. Start a business
Have you always wanted to start your own business? Now is the perfect time to get started! With a month and a half left of school, you can use this time to research and develop your business plan, create a website, and start marketing your products or services. Who knows? You might just become the next big thing before you even graduate! Creating a business involves skills not traditionally taught in k-12 education - but don’t worry, Girls With Impact is offering our 5 week Academy program this summer.
Girls With Impact is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. Through our online business and entrepreneurship program, our students learn essential skills such as financial literacy, marketing, and public speaking - plus they become a CEO along the way.
But don't let the word "business" scare you away! Girls With Impact makes learning about entrepreneurship fun and engaging. With interactive lessons and hands-on activities, girls are able to apply what they learn to real-world situations. The program is super convenient, as it is offered online, but of course students are still supported by mentors who have backgrounds in the business world.
Plus, Girls With Impact knows that sometimes you just need to let loose and have some fun. That's why they also offer social events and networking opportunities, so you can make new friends and connect with like-minded girls.
I joined the program in high school, right when my AP exams ended. I was still in my academic routine, which was helpful in terms of keeping myself on track for the homework assignments and independent studying needed for the program. But, without the pressure of my harder classes, I was really able to focus my attention on my business and the creation of a 12-week business plan which I would carry out throughout the summer.
But the best part about Girls With Impact? You get to be your own boss! With the skills and knowledge you gain through the program, you'll be able to start your own business or pursue any career path you choose. The sky's the limit!
These few options are really just the tip of the iceberg - you have so many ways to make the most out of this rare opportunity with a ton of time on your hands! I know there is a lot of pressure to make these next few months productive and worthwhile, but as someone who found themselves a bit burnt out at the end of every school year, I’d like to also remind you to check-in with yourself. AP exams are draining, and before you dive head first into another project, make sure you feel up for it. Staying self-motivated truly stems from an intrinsic passion and desire to do something - if you don’t have that yet, that’s okay! Give yourself a minute to breathe and unwind after all that studying - just make sure you don’t stay stagnant too long to lose some of the good self-discipline habits you picked up while preparing for your exams.
Jody Bell, 21 is Girls With Impact’s Editor in Chief and a program graduate from Greenwich High School. Girls With Impact is the nation’s only online, business and leadership program for girls 14-24, turning them into tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.