Many high school students struggle to balance academics & extracurriculars, not only students taking very challenging classes. If you are a student interested in a competitive summer program application, college admissions or anything else, it can be particularly stressful. Sometimes the high bar you have set for yourself can lead to burnout, which we do not want for you! This blog will provide you with some practical strategies to effectively manage your time, prioritize, and take care of your wellness, so thrive in and out of the classroom.
Why Balance Matters
High school is more than grades. It's also about cultivating a rounded profile to demonstrate your interests, leadership and initiative. Colleges and competitive summer programs look for students who can juggle a workload, in addition to finding creative ways to demonstrate excellence both inside and outside their academic performance. It's hard not to overcommit, because sometimes we want to do it all! Over committing only causes stress, leads to performance deficiency and eventual loss of motivation. Both academics and extra- curricular activities are important pieces of the pie of long-term success and growth.
Understanding Burnout
Burnout is the feeling of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to chronic stress which has reached a saturation point. Following is a list consisting of few of the warning signs, which indicate that you may be experiencing burnout:
Chronic fatigue
Lack of motivation
Distractible, and/or an inability to focus
Moodiness or irritability
Decreased academic performance or performance in your sport or extracurricular activity
It is vital to pay attention to these warning signs early on. "Do you want to do things and feel exhausted at the end of the day or do you want to do fewer things with better quality and without feeling exhausted at the end of the day?" Burnout can be prevented. Burnout does not necessarily mean you are going to work less, but you are working smarter and caring for yourself.
Step 1: Set Clear Priorities
Start by identifying your academic goals and your goals involving extracurriculars. Ask yourself:
What are my important academic goals (e.g. GPA, classes, standardized tests)?
What extracurriculars are important or are related to my future?
What am I doing that is simply an obligation, and I don’t actually care about?
Recommendation: Use the Eisenhower Matrix for identifying priority tasks, which splits tasks into Urgent/Important, Not Urgent/Important, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Not Important so you can start being productive with your energy on what is important!
Step 2: Create a Realistic Schedule
Your schedule is the basis of balance. Here are steps to create a realistic one:
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Start by blocking out your fixed commitments (classes, practices, meetings, etc.).
Schedule your study sessions for each subject- treat each study session as if it were an appointment that you can’t miss.
Schedule time during the week where you will focus on all of the clubs/extracurricular activities you are involved in. Make sure to take seasonality and intensity into account (Are you in a winter sport? Spring is a busy time for music?).
Schedule time for downtime, meals, and social activities.
Plan Ahead for Busy Periods
Recognize weeks with significant exams, competitions, or performances, and adjust your commitments and schedule accordingly--and feel free to cut back when necessary during busy periods, especially on activities that are the least important.
Adapt it for your unique (and non-negotiable) activities. Also, adapt it for your own energy level.
Step 3: Become Better at Time Management
Break Tasks into Bites
Use strategies to break down tasks (for example, the Pomodoro method - 25 minutes with a 5 minute break) to keep you focused and break the cycle of 'procrastination'.
Identify SMART Goals
Specific: you should know what you want (for example finish my math homework by 7 pm)
Measurable: you should track your completion.
Achievable: you should set expectations (you cannot finish some tasks).
Relevant: you should do things relevant to your goals.
Time-bound: you should set a time limit on tasks.
Do not Multitask
Work on 1 thing and do just that. Multi-tasking limits productivity and it introduces errors and inaccuracies in your work.
Step 4: Learn to Say No
Overflowing with possible clubs or activities to participate in can incite a rush to join all of them, but don't be enticed at the expense of being counterproductive. Consider each opportunity when a choice lies ahead:
Does it fit your interests or long-term goals?
Will it add undue stress to your life?
Are you joining because you are curious or simply to "keep up" with someone else's goals?
It's okay to politely decline opportunities that do not support your priorities. Find quality over quantity.
Step 5: Contact Teachers and Advisors
If you're feeling overwhelmed with all of your commitments, it's okay to message a teacher, coach, or counselor. They may be able to:
Change deadlines (if time allows),
Help prioritize assignments,
Direct you to academic or emotional support resources.
Being open and honest about your ability to engage with your commitments shows maturity and self-advocacy skills that all educators and admissions look for.
Step 6: Consider and Modify Frequently
Stability is key to balance. Consider the following at the conclusion of each week or month:
What went well?
Where did I feel overburdened?
What can I change going forward?
Be adaptable; add or remove commitments as necessary. Keep in mind that your interests and needs might evolve over time.
Step 7: Utilise Extracurricular Activities to Their Full Potential
Select pursuits that: Authentically appeal to you; Provide chances for leadership or personal development
Complement your academic or professional goals.
Pay more attention to depth than breadth. Admissions committees prefer long-term dedication and significant influence to a long list of token engagements.
Step 8: Recognise and Address Burnout Early
React immediately if you notice signs of burnout:
Consult a responsible adult or counsellor.
Take a brief break from things that aren't absolutely essential.
Examine your schedule and priorities.
Rather than being a sign of weakness, burnout is a warning sign. Long-term effects can be avoided with early intervention.
Real-World Example: Juggling for Competitive Summer Programs
Many successful students aim for prestigious summer programs that require exceptional extracurricular activities and academic achievement. Here's how to leave an impression without growing weary:
Create a strategy: Deadlines for early program research and applications should be mentioned.
Make a profile that is targeted: Choose extracurricular pursuits that are associated with your field of study (for instance, a science research club for STEM programs).
Note achievements: Take note of significant initiatives, accolades, and leadership roles.
Seek guidance: Ask instructors or program graduates for guidance on balancing responsibilities and application preparation.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE research and take your college preparation to the next level!
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