Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

• Applying for a Job
• Emailing Educators 
• Requesting an Informational Interview

Whether you’re applying for a job, communicating with educators, or exploring careers, knowing how to write professional emails is essential. In this article, we show you how to write a professional email with a few real-life examples!

Applying for a Job

While many companies use specific hiring platforms for candidates to submit job applications, some may accept applications over email. When applying for a job over email, you will need a few items to make a strong first impression:

• Your resume. Every job you apply forwill require you to submit a resume. Your resume should include things like your work and volunteer experience, academic history, and skills or achievements. Before applying, submit your resume to us for free review and feedback!
• Your cover letter. While not every job you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter, we recommend that you write one anyway. You can draft a basic cover letter and tailor it to each position you apply for. Regardless of the position you’re applying for, it’s important to make sure that your cover letter clearly explains your interest in the position and the experiences (work, volunteer, etc.) that make you the best candidate for it. Both your resume and cover letter should be attached to the email you send for the hiring manager’s review.
• Your professional email. Because you’re attaching your resume and cover letter, your email to the hiring manager can be brief. In your email, you will want to introduce yourself, briefly explain your interest in the position, and direct the hiring manager toward your resume and cover letter for review. 

Sample Email

Subject: Interest in [name of position] at [name of company]

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

My name is ____, and I am a senior at ____. I recently came across the [name of position] opening at [name of company], and I wanted to express my strong interest in this opportunity.

As a self-motivated individual with experience as a [insert job or volunteer experience here], I believe I have the skills and passion necessary to thrive in this role. 

I am eager to learn more about the [name of position] role and how I can contribute to the team at [name of company]. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background and interests align with the needs of your company.

Attached below are my resume and cover letter for your review. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. 

Best regards,
[your name]
[your phone number]
[your email address]

Emailing Educators 

Whether you need extra support from your high school teacher or have a question for your academic advisor in college, it’s important to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with your educators. Read more below to learn how to communicate respectfully with an educator.

Sample Email

Subject: Request to Meet About [name of subject, topic, etc.]

Dear [educator’s name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name is ____, and I’m a ___ student in your ____ class. I’m writing to ask if we could meet soon to discuss [name of subject, topic, etc.]. 

I’m happy to meet during your office hours or whenever is best for you. Please let me know if we can arrange a time.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Best regards,
[your name]
[your phone number]
[your email address]

Requesting an Informational Interview

If you come across someone on LinkedIn or through your network, you can reach out to them to request an informational interview. Informational interviews are one of the best ways to learn more about the career pathway you’re interested in, directly from a person working in it. Read more below about requesting an informational interview. 

Sample Email

Subject: Request for an Informational Interview

Dear [professional’s name],

My name is ____, and I am a student at ____. I am very interested in learning more about [specific field or industry], and I [came across your LinkedIn profile, was put in touch with you by ____, etc.]. 

Given your experience and success in [specific field or industry], I would appreciate the opportunity to conduct an informational interview with you to learn more about your career journey and any advice you may have for people interested in pursuing a similar path. I would love to meet for a 15-20 minute conversation over the phone or on a video call at a time that is most convenient for you. 

Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you and learning from your experiences!

Best regards,
[your name]
[your phone number]
[your email address]

Do you have any questions about writing professional emails? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• Take care of yourself
• Find time for rest, recovery, and joy
• Manage stress
• Never be afraid to ask for help!
• Watch out for burnout

Struggling academically in high school or college can be a frustrating and challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define you as a person. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, a learning disability, a difficult subject, or a lack of motivation, there are strategies and resources you can use to move forward toward academic success.

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Take care of yourself

Taking care of both your mental and physical needs can help your body be better positioned to process stressful situations. Here are some things you can do to take good care of your health:

1. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks to stay hydrated.
2. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
3. Try to limit processed foods and fast food.
4. Get the recommend 8 or more hours of sleep each night to allow your body to rest and recover.
5. Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes (or walk 10,000 steps) each day.
6. Stay connected with friends, family, or a support system.
7. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
8. Create a daily routine to stay organized and reduce stress.

Find time for rest, recovery, and joy

Taking time to engage in hobbies or activities that you enjoy and connecting with family and friends who support you are also ways to help you feel a bit more grounded, especially during times when you feel challenged. Mindfulness activities can help when you’re feeling stressed or burnt out. Try some of these practices to help build and maintain resilience:

1. Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises daily to calm your mind and reduce stress.
2. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Acknowledge them, but don’t dwell on them.
3. Stay present in the moment by focusing on your senses. Take in the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you.
4. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you stay present, such as listening to music, going for a walk, or practicing a hobby.
5. Schedule time for joy. It might feel silly, but we schedule time for work, school and other responsibilities. Schedule time or block off time in your calendar that you will use for something that brings you joy!

Manage stress

Everyone handles stress differently, so it’s important to identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for you. Some people find relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga helpful, while others prefer to listen to music or journal their thoughts and feelings. Here are a few stress management tips that could help you when academic pressures are high:

1. Identify the sources of your stress and develop strategies to address them.
2. Take breaks throughout the day to engage in relaxing activities, such as reading a book or taking a walk.
3. Use positive self-talk to encourage and motivate yourself.
4. Develop a support network of family and friends you can talk to when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
5. Break the work into small approachable tasks rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

Never be afraid to ask for help!

It’s important to recognize when it’s time to reach out for help. If you’re struggling academically, don’t be afraid to talk to your professors or academic advisor about your concerns, or seek out tutoring or academic coaching services. If you have a learning disability or face other academic challenges, don’t hesitate to request accommodations that can help you succeed.

It can also be helpful to understand what kind of learner you are. Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to identify your preferred learning style. Some people are visual learners, while others prefer hands-on or auditory learning. Once you know your learning style, you can tailor your study habits and strategies to fit your needs.

Watch out for burnout

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to push yourself too hard and end up burning out, or not having the time, energy, or motivation to take care of important tasks. Make sure you’re taking regular breaks throughout the day and prioritizing the self-care activities that are important to you.

Remember, academic struggles don’t define your worth or your future. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome challenges and achieve your goals! Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 15, 2025

In this article

• Reread the syllabi for all of your classes
• Ask questions
• Study!
• Practice self-care

No matter which path you take after high school, it’s essential to maintain your GPA and keep your academic momentum going! Your performance during your second semester of senior year can potentially affect your acceptance to schools, since you are required to submit a final transcript to your college. Your final grades at graduation could also affect any financial aid you’ve been awarded (such as scholarships) since some have minimum GPA requirements. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your grades and finish high school strong!

Reread the syllabi for all of your classes

If your teacher gave you a syllabus at the beginning of a class, print it out and reread it! A syllabus tells you everything you need to know about a class, including project deadlines, exam dates, and, most importantly, the assignments you’ll need to complete. After going over the syllabus, be sure to write down any upcoming important dates in a calendar or notebook to stay organized.

Ask questions

Your teachers want you to learn, enjoy the class material, and, most importantly, graduate! If you come across anything from class that confuses you or if you need clarification, meet with your teacher to talk about it. When you meet, you can ask any clarifying questions, talk about future assignments, ask for tips on how to succeed in that class, and check to see if there will be any extra credit opportunities available in the future.

Before asking your teacher a question about the class or classwork, check to make sure that it’s not already answered in the syllabus. This will save time during your meeting and show them that you care enough about the class to review the syllabus thoroughly.

Study!

Strengthening your study skills in high school will benefit you once you start college because you’ll already know what study tips and tricks work best for you. To make studying fun and collaborative, try setting up a study group with friends. You can make flash cards and practice problems, complete your readings, and quiz yourself and others. Check out some of these free online study resources that can also help you succeed in your classes:

• Khan Academy
• Quizlet
• CrashCourse (YouTube)

Practice self-care

Some students may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or even a bit unmotivated after sending off their college applications, which is totally normal. College application season is a highly stressful time for many students, so once your applications are complete, it could be a great time to practice some self-care. Whether it’s hitting the gym or playing your favorite instrument, be sure to take some time for yourself to recharge and do things you enjoy. Self-care will help you stay focused and motivated to finish high school strong!

Do you need support or tips to finish your senior year strong? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 16, 2025

In this article

• Before you enroll
• Retake a class
• Cut down on tuition fees and get ahead
• Interact with professors more
• Learn more about majors and programs that interest you
• Take classes outside of your major for personal exploration and growth

Looking to get ahead academically, cut down on tuition costs, or deepen your knowledge of class material? Summer classes are a great way to do all of this and more. We share some reasons to take summer classes in college! 

Before you enroll

It’s important to know that you can take summer classes at a two-year college, even if you’re enrolled full-time at a four-year college. However, before enrolling, it’s essential to make sure your credits will transfer over from the two-year college to your degree at your four-year college. You wouldn’t want to spend both time and money on a class just to find out your credits can’t be used toward your degree! We recommend talking to your academic advisor to make an informed decision that will work best for your academic success in the long run.

Retake a class

If you took a challenging class during the school year that you didn’t perform well in, summer is a great time to retake it. Many colleges offer makeup classes in the summer for students who want or need to pass them to advance in their degree. There is no shame in retaking a class; it shows that you have the commitment to succeed, further your education, and understand concepts you may have struggled with before.

Cut down on tuition fees and get ahead

Summer classes can be a great option for students looking to cut down on tuition costs, since they’re usually less expensive than those offered during the school year—especially at two-year colleges. If you’re attending a four-year college, you should be able to take prerequisite or general education classes at a local two-year college during the summer. By doing so, you will be able to free up your schedule during the school year, focusing on classes required for your major. You may even be able to take less credits in a given term and potentially graduate early, depending on how many summer classes you take. However, as mentioned above, it’s very important to make sure your credits will transfer from one school to the other. We recommend talking to your academic advisor before enrolling to make sure you’re on the right track.

Interact with professors more

Since summer classes are usually smaller than those during the school year, you will likely have more face time with your professors. This time is really valuable, especially if you attend a large college where it’s harder to interact on a more personal level with them. Try to build a working relationship with your professor by taking advantage of their office hours and asking questions. Not only will this help you succeed short-term in the summer class you’re taking, but long-term, especially if you plan to take future classes with this professor. They will remember you and your dedication to the subject material, be invested in your success, and could even mentor you or be a reference in the future!

Learn more about majors and programs that interest you

Choosing a major is an important step of your college journey, so having confidence in your choice before investing a good amount of time and money in it matters. Try taking a prerequisite class during the summer for the major you’re interested in to decide whether you enjoy the subject material and want to continue pursuing it. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, take anatomy and physiology; if you are curious about journalism, take intro to communications. Having a better idea of what will be required of you once you commit to a major can help you make an academic plan for fall term and beyond!

Take classes outside of your major for personal exploration and growth

Whether you want to dabble in painting, coding, or ballet, there are so many opportunities for you to broaden your horizons in college! Taking classes outside of your major is a great way to pursue your interests, try something new, pick up a new hobby, and maybe even make some new friends! One of the biggest benefits is that you can count the credits you’ve received toward your required elective credits.

Do you have any questions about taking summer classes? We’re here to help! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated October 9, 2025

In this article

• Top 7 Reasons Why Going to School Every Day is Important

Missing school every so often might not seem like a big deal, but over time, those days can add up and seriously affect how confident, connected, and prepared you feel in high school and beyond. Going to school isn’t just about getting good grades or passing tests—it teaches you about discipline, routine, and continuing forward even when things get hard. In this article, we share seven reasons why going to school every day is important!

Top 7 Reasons Why Going to School Every Day is Important

You learn more (and forget less)

Every school day builds on the last, so missing even one day means missing new information, class discussions, and chances to practice what you’re learning. It’s a lot harder to stay on track when you’re constantly catching up. Being in class helps you build on the progress you’ve already made.

Attendance can affect your college admissions

Being in school consistently not only helps boost your GPA, but can help you get into college. Most colleges require letters of recommendation from your teachers or counselor. Regular attendance helps educators get to know you personally so they can write a good and accurate letter of recommendation that speaks to who you are as a student. 

You stay connected

When you miss school for any reason, it can be easy to feel disconnected. When you show up to school regularly, being surrounded by friends, classmates, teachers, and staff can help you feel supported. Whether you need to talk to a school counselor about something happening at home or want extra support from a teacher about the last lesson, you don’t need to go through anything alone at school. Your attendance and presence matters!

You learn about extracurricular opportunities

Many schools know about opportunities such as jobs, volunteer openings, internships, and scholarships. These openings are often limited to a few students. When you’re present, you’re more likely to hear about these resources and other cool opportunities. Teachers and counselors are also more likely to recommend you for things when they see you showing up. Being there helps you stay ready for what’s next!

You build habits that last

Going to school regularly helps you build strong habits like time management, follow-through, and responsibility. These are important skills in school and life, especially if you plan to go to college after high school. Being a college student will require you to do things on your own time and take care of your responsibilities without being asked. Showing up to school now can help you build this skill! 

You learn how to show up for yourself 

When you show up for school, you’re practicing how to show up for yourself, and that builds confidence. You have to be your biggest fan and advocate. While the people around you at school want to help you succeed, you have to be the one to do the work. It’s up to you to know what you need and find the right resources for your situation. Learn more about what it means to advocate for yourself. 

You support your mental health

School can give your days structure when you’re dealing with stress or anxiety. Sometimes just being in class can give you a break from what’s going on outside of school. Whether it’s focusing on an assignment or laughing with a friend at lunch, those moments can remind you that you are more than what you’re going through. Learn more about finding mental health support. 

Need even more reasons why going to school is important? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Websites
• YouTube

From physics to biology, learning science topics can be challenging on your own. To support your STEM learning, we put together this list of online science resources! 

Websites

1. Ck-12 is an interactive website with simulations, videos, real-world examples, and study guides for a variety of subjects, such as biology, chemistry, earth science, life science, physics, and physical science.
2. Codeacademy offers free coding classes in 12 different programming languages. Choose what you want to learn, practice through projects and instruction, and get instant feedback from the site. 
3. PhEt is a free collection of interactive math and science simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder. These simulations allow you to visualize scientific topics, changing parameters to observe impact and make your own measurements and conclusions. 

YouTube

1. College Board AP: Watch live and pre-recorded AP classes and review sessions taught by the country’s top AP instructors to prepare for AP exams!
2. CrashCourse: With over 15 million subscribers, Crash Course creates instructional videos on a variety of academic subjects using a blend of humor and education. Find your subject’s video playlist and start learning!
3. Physics Girl: Physics Girl, aka Dianna Cowern, creates videos to break down physical phenomena. She also makes videos about new discoveries, demonstrations, and experiments you can do at home.
4. Science Channel: Science Channel has a YouTube channel, creating videos to explain scientific topics using recent science news, exploration techniques, and everyday interactions.

Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• What is an end of course test (EOC)?
• What subjects require EOCs?
• How do EOC tests affect my grades?
• Is passing EOC tests mandatory to receive credit for a class? 
• Are EOC tests required?

Depending on which U.S. state you live in, you may need to take end of course tests (also known as EOCs) to receive credit and pass certain classes. If you’re curious about EOCs and how they impact your final grades, look no further! In this article, we’ll break down EOCs and why they matter. 

What is an end of course test (EOC)?

An EOC is a test students are required to take at the end of a high school class to demonstrate their knowledge of the course material. 

What subjects require EOCs?

It depends on your state, but typically, subjects like Algebra, English, Science, and History require EOCs.

How do EOC tests affect my grades?

The impact of EOC test scores on your final grades will vary by your state or school district. For example, if you live in North Carolina, your EOCs might make up 20% of your grade in a class, while in Florida, they might make up 30%. If you’re curious about whether your state or school district uses EOCs or what percentage of your final grade they make up, talk to an educator. 

Is passing EOC tests mandatory to receive credit for a class? 

It depends. In some states, passing EOCs is required to receive credit in a class or even to graduate high school. However, some states may only require that students complete their EOCs. In some states, what’s most important is a student’s overall grade. As long as their total grade for the class—including their score on the EOC test—is a D or better, they will generally receive credit for the class.

Are EOC tests required?

If your state uses EOC tests, then yes, they are typically required. However, there may be some exceptions. For example, if you are a student who requires accommodations or uses an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), you might be eligible for an exemption from an EOC test requirement. 

Do you have any questions about end of course tests? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• AP courses & exams
• Art
• English
• Foreign languages
• History
• Math
• Science
• Social justice
• Other

Whether you’re looking to catch up, review, or get ahead for the school year, check out this list of the best free online learning platforms for students!

AP courses & exams

Preparing to start an AP course or take an AP exam? Your AP Student Dashboard has a variety of free AP prep materials, such as YouTube videos and practice questions. 

Art

Artsy features over 1 million works of art and architecture by 100,000 artists. They have created a list of 10 university art courses available online for free!

English

For help with writing, grammar, and proofreading, check out Quill. By creating a free profile, you can complete writing activities that only take 10-15 minutes each with instant feedback.

Foreign languages

Need to practice your Spanish? Want to learn Hindi? Check out Duolingo, a free website and app with 42 languages to practice or learn. 

History

From ancient to modern history, EdX has a class for you. Founded by Harvard and MIT, EdX offers over 3,000 courses for free, including many history lessons. Lessons vary in subject, length, and level, but are a great way to learn something new or get a refresher in one of your favorite subjects.

Math

Khan Academy is a well-known place to start for help with all types of math. Using practice exercises and a personalized dashboard, you can study at your own pace and focus on specific areas of growth. Khan Academy has also expanded its reach to many other subjects as well, like history, biology, economics, and finance.

Science

We’ve put together a list of seven science websites and YouTube channels to help you learn something new! This list includes:

• Codecademy 
• Physics Girl 
• PhEt
• …and more!

Social justice

Coursera has curated a list of 30 free courses to confront issues of race, inequality, and social justice in society. They will continue to add courses to their collection as existing content is updated and new courses are made available to the public. 

Other

Many Ivy League universities offer a catalog of online free courses. Harvard Extension School, UC Berkeley Class Central, and MIT OpenCourseWare are just a few examples!   

Do you have recommendations to add to this list or have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Graduating high school opens the door to academic possibilities
• Graduating high school opens the door to professional opportunities
• Graduating high school is a key step toward securing your financial future
• Graduating high school improves your skills
• Graduating high school is empowering!

Being a high school student can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling academics, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities. If you’ve found yourself wondering whether staying in school is worth it, we want you to know that it is! Here are our top five reasons to stay in, and graduate, high school.

Graduating high school opens the door to academic possibilities

Once you have your high school diploma, you can choose a path such as: 

• Attending a four-year college
• Attending community college
• Enrolling in a trade or vocational program

If you’ve ever pictured yourself following any of these paths, it’s important to know that graduating high school first is required! Having a goal to work toward can give you the motivation and momentum necessary to stay in high school now. You are capable and worthy of achieving anything you dream of!

Graduating high school opens the door to professional opportunities

The door to many career paths will be opened once you receive your high school diploma. You can do things like:

• Work jobs that require at least a high school diploma
• Explore internships that give you hands-on experience in fields you’re interested in
• Enter apprenticeship programs that train you in specific skills for various trades

Many employers see a high school diploma as a basic requirement when hiring. Each day in high school brings you closer to the job opportunities you’re aiming for. Your goals are within reach!

Graduating high school is a key step toward securing your financial future

Statistics show that your earnings are likely to increase if you stay in school! In 2024, individuals without a high school diploma earned around $738 per week. Compare this to the weekly earnings of individuals with a high school diploma ($930), or those who have received their associate degree ($1,099). If you’re motivated to earn money and secure a stable financial future, graduating from high school is an essential first step.

Graduating high school improves your skills

Staying in school is a great way to develop essential skills that can benefit you in college, the workplace, and even in your personal life. School can help you gain essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. No matter what path you see yourself following after high school, these skills will always come in handy! 

Graduating high school is empowering!

You can do hard things! Making it to the end of high school is a life-changing and empowering experience whose benefits can have a lifelong impact. When you look back on your high school experience, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you saw it through and accomplished something important. No matter how out of reach finishing high school may feel in the present moment, you are more than capable of succeeding.  

Need some more reasons to graduate high school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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