Let’s be real: distance learning was not for everyone. Many people need in-person interaction with teachers, classmates, and friends to succeed in school. You may have found yourself falling behind in school during distance learning, but it’s time to get back on track - especially if you want to go to college! Here are our tips to catch up and make the most out of your remaining time in high school.

Talk to your counselor and teachers

The educators in your life want you to succeed just as much as you! Reaching out to them for extra support and advice can go a long way in getting your grades back on track - and show them that you really care about your future. To start getting back on track:

• Ask for help. Being vocal about what you need and areas where you’re struggling will go a long way in getting back on track! No one can read your mind, so be open and honest with your teachers - it’ll go a long way. As you begin making progress, remember to ask for feedback. Getting feedback can be scary, but it will benefit you in the long run. Check in with your counselors and teachers once a month to ask for feedback and potential areas of improvement.

Remaining in open and honest communication with your educators is a key starting point to getting back on track. If you continue to work with them to rebuild your grades and GPA, they will be more likely to write a letter of recommendation when you apply to college!

Advocate for yourself

You know what’s best for you! Don’t be afraid to be vocal and speak up about what you want or need as you get back on track. Remember, it’s essential to:

• Say no to things that you can’t - or don’t want to - take on! Sometimes, setting boundaries with friends and loved ones is essential, especially if setting a boundary will help your grades and future in the long run.
• Take care of your mental health. Our list of free mental health resources is a great starting place to check in with yourself and take stock of what you need. Catching up in school can be stressful, so it’s important to find tools that work for you to decompress and practice some self-care.

Participate in extracurricular activities

Good grades are important to get into college, but they’re not everything! Colleges want to see that you’re a well-rounded person who has interests and hobbies outside of the classroom. During the pandemic, many colleges even stopped accepting or considering SAT and ACT scores altogether - so now is the time to show other areas of your personality and interests when you apply. Here are some activities you can get involved with:

• Start or join a club at your high school. Club experience shows teamwork and leadership skills!
• Why not try a sport? Sports can make you a better student and friend!
• Volunteer for a cause that you care about - either in person or virtually!

(None of these interest you? Check out our list of 10 activities to boost your college applications!)

Get ahead

If COVID taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable! For the future, it’s a good idea to always try to get ahead. Here are some ways to start:

• Attend summer school to take care of some required classes early
• Practice good study habits that work for you
• Plan for college early - set some goals for yourself and work toward them!
• Enroll in some free summer learning programs online and at your local community college to boost your learning
• Take college credits while you’re still in high school. Not only will you get an early insight into a college experience, but you can cut down on some college costs by taking required college classes early. It will also look great on your college applications to have some college credits under your belt!

Need any extra help while getting back on track? We're here to help! Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to talk to a college advisor or leave us a comment on Instagram @getschooled!