To Juniors: 

1.  Finish your Common Application essay during summer

College essays are very, extremely, so important. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing and writing them last minute, with final exams happening simultaneously. I couldn’t be happier that I finished my essay over summer.

2. Extended Essay:

Complete at least 80% of your research for Extended Essay over summer. Do not leave in-text citations until the very end – keep track of where all pieces of your evidence come from.

3.  If applying to US universities, finish SAT Is/ ACTs in junior year if possible

Senior year – yes, it’s as bad as we make it sound. You will not have enough time to study for them anyway, so if possible, finish them this year.

4.  SAT lls are also important – do not neglect them

I waited until November this year to take SAT subject tests-it wasn’t a good idea. If there is one thing I wish I had done earlier, it is to have studied for SAT subject tests in my junior year or at least over the summer.

5.  Try your absolute best. It’ll pay off.

We won’t lie; 11th grade is the most important year of High School. As much as you may want to give up and put everything aside, always keep in mind that your grades, in fact, do correlate with your effort, and your hard work will definitely pay off in the end. Stress is temporary, but rewards are permanent. You will thank yourself in senior year for working hard in junior year.

To Sophomores and Freshmen:

1. Some people say that grades in 9th and 10th grade are not very important – WRONG

Although it is true that underclassmen years are not as important as junior year, this does not mean that they should be neglected. Yes, in comparison to 11th and 12th grade, they may seem small, but they still count.

2. Read more books

Books, books, books. Your English teachers have probably been stressing their importance since elementary school, and there is a reason for this. Reading builds a foundation of skills and knowledge that are essential in performing well in International Baccalaureate courses and just in any career you may have in the future. Unfortunately, since your leisure time is bound to decrease as you grow older, it may be a good idea to do more reading while you can.

3. Sleep more

Seriously though, do sleep 7-8 hours each day. Remember that your health and well-being are your top priorities.

4. Explore your interests

9th and 10th grade are the years to find out what you’re interested in and where your passion lies. Step out of your comfort zone and dive into new opportunities. Try out for sports. Audition for CC. Join clubs. Have fun!

5.  Choose IB classes wisely

By the end of your sophomore year, you will be choosing which IB classes you will be taking for the next two years. Make sure you take into consideration what you may want to be pursuing in college, since for certain majors, there are specific High School class requirements. For example, for medicine, you often need background in biology and chemistry prior to college education.

6. Be kind to yourself

While you have the opportunity and the time, take adventures and explore Bangkok. Have fun and make lots of memories with your friends and family.

Seo Young Lee