Advice for Middle School Students and Parents
Although it may be a bit too early to worry about college, it’s definitely not too early for middle school students to start setting themselves up for success! A student’s middle school years provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about themselves and develop important skills for their future. It’s also a great time for parents to become involved in their child’s growth by learning how to best support them. If you are a middle school student or parent of one already thinking about future college success, read along for some helpful advice!
1. Establish Good Habits
Students: Your personal and study habits are essential for your success. Developing good personal habits will support your overall well-being and help you accomplish your goals. This includes getting enough sleep to stay focused, eating nutritious food to support your growth and development, and learning to manage your emotions to maintain good mental health. Building self-discipline will also help you develop strong study habits that contribute to academic success. Every student is different, so it’s important to explore and understand what works best for you. For example, you might use an agenda or Google Calendar to stay organized, put away your phone to help minimize distractions while studying, or use flashcards to prepare for exams. There are many ways to develop effective study habits, and many of you may already be practicing them. If your current habits are working well, keep them up. If they’re not, consider exploring different methods to improve them.
Parents: As your child works on developing good habits, this is an opportunity for you to determine how best to support them. Being aware of their habits at home, as well as their responsibilities and performance at school, can help you decide whether you need to be more or less involved. They may already be doing well and simply need your continued encouragement. If they are struggling in certain areas, you can offer your guidance and work together to find ways to improve them.
2. Explore Your Interests
Students: As a middle school student, you may already know exactly what your interests are, or you may still be discovering them. Either is perfectly fine! Exploring your interests helps you learn more about yourself, identify your passions, and consider what you might want to pursue in the future. For example, if you have been playing and enjoying soccer since you were 5 years old, you may want to continue pursuing it. Or you may never have played volleyball but have always been curious about it and decide to join a team. Whether your interests are in sports, the arts, science, foreign languages, or something else, it’s important to stay open-minded and seek opportunities that help develop your character and passions.
Parents: You can support your child’s involvement by showing interest in their involvement and offering encouragement. Asking about their music class, attending their baseball game, or demonstrating support in other ways can keep them motivated. Exposing them to new hobbies, activities, and fields is another great way to help them discover new interests, especially if they’re still exploring. Being aware of their personality and what excites them is another great way to nurture their curiosity and support the growth of their interests.
3. Find Community
Students: Learning to build relationships and surrounding yourself by supportive people can have a great impact on your success. Having friends who you can trust and be yourself around makes your personal growth journey more rewarding and encouraging when facing challenges. You can build these relationships not only with classmates but also with teachers, teammates, church members, and in any other community you are engaged in.
Parents: One of the best ways to help your child is by being someone they can always rely on. Be their friend, mentor, and biggest advocate!
Most importantly, middle school is meant to be enjoyed! Make the most out of your middle school years and the opportunities they bring.
Written By: Marlin Banuelos, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission