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Unlike anything before it, this first semester required a lot from me and made realize many flaws in the way I organize my time. Even though I was able to maintain my GPA, as well as participate in my usual extracurricular activities, this first stressful slice of 10th grade really took a lot from me, even affecting me in a psychological manner. I found myself working until very late hours and waking up completely exhausted and fatigued the following morning.
Another thing I was highly disappointed with this past semester was my lack of preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT. I ended up taking it for granted, and on test day, found myself at least 80% less prepared than I should have been. As a result for my insolence, my scores were absolutely mediocre, severely crushing my pride. This experience, although unpleasant, did, however, help motivate me to study harder and better prepare myself for the future.
For instance, I decided to reorganize my extracurricular activities. Whereas before, I had to juggle Tennis, Guitar, Academics and French, I now have much more free time to dedicate towards my future. I decided to drop tennis, a sport I never stood out in, and replaced for a more accessible physical activity, going to the gym. My parents and I located a gym just across the street where we live, saving time in transportation and providing more time for academics while still showing some concern for my physical well-being.
Besides organizing my time and devising systems to avoid procrastination, I began taking preparation for college a lot more seriously. For instance, I have assigned myself time to study for the PSAT and the SAT. My parents and I, in fact, on our last trip to the US handpicked a couple of SAT prep books, one of which is Kaplan's SAT Strategies, Practice & Review (offered both printed and online). Aside from text books, I have also made use of CollegeBoard's QuickStart website, which allows you to access your PSAT scores, practice for future tests, and find colleges suited for your interests and academic capabilities.
These changes have already influenced me in many ways. Even though, this semester has just started, I truly believe that staying on track and having determination to accomplish my goals will make me overcome any challenge that is thrown my way.