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Words You Should Know in High School

Ten Words to Know for High School

Justin Nadler, having completed his junior year in high school, oers these words of wisdom: realization (REE-uh-lie-zay-shun), noun The act of bringing something into existence. Something that has been understood or accepted. I have come to the realization that high school is an important time, upon which I will build my future. Junior year is important. You realize that you are not far from college and what adults call the rest of your life. Its not easy to look ahead when you are a teenager, because you dont want to seem too thoughtful. Yes, you do think about how many months or days are left before you get your license or before the end of school. So there are some things you want to count down, but you dont want to think too much about more school, about choosing a major, or about life after college. Realizing that you must think ahead is a bit scary, and I wont admit it to my friends, but its something I know I have to do. Now, having helped with this book, I also realize that a good vocabulary will lead to better grades, better SAT scores, better college essays, and, if you think about it, a better future. preparation (preh-puh-RAY-shun), noun The work or planning involved in making something or someone ready or involved in putting something together in advance. High school really is preparation for college and more. Prepare yourself now for college. Start taking classes that interest you whenever possible, in addition to those you must take to meet requirements. Take elective classes that might have to do with possible college majors or careers. Even think about taking classes in the summer through special programs at local colleges or community colleges. You dont have to tell your friends youre taking them because you want to; just say your parents are making you do it. By the time you are a junior, you should begin to prepare for and think about college. Look at college Web sites, visit a few schools in person with your parents or friends, and talk to seniors about why they applied to certain schools or why they decided to attend specic schools. Dont wait until your senior year.