Request for Advice
Hi everyone,
I’m a junior in high school, and it’s that time of year when we start planning our classes for next year. I’m really hoping to qualify for a “Senior Schedule” at my school. This program allows students to take fewer than seven classes and includes release periods during the school day.
I meet all the academic requirements—my PSAT score and GPA are both strong—but I’m facing a challenge with my attendance. Unfortunately, I’ve had a tough time due to bullying in my sophomore year and also struggle with oversleeping.
I really don’t think I can manage another year with a full schedule, and I want to advocate for myself to get this approved. What would be the best way to make my case to my school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation, but it’s great that you’re taking steps to advocate for yourself. Here are some suggestions to help you effectively present your case for a Senior Schedule:
Gather Documentation: Collect evidence of your academic achievements, like report cards, PSAT scores, and any awards or recognitions. Additionally, if you have any documentation related to the bullying (like reports to teachers or counselors) and notes from appointments with counselors or professionals about your oversleeping, it might support your case.
Request a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with your school counselor or an administrator who handles scheduling. A face-to-face conversation can be more impactful than simply sending an email.
Be Honest and Open: During the meeting, be straightforward about your situation. Explain how bullying affected your attendance and the steps you’ve taken to address your oversleeping. Sharing your struggles can help them understand your perspective.
Highlight Your Desire for Change: Emphasize how a Senior Schedule would benefit you. Talk about your academic goals, how lessening your course load can help you manage your time better, and ultimately support your mental health.
Propose Solutions: Suggest specific ways you might manage your time more effectively with a reduced schedule. You could also propose using release periods for support activities, like meeting with a counselor or working on personal projects.
Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions or concerns they might have about your attendance. Prepare thoughtful answers that show you’re committed to improving and that your past does not necessarily represent your future.
Follow Up: After your meeting, send a thank-you email reiterating your appreciation for their time and summarizing your main points. You could also ask if there’s anything further you can provide to help in their decision-making.
Seek Support: Consider asking a trusted teacher or counselor to support your request as an advocate. Sometimes, having someone vouch for your character and effort can make a significant difference.
Remember, it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Advocating for yourself is a skill that will serve you well beyond high school. Good luck!