How To Balance Polygence, Extracurriculars, & Schoolwork

When I started writing my Polygence research paper in the fall of my Junior year of high school, I truly did not know whether or not I was stretching myself too thin. Between working hard to maintain a high GPA, collaborating with my peers well after school hours to successfully run clubs and service opportunities, and making the most of my college exploration process, adding a rigorous research program to my schedule seemed a bit out of reach. However, after a thorough analysis of the benefits that the Polygence Research Program would provide me, I decided to take on the challenge. Three years—and a published research paper—later,  I have a lot to share about the factors that contributed to my successful management of Polygence research, schoolwork, and extracurriculars.

1. Break Down Your Priorities

The first step towards success is breaking down your priorities. With schoolwork, I tend to find it a lot easier to keep track of deadlines by checking the syllabus for each class, deadlines on Canvas or other school software, and any other schedules provided by teachers. However, this can be a lot trickier for extracurriculars and research projects. When working with a mentor, you receive a lot of guidance in setting goals that you are expected to meet throughout the timeline of your project. For extracurriculars, where deadlines are often more flexible, coordinating with your team to create a schedule can be incredibly helpful.

It’s also important to recognize that not all tasks are equally urgent or important. You may be able to ask your mentor to reschedule a session (with reasonable notice) or to push back a meeting for a club, but it is a lot less likely that you will be able to ask a teacher for an extension on an assignment or to retake a test. Personally, I prioritized schoolwork first, followed by Polygence, and then extracurriculars. That said, your order of priorities can and should adjust based on the demands of each week.

2. Master Time Management Techniques

With so many responsibilities to manage at once, the second step to success is to learn time management and self-discipline techniques. One of my favorites is the Pomodoro method, in which you work for set intervals of time and take breaks for a set amount of time in between (ex. working for 25 minutes, taking 5 minutes off, etc.) to remain productive while avoiding burnout. Another time management technique I like to use is setting aside strict, designated study times throughout the week in which you make yourself be productive regardless of your workload. For example, I like to go to the library on my college campus every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and force myself to be productive. Even if my workload is light, I use the time to study ahead, explore new topics, or even plan holiday gifts for friends and family. This is helpful in making sure you stay on top of your tasks, and avoid falling behind and missing deadlines.

3. Ask for Support When You Need It

Recognizing when you need help is essential. Whether you’re seeking feedback, support on schoolwork, or just a break, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mentor is meant to guide you through the rigorous process of completing a research project. If things are becoming too challenging, or you aren’t meeting the outcomes you had expected, your mentor will be glad to guide you through a tough time. Similarly, if schoolwork becomes overwhelming, seek help through school resources, tutors, or even friends. Polygence and extracurriculars are meant to enhance your academic experience, not harm it. Oftentimes, people can’t help you unless you ask, so you should never be afraid to ask for support.

4. Don’t Neglect Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is just as important as managing your responsibilities. It’s easy to neglect self-care when you have so many responsibilities, but this can be incredibly unhealthy. Taking breaks is a necessary part of work, to avoid burnout and ensure you are producing your best work. Make sure you’re eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and limiting screen time. Incorporate time to do things you enjoy and spend time with friends and family into your schedule. Incorporating exercise, even a short daily walk, can work wonders for your physical and mental health. 

These habits have been crucial in helping me balance Polygence research with schoolwork and extracurriculars. However, your schedule and responsibilities may differ, so make sure to adjust these to fit your specific needs and preferences. Take time for self-reflection—are you meeting your goals, or do you need to adjust your habits? It can take time to find a balance that works for you, but it is worthwhile to maximize your productivity and ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle.