School is a game.

Similar to chess, school involves making a series of correct moves to succeed.

I succeeded in high school because I learned to play the game. I knew when to play the sympathy card; I knew which excuses held water. Pleading with my teachers – begging them to believe that I really did want to succeed – was the paramount tactic I used.

I know students who rarely to ever spent time at home doing work or studying and are still going to renowned colleges. On the flipside, there are many students who worked tirelessly and are going to colleges indistinguishable from future schools of the slackers. The difference lies in their ability to play the game.

Those who know how to balance their schoolwork and social lives will inherently be happier and more successful than others. Knowing when it’s acceptable to take a few shortcuts is vital to your mental health. It allows you to get more sleep, boosting your immune system and mood.

When you don’t have time to complete an assignment, your eight available absences should be treated as currency – cashing in an absence is an effective strategy to buy yourself 24 more hours of work time.

Studying for a test is also a skill. Finding others who have taken the test you are studying for is an easy way to determine what to study. Almost all classes leave behind a paper trail of old tests and quizzes that can used to your advantage when studying.

Of course, the idea of playing the game will bring soapboxes out in masses, bemoaning shortcuts whenever possible. I’m still a strong believer that hard work is more valuable than anything, but much of high school is about providing yourself with opportunities to succeed in the future. A few minor moral qualms are little to be concerned about in the larger picture.

I struggled through sophomore chemistry with little to no idea how to balance my time. During junior year, however, I learned how to employe all of the aforementioned strategies. Come June, my mental and physical health were much better than those of my overworked classmates. Our grades were identical.

Staying healthy and happy while succeeding in high school is worth the ethical compromise. Next time you are faced with an outline that will keep you up until dawn, it might be best for you to use your “phone a friend” lifeline.