Hello Bronx Science!

We, the Editors-in-Chief and Managing Editors of The Science Survey, are here to answer your questions. Fortunately, we have detailed advice from some of our senior students on how to make the most of your time and how to strengthen your relationships with teachers and friends. The winter months can feel daunting, but hopefully including advice on how to get through your classes and plan for the future will help you conquer some of the stress. We hope that you find the advice below to be helpful!

Best,

Lara Adamjee ’25, Nick Anderson ’25, Claire Elkin ’25, Max Duravcevic ’25, Liza Greenberg ’25, Anna Koontz ’25, Aviv Kotok ’25, Tammy Lam ’25, Krisha Soni ’25, and Nora Torok ’25

Nora Torok – How can I get my crush to like me?

To preface, I am no expert on this topic. I wish I could say there is a foolproof formula — for if there is, I have definitely yet to find it. In all honesty, I struggle to answer this question — every individual, every circumstance, every crush is different. For some, it’s a game. In one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies, ‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past,’ Matthew McConaughey controversially proclaimed that “the power in all relationships lies with whoever cares less.” Unfortunately, like poker, trying to get reciprocated feelings can sometimes require strategy and a mastered poker face. But if you play your cards right, a royal flush could be coming your way.

It’s easy to fall into the “play the game before the game plays you” mindset. What’s harder is being completely open about your intentions. It all comes down to reading the behavior of your crush and finding a subsequent balance. Below are some tips that I have found successful in my romantic endeavors. Yes, they are all much easier said than done. But then again, isn’t that the case with everything in high school? Be careful, be smart, and, most importantly, have fun

Contextualize
If you put yourself out there enough you will, inevitably, get rejected. It’s a hard truth, but that’s what it is — truth. The quicker you learn to accept that, the quicker you can expand your comfort zone. For me, contextualization is my best friend when fighting the fear of rejection.

It’s so easy to get caught up in your current reality; Maybe your crush sits next to you in math class and, if they reject you, every lesson from then on will be consumed by a wave of seemingly unparalleled awkwardness. Or maybe your crush is that one person you make eye contact with in the hallway but if you try to strike up a conversation, you’ll make a fool of yourself. Maybe you fear that if word gets out, you’ll suddenly find embarrassment in every facet of your life.

Your feelings can appear to be the center of your world right now. But two years, five years, and even ten years down the line, will it really matter? Will it matter what they think of you? Will it matter if they don’t end up being your prom date? Whether you want to admit it or not, the answer is no. It will not matter. Risks are scary and unpredictable. But without risk, there is no reward. Wouldn’t you rather know than miss out on what could have been? Maybe your crush is an integral member of your friend group and, if they reject you, you’ll lose that group. But if that’s the case, are those really the people you want to be friends with?

Think of this as practice — not just for the fun dating scene when you’re in your 20s — but for all life aspects like making friends in college or even job interviews. Take comfort in being uncomfortable — in not knowing what comes next. After all, isn’t that what makes having a crush so exciting?

Make your interest known (but not TOO known)

This step is by far the most crucial and must be done in moderation. The key is to determine how much interest to show. It may sound shallow but there really is a “chase” and evolution supports it. There’s a reason why male peacocks have the prettiest feathers and why they puff up their chests when a potential mate is around. At the end of the day, having a crush is simple biology.

Where it gets complicated is trying to determine if your crush likes to chase or be chased. This is what I personally struggle with the most. It is a process of trial and error — analyzing how they respond to your behavior and then adjusting it. Either way, you must plant the idea of liking you in their mind. Give them a reason to WANT to get to know you. Be enticing but always leave things up to the imagination. Don’t seem too available, desperate, or easily accessible. No one wants to go on a scavenger hunt if the answers are already right in front of them.

A little goes a long way

Dress to impress. Even a single spray of perfume or cologne can make you stand out. But, without a doubt, the easiest and most effective way to not only show interest, but also gauge if there is any in return, is eye contact. Frequently regarded as the window to our souls, the effect of the gaze has been acknowledged by numerous societies throughout history. The Eye of Horus, depicted in ancient Egyptian art, is said to have represented healing, health, and protection. Through poets like Ovid and Virgil, the Greeks and Romans frequently wrote about the alluring strength of the eyes in conveying love and desire.

There is nothing more attractive than having the confidence to make someone feel seen in a room full of people. Whether it’s a quick glance in class or a prolonged meeting of the eyes, eye contact is proven to release oxytocin, phenylethylamine, and dopamine — brain chemicals that foster feelings of attraction and intimacy.

Perhaps this makes you nervous. Try practicing with friends that make you feel comfortable. If your crush is averting your gaze, don’t feel discouraged. They may simply be shy. But always remain mindful of the difference between sustaining eye contact and unwanted ogling. In general, it’s crucial to know when you are being over zealous in your efforts.

Be yourself

You have to like who you are before you can try to get your crush to like you. It’s something that I’m still working on; I think we all are. I take comfort in that and you should too.

Anna Koontz – What is the best advice to get teacher recommendations (for juniors in the Spring of 2025)?

Asking teachers for recommendations is an important step in your college application process, but it can easily feel awkward or overwhelming. Which teachers do you ask? How do you pose the question? What if they say no? As someone who experienced these same concerns last year, here are my insights on securing strong teacher recommendations. 

Teacher recommendations are a valuable component of your college application because they provide a trusted and unbiased outside perspective. A teacher may comment on your dedication or work ethic, how you interact with your peers, or how you’ve grown over time. Therefore, it is important to be thoughtful when considering which teachers to ask. Here is the truth behind three commonly held misconceptions, which may influence your decision. 

Myth #1: I am more of a STEM person, so it would be best if I only asked math or science teachers.

The first thing you need to understand is that different colleges have different recommendation letter requirements. You should research what is required or suggested for the specific colleges you plan to apply to. Most colleges mandate two recommendation letters (some, like Sophie Davis, ask for five) and either require or highly encourage that one comes from a humanities-related teacher and the other comes from a STEM-related teacher. Even if you plan to major in something that is only STEM-related – for example, biology – it is important to demonstrate to colleges that you are well-rounded. 

STEM recommendations can come from your math or science teachers. Humanities recommendations can come from your English, History, or World Language teachers. It is best to ask teachers from your junior year, because these are the most recent. Even if you loved regents biology, a teacher you had during your ninth grade year will not be able to provide an up-to-date account of your abilities and strengths as a student. 

Myth #2: I can’t ask a teacher if my grades are not strong in their class.

If you are slacking off or your disinterest is apparent in a class, it would probably be best not to ask that teacher. However, you don’t necessarily need to be an academically outstanding student either. A teacher from a class you struggle in might be able to speak to how you overcome obstacles, work hard, and persevere despite challenges. This could highlight your work ethic and complement the other parts of your application that focus on your accomplishments and achievements. 

For my STEM-related recommendation, I debated between asking my precalculus teacher and my AP Physics teacher. My grades were higher in precalculus, but I decided to ask my physics teacher instead because I spent a lot of time with him after school and he knew me well on a personal level. Asking a teacher who had seen me grow and was familiar with my personality was, in this case, better than asking a teacher who knew nothing about me except the numbers in his gradebook. Colleges will see your grades anyway in your transcript; consider asking teachers that will bring something new into your application.

Myth #3: I don’t need to worry about this yet because I am not a senior. 

Sometimes in late winter or early spring of your junior year, your guidance counselors will encourage you to begin asking teachers for recommendation letters. This is a process that will largely happen at the middle/end of your junior year and will ideally be completed before you enter senior year. Many teachers at Bronx Science write a limited number of recommendations, so it is especially important that you don’t wait until the last minute to ask. 

Different teachers have different processes for requesting recommendations. Some teachers have a google form or sign-up sheet. If your teacher has not specified this, the best thing to do is ask them in-person during SGI or after class. If possible, try to ask in-person first rather than through email. Taking the time to ask in-person is more respectful and proactive. After your teacher confirms that they can write a recommendation, then you can email them to remind them. And if they say no, don’t be discouraged! Try asking someone else instead.

Claire Elkin – Will I be able to handle the workload of Speech and Debate and balance it with extracurriculars and homework for other classes?

The key to balancing the commitments of Speech and Debate is utilizing the community—a given with proactive team membership. The rigorous schedules of those on the Speech and Debate team are non-negotiable. Tournaments, practice, and homework can feel overwhelming, but the support system offered makes this much more digestible. Leadership is always ready to help and be super hands-on with prepping and homework, willing to hop on calls, answer texts, or meet for Office Hours. 

What I always loved about Debate was the support system. If you make sure to utilize the people around you, the work is not super time-consuming outside of practice, and you are sure to have a lot of time to complete other school work. Additionally, both Adult and Student Leadership will generally be pretty understanding if you are willing to communicate to them when you are feeling super overwhelmed with the workload of a particular week and maybe did not have a chance to complete the homework, or have to miss a practice or two. Again, communication is key.

The skills that members take away from Speech and Debate can undoubtedly be applied to in-class performance. I found that being a part of the team and the research that I was constantly doing to write my speeches made writing things like DBQs and Research Papers multitudes easier. The same applies to presentations, where I no longer found myself nervous to speak in front of my class extemporaneously. 

You should also be sure to use the time before and after debate practice to maximize your productivity in schoolwork. Since practices start after 10th period, the library is a great place to go to get some homework done before it starts. If you have any questions about a particular class, or want somewhere else to work, SGI is another good option to be productive before practice. In a similar sense, whether you are taking the bus or the subway, the commute home from Speech and Debate can be utilized to get more work done. 

However, Speech and Debate is not a light commitment. Every squad has practice twice a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday. These are all days that clubs and sports teams meet. Along with this, every single member of the team is required to participate at weekend tournaments around 8-12 times a year, making it difficult to balance debate with weekend commitments. Although there are no rules against participating in other extracurricular activities, members must be prepared to put Speech and Debate over opportunities and events in other fields. Overall, it is important to moderate your time accordingly depending on what is most important to you. 

It is certainly attainable to be both on the Speech and Debate team and a “lower commitment” extracurricular activity. Most Bronx Science clubs meet either once a week or every other week and do not require much time outside of that, and a bunch of people are able to accommodate a schedule where they participate in both. 

There are certainly benefits that come with all of this. You are fully immersing yourself into an extracurricular activity that ensures you leave with the many skills of Speech and Debate. But given the several times per week practices and more frequent tournament participation, it is difficult to organize schedules with sports teams or club participation with Speech and Debate. It really comes down to what you hope to prioritize in your high school career, and if this is an activity where you will leave with lessons in hard work, confidence, and current events, the Speech and Debate Team is the place for you. 

Lara Adamjee – What kind of things should I be saying to save an awkward conversation? 

As someone who is well-versed in the art of making conversations more awkward, here are some tips and tricks I apply in my daily life in an effort to be slightly less awkward.

Firstly, enunciate. When a conversation turns awkward people tend to become unsure about what they are saying. They begin to mumble and avoid eye contact. This leads to the much more humiliating “can you repeat that?” Trust me, intelligible conversations are way worse than awkward ones. 

Secondly, keep the conversation flowing. Try to ask questions about the topic being discussed. Do not ask “yes” or “no” questions because those end with awkward silence and generally leave no room to continue a conversation. Ask open questions that leave room for elaboration. 

Speaking of elaborating on questions, another tip I have learned is to answer your own question after the person you asked gives their response. This ensures that the conversation is a give-and-take, a back-and-forth. The only thing less fun than creating countless questions is being bombarded with said countless questions.

If there is no specific reason for your conversation, fall back to the basics. What do most people have in common? I have found that family and school tend to be the safest topics. See below for actual, real-life beginning of conversations that I’ve had:

Do you have any siblings? Oh, wow, I can’t imagine being an only child – what’s that like?

What borough do you live in? I live in Manhattan too! What neighborhood do you specifically live in?

What grade are you in? Oh, are you taking this class? Yeah, I had that teacher last year!

Sometimes, however, there is no way to maneuver a conversation to a different focus – no way to bring up a new question. This brings me to my final tip: know when to walk away. 

Yes, this conversation may haunt you forever – your incorrectly placed laugh or badly worded comment will follow you throughout the week and into your dreams. But I can assure you that the person you are talking to will not view that slip-up in the same light that you are. In fact, they may not even remember it by the next day. 

By walking away, you minimize the damage. You stop the conversation from getting to a point where the other person does remember you as that really awkward person. 

Krisha Soni –  What do you recommend for students who struggle with participating in class discussions? How can I make myself stand out as an engaged and active participant without feeling awkward? 

I’ll let you in on a secret: we’re all stuck in our own heads.

Trust me when I say that the majority of people in your classes, whether it be in regular class discussions or in Socratic seminars, are second-guessing themselves too. A classmate that you thought answered a question perfectly might secretly feel awkward inside because they thought they sounded stupid. Another person that came up with an ingenious response to a Socratic seminar might have hated the sound of their voice. But when the bell rings and you move on to your next class, you don’t notice any of that. Chances are that by the time that the school day ends, you’ll have forgotten about their response completely.

The rest of your peers are the same way. Have you ever remembered something that a classmate said and thought, wow, they’re awful at this, this is my sole perception of them now? Of course not! The good thing about high school is that whatever embarrassing comment you may say will pale in everyone’s memories very, very fast, just like anything smart you say will too. Absolutely no one will remember, except for you.

How do you stop yourself from judging yourself? Unfortunately, there is no one solution to this. I myself still cringe whenever I remember what I did years before, even though I’m likely the only one who still recalls it. But there are two things that have helped me manage it, and I hope they help you.

At least you experienced it.

I like to think that everything happens for a reason. Said something that sounded dumb in class? No problem. You needed to say that, because at least now you know what it feels like. At least now you know what to avoid saying next time. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone might be terrifying, especially when it feels fruitless, but each time you do, you take a step forward. You have learned now, and that makes it worth it.

You were brave enough to say it.

The very act of stepping out of your comfort zone and participating requires bravery. Even if you regret it immediately, be proud that you were able to say what you said in the first place. Growth is never easy – why would you be proud of it, if it were? You put yourself out there, and that is much better than saying nothing and remaining stagnant. 

These may not work for everyone, but they are how I push myself to participate. I know that you feel like you don’t make much of a difference when you do participate, but I truly believe that every time you participate is important, so don’t discount it just yet.

So how can you stand out as an active participant in class discussions? 

The first thing I would recommend is being an active listener. Listen carefully to what everyone is saying around you, and do research into the material you will be discussing. 

If it is a Socratic seminar, look up the topic beforehand. Feel free to also use the internet as inspiration – did you see a particularly interesting take on Quora about the source material? What did it make you think about in response? Jot down your notes, and use them in reference when you contribute to class. Even just listening carefully to what is being said around you or what your teacher is saying can be integral to forming well thought-out answers.

But most importantly, you shouldn’t be afraid of risks. That’s why I stressed how important it is to not be scared of participating. It is much harder to contribute well to a class discussion if you are scared of taking the risk. The moment you find your voice, your contributions will improve.

Be patient and kind to yourself. You are more than capable enough to do this! Participating will come easily once you trust yourself, and trust me, you can.

Aviv Kotok – How should I spend my free time productively (not including studying or academic related)? 

Being productive outside of studying or academic activities doesn’t have to feel like a chore. If you ever find yourself staring at the clock and thinking that you’re not using your time well, remember that sometimes productivity is just about doing something small that makes you feel good.

For me, whenever I want to be productive, I immediately turn to my Notes app. As a big advocate for to-do lists, my Notes app is filled with all sorts of random tasks. That being said, even though I love the satisfaction of checking things off, I don’t always have the time to tackle  tasks outside of school work. If you have a similar struggle and are also a fan of to-do lists, my best advice is to separate your school work from personal goals. This way, your personal tasks feel less like assignments and more like rewarding activities. I found that making daily goals for school and designating everything else as monthly goals help me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by long to-do lists. For example, I might include in my March goals that I want to finally finish a book I have been putting off. By breaking down bigger tasks into monthly chunks, I can make steady progress without the pressure to do everything at once. 

If you don’t have any specific goals in mind but still want to be productive, then maybe it’s time to pick up a new hobby or reconnect with an old one. This could be anything from arts and crafts, cooking, language learning, or playing a musical instrument. From my experience, YouTube is a great way to explore new interests or refine old ones. I resort to YouTube tutorials to teach me new crochet patterns whenever I want to unwind and be productive at the same time. Crocheting allows me to temporarily switch off my mind and focus on something hands-on, giving me a break from school-related stress while still feeling like I’m accomplishing something. YouTube offers an endless variety of tutorials, so it’s a great resource for ways to productively spend your time. 

With that in mind, it is important to acknowledge that, sometimes, the pressure to always be doing something can feel unsettling, but sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a break. Giving yourself permission to pause allows you to recharge, which in turn can make you more effective when you return to your tasks. 

Max Duracevic –  How do I lose fat and build muscle at the same time?

Losing fat and gaining muscle is much easier to write about than actually doing, so if anything I say sounds easy, it’s not. Trust me. But it can still be quick and enjoyable. I will split my answer into two definable sections: diet (not necessarily diet as you may know it) and exercise. 

I am not writing this article for bodybuilders, so I won’t tell you to plan and cook calculated meals, starve yourself, or work out 5 times a week for hours at a time. Despite this, trying to lose fat and gain muscle can be scary. 

Diet. 

Diet may be the most feared part of a body transformation or self-improvement. Diets are daunting, especially for students who need more food options and time to cook or plan meals. But there are many other ways to give yourself valuable nutrients that promote weight loss, muscle gain, and even more benefits. 

Now, I understand not everyone likes change, especially when it comes to the cost of cutting the food and drink they may love. However, if you are reading this, you want change just like I did, so please, if you can, take this advice. 

Cut Soda. Soda, on average, has 16 teaspoons of sugar (37 packets) and provides zero nutritional value. In addition, it doesn’t fill you up as much as it may seem at the moment, leading you to consume a significant amount of calories, sugar, and processed chemicals (they can also cause diseases and cancer but this is about weight and muscle, so I won’t go into it). Some sodas have limited amounts of sugar and I find fruit an adequate replacement (but it took me a while). 

Unfortunately, you may have to limit desserts as well. You may not realize it, but students consume a lot of desserts without even realizing it. Candies from the gas station, Dunkin coffees, and boba teas are ignored by most as snacks but they make it hard for your body to lose weight even if you are consistently working out. 

Increase protein consumption. Eating meat, eggs, beans, and anything with natural protein will help you gain muscle. 

Eating complex carbohydrates is probably the most confusing of my advice, but it is very beneficial. White bread, pasta, desserts, candy, and soda contain simple carbs that digest fast, pack on fat, and carry minimal nutrients. Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa, chickpeas, and other grains give equal amounts of calories but fill you up and provide the nutrients and energy to do more than your daily activities. 

Lastly, most fast food places are very caloric and have chemicals that make food very addicting, seemingly light, and very caloric. I had ShakeShack once or twice a week in middle school, but wanting self-improvement, I had to slow it down. I stick to once or twice a month instead and have been enjoying fast food at Chipotle, Cava, and Dig (healthier alternatives) instead. The problem with these alternatives is that they are generally more expensive and may not be the solution. 

Home cooking, whether made by yourself, friends, or family, is almost always healthier than eating out, and I recommend it because it is also cheaper. 

Eating healthy can be very hard, and no one should starve themselves, restrict themselves to salad, or avoid calories in general. Recognizing where your calories come from is more important for transforming fat into muscle.

Exercise

Every exercise, from walking to weights, will help you lose weight. Unfortunately, running and other forms of straight cardio, especially long distance, don’t build up apparent muscle independently. There may be more effective ways to build muscle. 

As a student-athlete, I constantly do cardio but have to eat significantly more than I would otherwise to continue gaining muscle. 

Therefore, it is most effective to do light cardio and focus on weight training or calisthenics (bodyweight workouts) to replace the fat with muscle. This is not to say that running is bad for you or will make you fat, but it will hinder muscle-building.

Weight training 3-5 times a week for an hour or more is sufficient in causing muscle growth and, if it becomes part of your schedule, it could totally change your perspective on the gym. I recommend splitting workouts into Pull, Push, and Legs. 

This means spending a day working out your pull muscles (back, biceps), and a separate day for push muscles (chest, triceps), leg muscles (quad, hamstrings, etc). Abs will appear if you follow the diet as they are engaged in other exercises. 

Lastly, and most importantly, it is essential to make goals for yourself. Whether that is for your diet or exercising, little goals will make each step towards progress easier and mentally possible. 

The whole process is mostly straightforward if you understand the balance between diet and exercise and understand that just because it gets hard, you fail to get to the gym for a day or eat a cheat meal, you must keep working towards your goal.

Tammy Lam – What is the best way to relax after a long, stressful school day?

If anyone deserves a decompression session, it’s a Bronx Science student. Still, it’s easy to get lost in the ‘work’ mindset, even after the chime of the 9th-period bell. No matter how much you may have on your plate during the day, it is important to find your own way to clear a busy mind. Here are some tried-and-true ways for you to unwind:

Find your comfort show.

Sometimes the best way to reduce any worries is to invest your time in the art of entertainment. Feeling overwhelmed by a test coming up? Putting on a show may just be the trick to quell those nerves. From my many years of TV watching, may I suggest an episode of Parks and Recreation? Or, how about having a laugh with the Brooklyn Nine-Nine squad? You can never go wrong with a light-hearted, workplace sitcom.

Personally, the era of college decisions has arrived for myself and my fellow seniors. Whenever I start to get antsy, I often find myself wanting to sink into something more dramatic, a place to live in the hectic world of another rather than my own. If you too want to find a place like this to escape with, Arcane may just be your best friend.

When in doubt, take a power nap.

At first, this may seem obvious. “If I’m tired, why wouldn’t I take a nap?” Yet, so many of us are guilty of trying to push through the exhaustion of cramming for that next test over taking the time to recharge.

My golden ratio? A relaxing 20-minute nap. If you’re feeling especially stressed, feel free to push for 30 minutes. Try not to push it to 90 minutes — that way you avoid the grogginess of a long nap. As to not interfere with your own sleep schedule, try taking this nap right when you get home from school. 

The perfect recipe for a good nap, however, rests in your environment. 

First, pick a cozy spot. Your couch and a thick blanket can treat you well in times of need.

Next, turn down the blinds, turn on some low light, or put on some white noise to create the ambiance. Dealer’s choice! Whatever you need to feel at ease.

Finally, simply take that nap. And when you wake, it’ll do wonders to revive your energy.

Get into a new hobby. Find your niche.

I know, getting new hobbies to stick with can be hard. Still, a new project may be just what you need to unwind and shift focus from a school mindset. The beauty of hobbies? The options are endless. 

Feeling creative? I find it helpful to channel energy into a personal project. 

For instance, you could try your hand at a new art project. No fancy materials necessary! Grab a sketchbook (or any piece of paper for that matter) and some pencils. Then, get to sketching. The world is your canvas. Regardless of whether you’re a doodler or fan of large-scale claymation short films, art can always be a great outlet for self-expression. 

Not an avid artist? Baking may be a rewarding after-school activity for you. Plus, who doesn’t love the reward of rich cupcakes or a perfect loaf of banana bread? There are millions of recipes at your fingertips with a quick online search. As an expert sweet tooth, my personal favorite desserts are a warm sheet of brownies or a simple chocolate chip cookie — if you’re a beginner, I’d start here. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try your hand at a recipe from The Great British Baking Show. That perfect tiramisu and pavlova are calling your name.

Pass the time with a good book.

Diving into a book may seem boring for some, but trust me: the power of a good story is undeniable. Whether you prefer a suspenseful murder mystery or heartfelt romance there is a book for every mood. In a reading slump and unsure where to start? Try revisiting a childhood favorite to sink into. A reread of Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games may be just what you need to relax.

Currently, I am re-reading Pride and Prejudice. But, if you’re not a fan of the classics, there are a plethora of modern books to explore. Want a soulful, historical fiction novel about friendship and mortality? The Great Believers was a game changer for me, and it may just be for you too. A fan of memoirs? The family journeys in Crying in the Hmart and Small Fry are ones to look out for. No matter the book (or audiobook if that suits you better), get to reading — the possibilities are vast.

Socialize

One of the easiest ways to feel rejuvenated is to spend time with others. Socializing can mean lots of things. Whether it’s a quick chat with a sibling, a spontaneous FaceTime with a friend, or even a group hangout at a cafe, being with others can instantly brighten a gloomy day. 

Remember, socializing doesn’t always have to mean talking. Sometimes, quietly enjoying someone’s company — watching a movie together, playing video games, or even just sitting in the same room — can be just as fulfilling. The key is to surround yourself with people who make you feel understood, relaxed, and happy. 

Regardless of what you choose to do — understand this: you don’t have to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Stress and hard work may be part of the Bronx Science experience, but so is resilience — and part of being resilient is knowing when to hit pause. With any of the activities on this list, the goal is the same: ease your mind and hit the brakes on that heavy workload. It’s what you deserve.

Liza Greenberg – How do I write a good résumé?

Whether it’s for college, an internship, volunteering, or a summer program, writing a résumé as a high school student can be tough. What information should you include? What do you do if you don’t feel you have enough? How can you display your skills without appearing pretentious? I’m not sure I have all the answers, but here are a few tips:

Keep it to one page. Maximum. 

Concise résumés are always the move. You don’t want the person reading your résumé to get lost in unnecessary details or feel overloaded. One page is professional and appropriate for a high school student. Tacking on too much can make a résumé feel braggy and, perhaps, make some of the items look unimportant.

Education at the top. 

It is important to give a brief overview of what your life is like academically, considering you are, first and foremost, a student. Include your GPA, and some of the classes you are taking, especially if they are related to your focus area or the content of the place you are applying to. You can also include a few clubs or organizations that don’t fall into the “Experience” section.

Use action verbs.

Instead of saying “As a part of XYZ activity, I did….”, try to use descriptive verbs. For example, perhaps you “launched an initiative,” “spearheaded a drive,” or “supervised a team”. These words make your résumé professional, save space, and provide more clarity on your role on the project. 

If you can, include awards and skills.

Did you win a creative writing context? Or perhaps you know multiple coding languages? These are all important skills to include in a résumé, usually at the bottom or in a side column. The more specific you can be with your skills the better, but everyone has some skills they can share, whether in organization, time management, or communication. While specific skills are great, don’t feel that you have to line-by-line explain the context behind every quality or award.

Simple formatting.

I recommend Times New Roman, size 12 font to keep your résumé professional. You might want to have a header and perhaps a column to the side for skills, but beyond that, there’s no need to get fancy. A plain, easy-to-read résumé in a standard font is your best bet. 

If relevant, include a reference.

This one depends on where you are sending your résumé. For college applications, a reference isn’t necessary, but for internships and volunteer work, it can be helpful. If you’re a student without a ton of experience, a neighbor you have babysat for, a teacher, or a previous program coordinator or even a camp counselor might be able to tell your prospective employer a little bit about who you are as a person. Also, including a reference shows that you have people who can vouch that you are a normal person if nothing else.

Nick Anderson – How does one turn a scattered web of friends into a friend group?

Creating a cohesive friend group from separate friendships is like being a skilled party host – it takes some initiative and thoughtfulness, but the results can be great. While it might feel awkward at first to be the “connector,” many people will actually appreciate someone taking that first step. I’ve met many of my closest friends because someone was willing to be a “connector,” so don’t be afraid to go for it.

Start small and casual. Instead of trying to get everyone together at once, begin by inviting two or three friends who you think would especially click to do something simple together – maybe grab lunch, study in the library, or hang out after school. Choose an activity where you can interact naturally, like working on a shared class project or getting coffee. The initial meetups don’t need to be anything elaborate; sometimes the most meaningful friendships form over simple shared experiences like walking to class together or complaining about that impossible history quiz.

As these smaller hangouts succeed, gradually expand them. Create low-pressure opportunities for the wider group to connect – maybe start a study group during midterms or finals week, organize a movie night, or put together a casual weekend hangout. Group chats can help too, but use them thoughtfully. Start one when you have a specific purpose, like planning that movie night, rather than creating one out of the blue. These group activities work best when they align with shared interests or needs – studying together during exam season is perfect because it combines socializing with something everyone needs to do anyway.

Remember that not every friend will necessarily click with everyone else, and that’s okay. Focus on nurturing the connections that develop naturally rather than forcing ones that don’t. Also, be patient – solid friend groups often take months to really gel. Sometimes the best friendships start slowly and build over time through shared experiences and inside jokes. The strongest friend groups usually form gradually, built on a foundation of genuine connections and shared memories.

Most importantly, stay authentic in your efforts. People can tell when someone is genuinely trying to build community versus just collecting social connections. Your goal isn’t to manufacture a friend group, but to create opportunities for natural friendships to develop and to connect people you care about. Think of yourself less as a social architect and more as someone who’s simply opening doors for people to form friendships on their own. With time, patience, and authenticity, those scattered friendships can evolve into a tight-knit group that feels like it was always meant to be together.

We have detailed advice from some of our senior students on how to make the most of your time and how to strengthen your relationships with teachers and friends.