How to Be a High School Superstar – Review

This book can help your teenager develop an interest and discover opportunities. Top students across America have used the methods. Cal Newport shares their stories. 

The main idea is that one ought to develop an interest that leads to skill development and productivity in an unusual yet valuable area of knowledge and service. The book functions as a guide for helping teens access top colleges and universities, but its actual value lies in its career development and vocational aspects. 

Newport emphasizes that developing an interest requires ample time for constructive leisure. This is because the interest cannot be contrived; it must be genuine. The interest must also drive one to serve people in ways that are valued. In other words, one must go beyond interests in ping-pong or extracurricular activities anyone can do. 

The book has three parts: unscheduling, focus, and innovation. 

Overscheduling is a common problem, according to Newport. Many bright students do too much of what ultimately does not matter, such as taking challenging courses designed to impress college administrators. Underscheduling requires avoiding what does not matter and completing homework quickly so that evenings and weekends are free for the necessary trial and error to develop an interest. Students need time for reading, experimentation, volunteering, developing relationships, and working. 

To complete schoolwork quickly, students must learn how to study effectively. Newport dedicates a portion of the book to examining the study habits of top students. 

Next, regarding focus, Newport explains how to identify meaningful extracurricular activities. Not only should teens immerse themselves in the activities, but they should also investigate how others became effective. (This can be done by reading biographies.)

Finally, he explains how to innovate and turn an interest into something inexplicable and impressive. This can be achieved over time by volunteering and serving a particular community, gaining trust, and gradually taking on larger and more complicated projects as one gains experience, character, and knowledge. 

All of this is explained in detail with many examples. 

He shares how one high school student started a company and a successful entrepreneurship blog, leading to many opportunities. Another student became a teacher’s assistant and eventually transformed student reading programs. Another wrote a successful book, leading to speaking opportunities and significant relationships that helped a student become a sought-after expert and commentator.

In closing, this is the best career advancement book I’ve ever read. It could help your teen develop a plan of action and identify a calling years earlier than most. 

I have read the book twice, finding it personally helpful. Parents should read the book first; it could help in your endeavors, and help you guide your teenager. 

How to Be a High School Superstar