A new school year is just around the corner. Instead of dreading going back, take a few simple steps now to make sure this is your best school year ever.

If you want this school year to be different than the last, you need to think about it and prepare differently in these last few weeks before school starts. Be selfish, think about what you want to get out of the school year, and do the things to get ready for the new school year that help you invest in yourself. Doing well in school might not seem cool, but getting a fun, interesting job that pays really well definitely is. The truth is that school prepares you for success out in the real world, so it’s time to start taking it seriously.

Read on to check out what you can do to get ready for school.

1. Find a Work-School Balance

If you have a summer job, make sure that your employer knows your school start date. If you would like to keep the job on a part-time basis, tell your employer that you can work after school and/or weekends and that you hope these work hours would be a possibility for you to continue at this job. If not, you will have a few weeks to find another job opportunity in the new school year.

Just make sure you can handle the hours your boss expects while juggling homework, clubs, sports, and a social life before making a commitment to your employer.