<p>i know there is a thread somewhat like this but half the talk seems to be about popularity so i thought i’d make a more comprehensive list of my own. i really think these are some important things that will make your high school experience awesome. they are not in order of importance.</p>
<li>MAKE ETHICAL CHOICES: cheating really isn’t worth it. don’t risk getting on the bad side of guidance counselor or your junior year teachers especially. they’ll be writing your recommendations.</li>
</ol>
<p>speaking of guidance counselors…</p>
<li><p>GET TO KNOW THEM: some people never speak to their gc’s until junior year comes around and it’s time for them to start working on your app recs. but they won’t know a thing about you. they’re there to help you, so as a freshman, go and ask for advice or just drop by to say hello.</p></li>
<li><p>PROCRASTINATE: ppl tell you not to do it, but they’re all hypocrites. everyone procrastinates. it’s sometimes fun, working at the last minute with your friends. don’t do it too much tho.</p></li>
<li><p>LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS. BUT NOT TOO MUCH!!: they’re older than you, and they always wish the best for you. but there definitely will be times when they won’t know what they’re talking about because their hs lives were much different from ours. when conflicts arise, don’t fight with them, but help them understand your situation and use them as a resource.</p></li>
<li><p>PARTICIPATE IN CLASS: teachers don’t pull their lectures out of their butts. they actually prepare the class material at home. and if you’re that student who’s always paying attention in class and giving feedback through participation, the teacher will LOVE you. I’M NOT TELLING YOU TO BE A SUCK-UP OR A TEACHER’S PET. just make sure to make the most out of your class.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>following up from the last one…</p>
<li>PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS: seriously, if you actually pay attention to your teacher and take pretty good notes, you’ll reduce the time you use to study for tests by half. studying for hours at home isn’t worth it. LEARN DURING CLASS.</li>
</ol>
<p>**7. KNOW YOUR TEACHERS: i starred this one because i think it’s pretty important. i’d say that about 60% of getting good grades in high school is all about knowing what your teachers want from you. within the first couple of weeks of class, pay close attention and observe their style. this is especially true when writing history/english papers. in your essays, teachers love reading bits that they’ve said during lectures. give them what they wanna hear and they’ll give you that A+.</p>
<p>this next one is also pretty important…</p>
<p>**8.PICK YOUR CLUBS WISELY: high school goes by pretty fast, and before you know it, it’ll be time to start working on your apps. and as you all know, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS ARE IMPORTANT. in order to attain that position, it’s good to have been in the club since 9th grade. so take a look at the list of clubs that your school offers, and make a mental note of which clubs you’d want to be the president of. but don’t join like 20 clubs. 2-3 clubs that you’re really DEDICATED to will suffice.</p>
<li>GO JOIN A SPORT: if you’re not a huge athlete, it’s cool. but join a school team anyway. sports are a good way to get rid of your stress and it’ll also keep you healthy. and you’ll most likely be staying up pretty late sometimes to get work done, so sports will burn off your late night snack calories. plus, IT’S A LOT OF FUN. of course, there are added benefits for playing varsity level. it takes the time and effort, but 200% worth it. and as mr_chipset said, you’ll make great friends, as i did through my soccer team.</li>
</ol>
<p>and lastly…</p>
<li>MAKE GOOD FRIENDS: if you are on CC reading this thread, you are most likely motivated to do well in high school and looking forward to being a model student. GENERALLY speaking, it will not help you if you end up hanging out with people that party all the time and do drugs. find friends that are JUST AS MOTIVATED AS YOU ARE. and HELP EACH OTHER. the vibe that your friends give off to you will be more influential than you think. i’m not telling you to join the nerd group and not party. just find 2-3 close friends you can rely on and study together.</li>
</ol>
<p>welcome freshmen, to high school life. it’s a tough road but you can do it. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!</p>
<p>-cowsprite</p>