<p>So I'm going to High School in the fall (Sept). And I'm taking
Orientation, Science Links (normal 9th grade science), Honor L.A, Honor History, Biology(10th Grade Level), Health (Mandatory), Geometry, total of both semesters. Do you think this is too much? And I just wanted your two cents on the academic/social scene of high school. Like what was biology like for you. Your freshman experience, things to look out for, things not to do. How to not get on upperclassmens nerves. Things that won't make me look such a freshman. Is there anyone else of class 2016 here? Did anyone your school get pregnant? Your two cents?~~~</p>
<p>I’m in class of 2016. If you want to interact with some of us, hop on over to the High school class of 2016 thread.</p>
<p>Oh cool, there’s a Class 2016 thread?</p>
<p>Yeah, just search through HSL. I lack technological prowess so I have no idea how to hyperlink haha. Or just look through my old posts.</p>
<p>I’m class of 2013, so I’m going to give you my opinion on being a freshman:
- At my school, the teachers and the system in general completely babies freshmen and being a freshmen is pretty different from being a sophomore, junior, or (I assume) a senior. This doesn’t apply to every school, of course, but I suspect there’s other schools like mine out there.
- People blow the whole “freshmen are hated by everyone” thing way out of proportion. First, I don’t even think that’s true. I’m pretty misanthropic and all, but I don’t indiscriminately hate all freshmen. Upperclassmen aren’t all trolls who want to steal lunch money from freshmen. Remember when you entered middle school and it was completely different from all those television shows/movies about middle school? High school’s the same way. As a general rule, don’t be overly-obnoxious and really stupid and everything will be fine. Have some self-discipline. If you get lost or need help with something, an upperclassmen actually will/can help you.
- Be really confident in yourself and your abilities, but don’t be cocky. Be friendly and interact with various types of people. In my opinion, one of the distinct differences between freshmen and everyone else in the school is that freshmen are usually nervous and act like they don’t know what’s going. Just be confident and calm.
- At my school freshmen year, most people just hung out with kids from their middle schools, but gradually, you’ll be friends with people from all middle schools/everywhere. As you get older, the kids that take AP classes/honor classes and care about school are pretty much the same people and everyone becomes decent friends with everyone else.
- Don’t think you’re super cool just because you’re in high school.
- Join activities/club/sports that genuinely interest you.
- DON’T join things because you think colleges want you to.
- On that note, don’t obsess about school/college and make a big deal about the SAT. Those are all just aspects of high school/life. They’re all important, but no one wants to talk about the SAT all the time.
- Don’t be dumb and give in to peer pressure and get drunk all the time or at school. That’s not cute. Frankly, if you do drink and all, don’t make a big deal about it; no one really cares that much. You’re not cool if you don’t or if you do. But if you dont, don’t be self-righteous about it.
- Make a list of all the clubs you join, the awards you get, your volunteering hours, etc. This stuff will come in handy when you do apply for college. </p>
<p>That’s all I can think of right now, but I’ll add more if anything spontaneously pops into my head. Basically, enjoy high school, but know that there’s other thing’s waiting for you.</p>
<p>I would definitely play a sport - it is by far the best way to meet upperclassmen in my opinion. Specifically a fall sport so you can workout in the summer and meet your teammates before you even get into school, so you can recognize some faces on the first day. And yeah, it’s definitely poorly portrayed by TV shows and the like - you don’t have 10 minutes to sit by your locker (lol, people use those?) and chat. </p>
<p>Some of my tips (may or may not been included above, didn’t read it all)
-Don’t run. Anywhere. Its a great way to draw negative attention to yourself if you’re running to your class, or jokingly running around at lunch or whatever. You’ll look like a fool.
-Play a sport/join a club or something (mentioned above)
-Try to make friends with an upperclassmen who can drive (through sports, clubs, etc.) you’ll enjoy the benefits.<br>
-Don’t make enemies. I know it sounds easy enough, but just don’t do things that will make others not like you. It is SO great to be able to walk through school and have no one hate you. Not everyone has to like you (and not everyone will) but just don’t make people NOT like you, if you get what I’m saying.
-When you’re a freshman, don’t worry about college that much. Don’t do that until nearing the end of sophomore year - you’ll be a lot less stressed. It’s good that you found this forum, but I personally wouldn’t read too much into it. This forum hosts like the top 2% of kids applying to college, a lot of opinions are skewed.
-(this is at our school, I don’t know about anyone else) but don’t be afraid to bring your lunch. I was on the first day, because I thought it was going to be “cool” to buy lunch from the cafeteria (Domino’s pizza, fries, and a slushie every day, sweet!) but I didn’t end up eating the first day because I kept getting skipped in line. All of the “cool” kids brought lunch from home (Now that we’re seniors though, we get open lunch). BUT IF YOU DO. Brown. Paper. Bag. Don’t be the kid with the lunchbox.
-point #2 above is partially correct IMO, but do remember, you are a freshman, and you are not instantly as cool as everyone else because you go to the same school. But yes, don’t be afraid to ask an upperclassman for directions or something on the first week.
-A biggie is that (from what I can tell) the first week is vital socially. The friends you make the first week of school will (more times than not) be your friends for the next four years. So choose wisely who you sit with at lunch the first day.</p>
<p>Yes, OP, I think you should that raging party in Class of 2016 thread…</p>
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<p>Oh really now… hmm, something to think about.</p>
<p>I just got out of freshman year, and, while i agree with caughtintraffic that in some sense the hatred of freshman is blown out of proportion, its still there. Its not really hatred, its more of distaste with the freshman class. As i got more and more distant from my freshman identity as the year ended, i began to understand why. There is no reason, other than that:
a.) it happened to everyone as a freshman, so they tend to continue the “tradition”
b.) you’re a freshman, i.e you haven’t been in high school very long, you tend to have an easier class load, and in some cases, the sense of self-entitlement from being the kings of middle school gets carried over, and every upperclassman hates that.
That being said, there are SOME ways to mitigate the effect of the inevitable freshman-hatred syndrome. Playing sports with upperclassmen, but trying not to interact overly with upperclassmen (this is fatal, they will see you as clingy and despise you 10x more), is a good way to get on their better side. NEVER EVER NEVER complain about your workload in front of ANY sophomore, junior, or senior (even if they are your sibling… i learned this the hard way) it will definitely BACKFIRE! They will either give you the meanest look ever or berate you about “what hard work REALLY is” etc etc. All in all though, maintaining a positive relationship with upperclassmen forged through extracurricular activities (sports and clubs) is essential, but your contact with them should be limited, and make sure you still appear “meek” or “quiet”, it is the BEST way to avoid the potential fiery hatred of upperclassmen!
Good luck!
:D</p>
<p>Just don’t be obnoxious and you’ll survive.</p>
<p>Just know how to walk (keep a good pace, don’t run, but don’t walk leasurely through the halls) and you’ll be fine. Also, at lunch, avoid complaining about the upperclassmen “cutting” you in line. Just deal with it. It comes with the territory.</p>
<p>As for your classes go they don’t seem like something you couldn’t handle.</p>
<p>Dont worry about ‘looking like a freshman’ it’s a way upperclassman make themselves feel superior to you. They arent. Mostly it’s sophomores who tend to be bad about this ignore them.
Try to remain true to yourself. People always go trying to better themselves for highschool with ridiculous goals. Like trying to befriend ‘popular kids’ or date a senior or whatever. In the end you’ll end up being who you are anyway and if people think your ‘weird’ it’s ok. There are a lot of weird people.
Don’t let upperclassman harass you even if they are joking. Don’t be a kid about it but if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable stand up and say ‘Just shut up. You aren’t funny and that’s not appropriate.’ Maybe they won’t be your best friends after that but they’ll leave you alone. Unless they are complete and total arseholes and then feel free to tell a teacher.
High school isn’t an excuse to be a tool. Don’t let it be one and don’t let people get away with it.
Schools your first priority. Don’t fall behind, it’s the best way to screw up the rest of your high school career. Teachers are easier on freshman but don’t take advantage of it. Talk to your teachers, form friendships with them this helps a lot.
It’s not really that bad. You’ll find people who like the same things as you and classes are harder which makes them kind of enjoyable.</p>
<p>Regarding the whole “everyone hates freshmen” thing:</p>
<p>I had many upperclassmen friends when I was a freshman, partly because my sister was a junior and partly because I was involved in music and sports (a great way to make friends, by the way). I found that a great way to get upperclassmen to take a liking to me was to make fun of myself for being a freshman. “Freshmen suck” and “stupid freshmen” are popular phrases at my school, so I used them to refer to myself. I also made joking comments to my older friends about how they were losers for hanging out with a “stupid freshman”. Just try to have a great sense of humor and act maturely. You’ll make older friends easily and be everyone’s favorite freshman in no time!</p>
<p>The best piece of high school advice is to remember who you are and what you stand for. Don’t let people change you and don’t waste your time trying to be friends with people who don’t treat you well.</p>
<p>Good luck! Enjoy every minute of it because the time flies by.</p>