<p>Hi! My name is Vanessa and this is my first post on here, I'm sure there are topics for newbies on here and how the forums really work but it's still a bit confusing so any advice for a newbie on here is appreciated! </p>
<p>Anyway I'm starting hs very soon and I'm pretty nervous, all of my friends either moved away or are going to a different hs in town so since i'm a very shy person, I was wondering if any of you might have some tips on making friends in hs? I know hs isn't the same for everyone so I can't really expect the same outcomes but honestly any help is welcome! </p>
<p>Now for academic advice, I've always been a very good student, Mostly A's and 1 or 2 B's the entire year. But I have been slacking lately so what are some good tips to get back on track? I haven't bought school supplies yet so maybe suggest something I should buy that could help? I'm not sure if it's too early to think about college so maybe some of you might dismiss this and tell me to just enjoy hs, and I will definitely haha but my main goal is to do good in school. All my classes are ap classes, and I am already taking algebra 2 and am 1 year ahead in Spanish, which is great because I can start French early in 10th grade. Other than that everything is pretty average, I'm in band and was asked to join marching band but turned it down because I didn't really want to? My band teacher still wants me on the marching band even though I missed all the practices? Do any of you think I should do it or focus on something else? </p>
<p>Anyway the only thing I'm worried about are extra curricular activities, I'm in Beta Club and band but other than that I'm not doing much. What do you guys think of this? Should I join more clubs and sports? Obviously I'll only join clubs and sports that interest me but what do you guys suggest? Are extra curriculars that big a deal freshmen year? </p>
<p>Hopefully this wasn't too long! Anyways thanks in advance for any replies and advice! (:</p>
<p>High school is really what you make of it. Make sure to go in with a good attitude, and you’ll see some good results! As for study habits, high school (at least for me) was where I kinda had to stop with the procrastinating. Procrastinating may seem like a good idea, but it lowered my quality of work which was unacceptable. As for social aspects, try and make a friend who maybe does some of the things you like do, or is in your classes. Branch off from there! A lot of people are looking for new friends in high school. Please don’t start to stress about college this early, trust me you have plenty of time. Just maintain those good grades! Try and keep good relationships with your teachers as well. I think there’s a class of 2017 thread you can join as well, and I’m sure they’re be happy to have you.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Honestly you really brightened my mood, thank you! I was very anxious about friends but from what you said I feel much better and am looking forward to making new friends! The procrastinating is something i’m struggling with but i’m sure i’ll get better at focusing more, anyways thanks for the reassurance, and thank you for suggesting the thread!</p>
<p>Joining clubs that interest you will help you make friends with similar interests. You don’t need to overwhelm yourself with extracurriculars – just do you. I know many people on this forum may do like 10 clubs, but you can be fine with just 2! Do however many you feel comfortable with and only stick to the ones you like.</p>
<p>One of the best ways I made friends was joining Student Council. It was also one of the best extracurricular activities of my four years in high school and it is the only reason I loved high school as much as I did. If you like school spirit, I’d probably suggest you to give it a try! </p>
<p>I’d suggest for you to relax your first year and just try to transition into high school first but keep up your grades. In your second year, you can start doing some research but don’t stress yourself out! I’d say focus on it a lot more when it comes to junior year.</p>
<p>Just keep your grades steady, keep your extracurriculars steady, and try to figure yourself out! High school is a really fun time if you try to have fun and I’d feel bad for my classmates who stressed out during freshman year because they were already thinking about Harvard. </p>
<p>I’d also suggest you to to surround myself with motivated and passionate people. I’ve started doing that in college and oh my goodness! It makes the biggest difference in your work ethic. I’ve procrastinated like 90% less by hanging out with people who also do their work early, hahaha!</p>
<p>To become less shy, I would just go to ECs you like, be friendly there and make friends with those people. I also made friends in my classes by speaking in class and working with different people for the inevitable group projects. You’ll be in all AP, so you’ll likely meet people who are similarly academically inclined. </p>
<p>About your ECs…I’d suggest you not worry too much about them now. Try different things out - does your new school have a club fair? Go to your classes and realize which subjects * really * interest you and see how you can take them further. Say, if you’re really interested in human rights, you could start an Amnesty International Club, work up to hosting a conference or major event by your senior year and maybe do internships in the non-profit/HR area. That’s just one example, but I think colleges prefer this level of involvement in a few things to just clubs. Also, check out * How to be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport . If you don’t want to buy it, just read his blog - it’s got a lot of the same things. I like the book though.</p>
<p>Not addressing the rest b/c it’s been covered well. Good luck :)</p>
If you like school spirit, I’d probably suggest you to give it a try! </p>