<p>Just to add on to what everyone said, I suggest that you use your freshman year as a jump start for your GPA. Freshman year is by far the easiest year, so take advantage of that. Get the best grades that you can, so that if you slip a little in your later years, it won’t be a big deal. Also, don’t talk too much during the first 10 minutes of class. Just sit down, prepare your supplies and notes for the class and listen to the teacher. I’ve quickly come to realize that the most important things that go on in class happen within the first 5-10 minutes. Don’t stop in the middle of the hallway and have a lengthy chit-chat session with your friends. Everyone will hate you and you won’t have enough time to get to your next class. Also, like notanengineer said, make a good impression on your teachers, because most likely, you will have some of them again as your AP teachers during your junior/senior years if you decide to take those classes later on.</p>
<p>By the way, I’m an incoming sophomore and I’m still learning :)</p>