What advice would you have given your freshman self?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

To those who have already graduated or in their senior year, what advice would you have given your freshman self?

2

I think my kid would say work hard but stop worrying so much and get off this site.

3

Take more honors classes, and try to take AP classes sooner. Focus on grades from the get, and take SAT IIs as soon as you finish the relevant class.
Join clubs & extracurriculars in 9th grade, and start pursuing internships/jobs so you have work experience. Do community service.

4

Beware the toga party, give yourself more than 12 hours to write a paper, and show up to all classes.

Ahhh, and: Open-book exams tend to be harder, not easier.

5

Honestly, my answer to these questions is always “Nothing I would have listened to at the time.” Having a toxic ‘best friend’ can do that to you.

6

Explore your interests, stop trying to impress everyone because a) no one cares, and b) you aren’t that cool, and appreciate the education you are receiving.

7

treasure bob bc he dies

8

Try to take the SAT/ACT as early as you can because you may not do so well the first time.

9
  1. Stop getting caught up in the drama of high school cliques and popularity. Just spend people with the people who really care about you and who you really care about.
  2. Don't be scared to say no.
  3. Don't be scared of failure. Try out for things that you are interested. The worst that can happen is that you don't get in.
  4. Remember the important things in life. You might get caught up in the stresses of school, but never neglect your health or your family/support network. Appreciate all the people who love you, because they won't always be there. Take care of your health; you only have one body.
10

Start learning from your teachers. Not just going to class, but actually learning from them as people that have experienced a lot in life.
And seriously, stop worrying about college! It will all work out in the end.

11

People aren’t looking at you and judging you as much as you think they are.

12

Ask that guy/girl out.

13

Prioritize studying first, then play. Otherwise, you might wake up at 3am to finish homework.

14

Just a heads-up: #3 is advice I would have given myself as a freshman in college…

(I just now realized, reading other responses, that this thread is part of the High School Life section…)

15

I don’t know if anyone else has this issue, but don’t be intimidated out of ECs because of your lack of knowledge or experience. You won’t be a freshman forever. At this point in your life, you can start pretty much anything and become good at it without being “behind.”