Tips for Incoming High School Freshmen

Journalist: Alia Xu | BC

Starting high school is an important life milestone that comes with all sorts of emotions - excitement, stress, and anxiousness. You’ve probably heard all kinds of stories about the high school experience of your friends, parents, and siblings. However, yours will be entirely different. Even though entering high school may seem nerve wracking, remember that almost everyone easily adjusts within a short time. To make the transition from elementary to high school even smoother, I’ve compiled some tips from my own personal experience to make your freshman year one of the best years of your life.

1. Don’t be afraid to get involved.

When I entered Grade 8, I was terrified of the new faces and classes I would encounter. However, looking back, I wish I started participating in extracurriculars right away. Schools usually will have a clubs day or clubs fair in September, giving you an opportunity to explore what your school has to offer. By involving yourself in activities that you are passionate about, you demonstrate long-term commitment, and you’ll be able to meet new people who share the same interests!

2. Be open to making new friends.

In all seriousness, your friend group will change from elementary school. People will branch out and make new friends, leaving some old ones behind. Don’t let this discourage you, however, and be open to making new friends and meeting new people. By presenting yourself as someone who's approachable and outgoing, you’ll make your freshman year one to remember.

3. Do your homework and don’t skip class.

Freshman year grades will still count towards your overall high school GPA. Even though you might not be thinking about college yet, you will be in just a few years. Don’t be fooled into thinking that skipping class is the way to go - you’ll regret it in the long run!

4. Stay organized.

Get into the habit of writing down your deadlines and giving yourself enough time to work on projects before the due date. If you can, I’d recommend getting a planner to stay on top of things - this is one of my biggest regrets of my freshman year. By finishing things well ahead of the due date, you give yourself time to relax and do what you enjoy. Life isn’t all about school!

5. Don’t forget to have fun!

While grades and extracurriculars will now matter much more than they did in elementary or middle school, high school can still be on the greatest experiences of your life if you make it out to be. Always keep a positive attitude and continue to pursue what you enjoy!