Advice for High School Freshman

After mentioning the potential of High School Advice posts in my last Sunday Spiel, I received many comments requesting that I post about the topic! I am so excited to share some of my advice and tips that will hopefully benefit some of you girls who are apprehensive and uncertain about high school or school in general. While I have broken this up into different grades, I see many of the tips blending seamlessly throughout the years of high school and even middle school or college!

I am no professional when it comes to giving this advice nor am I trying to be so take these tips how you would like to and apply them to your life if you please! Like I said earlier, this is geared toward Freshman Girls however could really work for any age group!

I have not yet written any advice for other grades so these posts will come sporadically and maybe I will make a video about it as well but if I decide to I will make sure to add in the link!

Instead of just typing advice, I thought it would be more fun to present it in a more visually appealing manor. If you like these tips feel free to pin the image or print it out as a reminder to yourself! Now for the explanations...

(1) Make Good Grades:

I promise your mom and dad have not hacked my blog with hopes to brainwash you into doing well in school! I do in fact advise you to get on top of your grades from the get go! Your freshman year of high school is the first year of grades colleges will see when they view your transcript once you apply to college as a senior so make them stellar and a positive first impression. While transitioning into high school may seem difficult especially if you are going to a new school surrounding yourself with new people, but your freshman year is going to be your easiest academically so it is important for your grades to reflect this. If I could do High School again, I would go back to Freshman year and try harder to make higher grades. My freshman year grades definitely are my lowest over the years (not that they are low, As and Bs) and I really recommend getting your GPA up when it is easiest to do so!

(2) Try New Things:

While lots of people consider college as a time of discovery I think that High School can be a great time for this as well! You never know what hidden talent you may discover or what activity you may begin to love!

(3) Begin To Think About Your Resume:

Your resume is what you will be sending to colleges when you apply and it is a great way to show your wide range of interest and involvement which can benefit you as an applicant. My advice t you is to begin thinking about how to build yourself as a candidate but do not join things for the sole purpose of boosting your resume! I becomes a member of the sports teams I love, I got involved with clubs that interest me, and I began my involvement of both blogging and the Smart Girls Group. All of these activities are things I love and I just so happen to be lucky enough that they show variety and uniqueness when looked at as a candidate of a college. By getting involved in a few great organizations and staying committed in them instead of joining 20 different clubs and not being so committed you are showing you persistence and commitment to groups you love!

(4) Be Social But Not Clique-y:

Have close friends and be social but don't be clique-y. It is as simple as that! Leave the cliques in middle school and be inclusive. If you have ever been the new girl then you know how hard of an adjustment that is and hopefully you realize the effects of being kind and friendly may change that girls entire experience as the "new kid." With that being said, do build close bonds between friends you can really trust and rely on because they will be the ones encouraging and carrying you through High School. Also, by being kind and sweet to everyone you are less likely to get involved with drama as long as you are being genuine, and no drama is a good thing!

(5) Make The Most Of It:

Being a freshman may not be the most appealing experience ever, but do make the most of it! Yes in sports teams you will be the one carrying the gear and cleaning up but all of the girls ahead of you went through the same thing at your age and it isn't that bad! This year can be really fun socially and it is the easiest academically so enjoy it!

(6) Learn How You Handle Stress Best:

This may not seem like a pressing thing to do at the time but you will be thankful later on if you go ahead and discover this! By doing this freshman year when your stress level is low, you will be better off in the future. Whether working out, taking a short nap, or painting your nails distresses you, then figure out when to step back, take a breathe, and engage in one of these activities.

(7) Get Organized:

Y'all know this is one of my favorite things to do (I mean you are hearing this from the Smart Girls Guide Organization Station article writer) and I highly recommend you jump on board with this from the get go. School work will be completed so much faster if all of your assignments and notes are easily accessible and arranged!

(8) Don't Change To Impress Others:

People changing just to impress others is one of my pet peeves! People will like you better if you are yourself and not trying to be someone else. No one likes a copy cat or a shadow so define yourself and embrace who you are! Don't be afraid to be different and unique if that is being yourself!

I really hope this advice helps any girls who are freshman or who are apprehensive about their freshman year! I really enjoyed writing this post knowing that it will be beneficial to others and their comfort level. I will have more posts like these up for different grade/age levels but this advice can really be applied across the board! I know I wish I knew some of this stuff earlier on but I am so happy that by experiencing some of these things then I am better able to share my advice with y'all!

Let me know what you think, it would be greatly appreciated!

dWa

Do you have any advice for freshman year? Please share below!