Collage by Beth.

Collage by Beth.

A while back, we asked readers starting their sophomore year of high school what advice they wish they’d been given before their freshman year. Many of you Rookies came through with guidance that will hopefully help incoming freshmen feel a little less nervous (maybe even kinda excited?) about the first few weeks of high school.


One thing I wish I’d been told before starting my freshman year is that everyone grows at their own pace. I spent the majority of my freshman year hating myself because I wasn’t doing some of the interesting things other people my age were doing. Other people I saw on the internet were doing really cool things and discovering themselves, while I found myself sitting in my bedroom thinking, Dude, why can’t I just be like them? It took me until April to realize that not everyone can do the same things, and it takes time for people to find themselves. Some just find themselves sooner than others, which is fine and it doesn’t make you boring because it takes you time.

Another thing I wish I’d been told: It’s totally fine talking to/making friends with new people. I barely spoke to people I didn’t know last year, which I regret tremendously. Staying with one group of friends can be nice because you know them and you’re comfortable with them and you love them, but also it’s like, you only experience them, leading to a lack of diversity in your life, which can get annoying. Experiencing all different types of people is super dope, and I think is kinda necessary. —JeNaya, 15, North Carolina

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Don’t get the backpack that is the cutest or the trendiest. Get the backpack that looks durable and will fit all of your things with room to spare. That cute and cheap backpack will most likely fall apart before the second semester like mine did, so it’s better to invest in a sturdier backpack that can handle the weight of your stuff. Bags from JanSport or the North Face are popular at my school, but any brand that makes bags with good straps and proper padding will do. And don’t forget about packing an emergency kit for all those little day-to-day mishaps! I packed an old makeup pouch with two pads/tampons, a few hair ties, painkillers, lip balm, etc. It can be a real lifesaver if you’re on the go. —Lauryn, 15, Michigan

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Don’t stress out about it too much. Keep your friends close, and do the best you can in class. REMEMBER THAT GRADES START TO COUNT THIS YEAR. I honestly forgot that all the time last year, and will probably do the same this year. Just try to have fun and be yourself. And if your school offers a dance class as a P.E. credit, take it. Taking gross, regular P.E. instead of having fun in dance is my biggest regret. Join clubs and take electives surrounding things that interest you. Try to make the most out of this year, because if you don’t, you might regret it. —Ana, 15, Texas

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Freshman year stands in my memory as the most nerve-racking to enter. I think in most cases, girls don’t know what exactly to expect from it. It’s the start of high school, which means a new building, new faculty, new kids, and a new you. And that’s just the thing: It’s a new you. While it’s scary being in such a new environment, the best advice I can give you is to adapt the best you can. Realize that your friends are going to change. It can’t be helped. But change can be the best thing. It can allow you to shape yourself into who you want to be, not who the people around you expect you to be. I’m sure you’ve heard people tell you this before, and I can promise you it’s important: Try your best in your academics. This will be the first year you take finals. Save yourself from the stress and get good grades. That way the grade you get on your finals won’t make or break your chances of passing because your year averages were a safety net. I can’t stress enough how important it is to join as many clubs and/or sports as you possibly can. In the end, freshman year isn’t all bad. You can make a lot of new friends and learn so much about life. —Star, 15, Pennsylvania

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My advice is to be as decent and polite as you can to people, especially your teachers. If your teachers like you, chances are they will be much more forgiving when grading. Also, never assume the worst about people based on reputation or who they hang out with. You really don’t wanna be making enemies that early on in high school! Good luck and you will survive. —Emily, 15, Michigan

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It’s understandable if you want to try to be friends with everyone, but don’t get too upset if the upperclassmen don’t want to hang out with you. Did you want to hang out with the seventh and sixth graders as an eighth grader? That’s how they feel. —Leighia, 15

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Don’t be afraid to talk to older kids at your school! Most of them are more than willing to be your friend despite the fact that you’re younger than them. Have fun! —Allegra, 15, California

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When I started my new school I was told: Go in with a smile, be nice to absolutely everyone, and don’t be afraid to initiate conversation by yourself. It sounds a bit [dorky] and scary, but I promise it works. GOOD LUCK. —Bridget, 14, New Zealand

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Before starting high school, the advice I wish I had been given was that there’s very little to stress about. All you need to do is work hard, have nice friends, and join a few clubs. The thing I regret most was that I procrastinated too much, and I think I could have gotten better grades if I had not pushed the work back until it was two in the morning. You should try to surround yourself with good people, people who work hard and who are friendly. If these aren’t the people around you, I think you’re better off alone, honestly. Personally, I loved being alone most of the time, and I never felt lonely. It’s important to feel comfortable being alone, it’s a strength. I think you should join a couple of clubs. I didn’t join any clubs last year, but I’m going to join art club and track this fall. Joining a club will probably help you meet new people and make you look better on your record. Finally, don’t stress too much. It’s freshman year, and you shouldn’t kill yourself over a couple of mistakes. Just work hard to make yourself proud. Before you know it, freshman year will be over. Good luck! —Rachel, 15, New Jersey