September marks the start of a new school year, and for students transitioning from middle school to high school, it's not just about adjusting to a new social environment and academic rhythm. They also have to take on heavier academic responsibilities, while demonstrating greater autonomy in time management and self-regulation.

High school comes with more assignments, academic tests, and hands-on activities. Students will also face more challenging courses that align with their advanced interests. They will need to develop closer relationships with teachers and counselors.

"As high school requires a higher level of independence," says Rashante James, assistant principal at Bryan McMahon High School in Connecticut.

Here are 9 expert tips, covering academic planning, mindset adjustments, and life management, to help students successfully navigate this crucial stage.

9 Tips for High School Freshmen

01. Get Familiar with Your School
Before classes officially begin, many high schools organize orientation events for freshmen. Take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus environment. Pay attention to classrooms, lockers, the gym, cafeteria, school nurse's office, and counselors' offices, so you can easily find them when needed.

If there’s a locker-related task during orientation, practice opening it to avoid wasting time later when school starts. Additionally, orientation is a great time to meet peers and teachers, breaking the ice before school begins.

02. Create a Balanced Schedule
Experts recommend choosing challenging courses during the course selection phase, but it's essential to find a balance. Avoid overloading yourself with too many advanced courses that may lead to burnout. “Some students opt for honors or advanced courses, but without balancing their schedules properly, they may end up overwhelmed and stressed,” says James.

Finding the balance between challenging courses and ones that align with your interests is key. Electives are a great opportunity to explore personal passions, learn new skills, and broaden your capabilities.

03. Prioritize Attendance
Attendance is crucial for high school students. As Stephanie Nelson, counselor at Ganna Magnet High School in North Carolina, points out, “The more time you spend in school, the more likely you are to develop a strong relationship with teachers and improve your grades.”

She adds, attending classes regularly sends a message to teachers that you’re serious about your education. However, it's important to consider students who may face attendance difficulties due to cultural, family, or work-related issues.

04. Stay Organized
Compared to middle school, high school comes with an increased workload and more frequent tests. Students will also encounter group projects and have more opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. It’s essential to use an online calendar (like a smartphone app) or a paper planner to record important deadlines and daily or weekly tasks to stay on track.

05. Connect with Upperclassmen
Some schools pair freshmen with upperclassmen to help them adjust to high school life. Freshmen can also take the initiative to connect with upperclassmen through friends, community members, or by joining clubs or activities.

Nelson suggests, “Upperclassmen often advertise events and invite freshmen to join their clubs or projects, which is a good way to meet new people.”

06. Participate in School Activities
High schools offer a wide variety of activities, including sports, music performances, theater shows, and assemblies. Participating in these events is not only a great way to spend time with friends, but also to meet new classmates from different grades. Joining clubs, honor societies, or volunteer programs helps build connections and integrate into the school community.

Nelson emphasizes that joining school activities is not just about building your resume but also about finding a sense of belonging within the school.

07. Build Relationships with Teachers and Staff
After class, students often rush out of the room. Instead, they should take the opportunity to talk with teachers or counselors during free periods or study time.

James says, “Students can easily approach teachers by asking, 'I have a study period. Can I come by and ask questions or go over some material with you?'” Building these relationships will not only help students in their academic journey but can also support them in their future college applications.

08. Prioritize Mental Health
According to a CDC survey, the proportion of high school students who report feeling sad or hopeless has increased from 28% to 40% between 2011 and 2023. Female students report these feelings at a significantly higher rate.

Experts recommend that students who experience emotional distress should not hesitate to seek help. Many schools have mental health resources, such as counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who can provide support.

James adds, "If students feel uncomfortable talking to school-based counselors, they can speak to a trusted adult or doctor. If left unresolved, emotional problems can hinder academic performance and lead to avoidance of school."

09. Stay True to Your Values
Entering high school can bring peer pressure to fit into certain social groups or adopt specific behaviors. Experts stress that students should not let this pressure derail them. It’s important to stay true to their values and pursue what truly excites them.

“Be your authentic self,” says Rahsheem Hollis, assistant principal at Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School in Delaware. He advises freshmen to focus on their personal preferences and principles, think about the kind of friends they want, and identify the qualities of a “good friend.” Only then will students find genuine, healthy friendships.

For high school freshmen, it's crucial to continuously improve themselves while maintaining a positive mindset, building their resume, and striving toward their dream college.

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