Advice to Freshies

Sparkler dannydoesntrun824 has some really great tips for people who've recently begun their high school careers. Enjoy! —SparkNotes Editors

Welcome, freshman! You’ve survived the first few weeks of school and should give yourselves a pat on the back. I understand that many of you are a little frightened—or maybe you’ve already adapted and totally love high school.

Either way, I’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts for your freshman year so you don't end up shouting "Go Class of 2013!" in a room full of seniors. I’ve asked around and this is the what the majority of high school students say are the most important things to know. So sit back, chillax, and be prepared to get coached in the ways of high school.

Rule #1: Do not make upperclassman angry

This rule is crucial. Last year you were the kings and queens of your middle school and maybe even poked fun at the scrubs (do they still call it that?), but this year, you are the scrub. You’re starting at the bottom, and believe me, there is no way to climb to the top before senior year. Don’t try to be cocky with seniors; they’re eighteen, they’re ready to get the heck out of here, and they don’t want to be bothered by some freshman who thinks he's all that. Plus seniors are four years older, which, if you can’t do the math, equals the ability to kick your butt.

Rule # 2: Join a lot of clubs

Not only does participation in school activities look amazing to colleges, it also helps you get out of your bubble and make new friends. A club could turn into a passion, and you meet really cool people. It's always a good idea to have a variety of friends. You don’t want to end up being that kid who doesn’t know what to do with herself when her best friend is absent.

Rule #3: Never ask sophomores or juniors for directions

Know your school. In February when you begin new classes, I hope you know where they are. Sophomores and juniors are notorious for misguiding naïve freshman. If you ask a sophomore where room 320 is, you’ll end up in the field wandering around the gym. And when Mr. Johnson yells at you for ditching, you’ll helplessly mutter something about "that lying jerk." Bottom line: ask teachers and/or seniors for help.

Rule #4: Don’t tell your friends about teacher crushes

You might get that hot young English teacher who makes you decide you want to be a writer because he/she is that good (looking). Refrain from telling your friends how adorable you think Mr./Ms. X’s smile is—it will come back to haunt you.

When it comes to crushes, friends are there to do two things: make you feel uncomfortable and make your crush feel uncomfortable. So just don’t tell that big mouth Sally how dreamy Mr. X’s eyes are, and you can spare yourself the sound of annoying giggles whenever he calls on you in class.

Rule #5: When a friend tells you something alone, assume it’s a secret

Nothing is more embarrassing than blurting out, “So how long have you and Sara been dating? Really? That’s weird. I wonder why she has a notebook full of pictures of you if you’re not dating. Oh wait, that’s why she told me when no one else was there.”

The girl blushing bright red in the background—that’s Sara. If you’re not sure whether something’s a secret or not, treat it like it is. It’ll save many friendships.

Rule #6: Refrain from texting, tweeting, and other annoying habits

We know you have the new Blackberry and it's “totally amazing” but please don’t start texting your boyfriend/girlfriend in the middle of a conversation with someone or when you’re out with friends. Nothing is more annoying and rude than that one person who spends the entire night texting. And when you’re with your friends, you don’t need to tweet that. You have no idea how frustrating it is to have a discussion with someone when he/she all of a sudden pulls out a phone and begins with those annoying habits.

Rule #7: Become friends with a few juniors

Sophomores are only a year older than you and aren’t packed with information. Seniors are busy applying to colleges and getting ready to live up senior year. Juniors are freaking out. Here’s how I see it: seniors want to get their work done and have fun. Juniors just want to make it to senior year alive. Eleventh grade is by far the most stressful year, but these stressed out students can help you. Juniors can provide a lot of information about colleges, and you'll have them around for another year. By the time you’re juniors, they’ll be freshman in college. It benefits you stay in touch with them as they provide you with info on college life and can be helpful with personal questions. An added bonus: by the time you become really close to them, you'll be sophomores, and they’ll be seniors (who’ll have cars). Do you see where I’m going with this?

Rule #8: Enjoy it

Freshman year takes some time getting used to but once it's gone, it's gone, and you don’t get a break until third quarter senior year. It is the easiest year you will have here. So sit back and chillax because after this year you won’t be able to do so for another three.

Good luck!

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