It’s your first week of 9th grade, and you’re officially a freshman. Why is everything so different from middle sjchool? Why do I feel so overwhelmed? There’s an immense change in the amount of homework. There’s no one constantly behind you telling you to work, concentrate, and stay on task. This change can be overwhelming for many, but you’re in luck, because this is your guide to surviving high school! 

Students experience several changes during these four years, so it’s best to stay prepared. Such changes are adjusting to a new environment, adapting socially, and navigating academic differences. 

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with so many changes. A study done on 252 high school students has shown that there was a significant decline in their academic performance. There was also an increase in their depressive symptoms since leaving middle school. This information varied depending on the gender and nativity.

Expectations are Key

Freshman normally struggle with keeping their grades up, challenging classes, and adjusting to a new social life and environment. High school is the start of independence, and many students do not expect this at first. This becomes an overwhelming change for them. We have to remember to be on task, develop better study habits and time management skills, and be responsible.

Five of the most important things to remember for an easier transition are as follows: practice time management skills, set personal goals, explore personal interests through CCA’s, communicate with teachers and your counselors, and learn how to manage your stress. 

A few ways to manage your stress are keeping a personal journal, getting enough sleep, and making time for yourself. Writing out your feelings in a journal is a way to arrange your thoughts and relax. Lack of sleep can result in you being tired during the day, so try to avoid pulling too many all-nighters. Lastly, overworking yourself and not giving yourself any “me time” or breaks can lead to more stress. Keep that in mind. 

“There will be thunderstorms sometimes, but wait a bit, and remember that a blue sky comes again.” –

Ralf Peters, US Counselor

Remember that even if hardships come your way and if you power through, you’ll see the light again. Counselors are extremely helpful when you are struggling in high school, so make sure to check out this article to learn about the importance of counselors!

How to Prepare Academically for School

There are many ways to adapt to the academic difficulty when it comes to high school work. A few tips:

• Use planners and agendas;
• Create a study schedule 
• Set reminders
• Find good note-taking strategies (that work for you)
• Seek help and advice when you need it (from teachers, tutors, etc.)
• Practice orginization
• Set goals
• And most importantly: Take breaks!

It is important to take breaks because breaks boost your energy levels, increase productivity, your ability to focus, as well as your mental health and well-being. 

Adjusting to this new busy schedule, finding a good study tactic, managing all your homework, and staying organized may feel challenging, but as they say, practice makes perfect.

Other helpful tips would be to get to know your teachers and to build a good relationship with them. This will be very helpful as you will be able to communicate regularly when in need of advice and aid (and you might be able to get yourself a letter of recommendation in the future).

Navigating Social Life and CCA’s at School

An exciting (but nerve wracking for some) aspect of entering high school is being able to make new friends and join various co-curricular activities. In lower school, you don’t have as much of an opportunity to make friends outside of your classmates as much as you do in upper school because there is a wider variety of co-curricular activities; however, in high school there are many more options for you to choose from when it comes to your CCA’s. 

Not only are there more practices for WAISAL sports (which are volleyball, basketball, football, and volleyball), there is also a wider range of activities and opportunities. In middle school, you only have WAISAL sport practices when your sport is in season; however, in high school you have practices each week. This allows you to explore what it is you are truly passionate about and what you want to do.

Participating in CCA’s allows you to interact with people from different grade levels, and to make new friends as you go along. You need to be able to and learn how to step outside of your comfort zone, and joining various clubs and discovering what it is you like and what it is you dislike is an incredible way to do so. Finding hobbies and things that interest you help you grow exponentially.

During high school, your brain continues developing, which leads to discovering your identity. Many students feel the need to fit in, even if it means changing their true self. 

Peer pressure is real and it’s very easy to succumb to it, but you have to learn how to handle it. Stay true to your values and beliefs, regardless of what others may say or do about it. Learn that it is okay to say no, find supportive friends, and stay true to your values and beliefs. 

Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few things you should try to avoid to make your high school experience easier and more enjoyable: not asking questions when stuck, neglecting your mental health, and overworking yourself. 

As a student, you can get really embarrassed to ask questions in class because of your fear of being judged or criticized. However, you need to know that if you’re lost and confused, you cannot hesitate to speak up because if you don’t, you will lag behind and you will not be able to learn. 

Asking questions will  help you understand better, and shows your teachers that you are engaged. Nobody expects you to know and understand everything, so don’t be embarrassed or afraid to ask questions. 

Do not overwork yourself; working continuously for hours without breaks will leave you constantly fatigued and unmotivated. Remember to take time for yourself.

Finally, make sure to not neglect your mental health and  maintain a healthy school-life balance. Studying is  important, but so is having some “me time,” going out with your friends, and exploring personal interests. 

Finding this balance reduces stress in the long run.  If you start feeling overwhelmed and lost, reach out to counselors, friends, and family members. Do not bottle up your stress as it could lead to mental health problems later on.

In the end, you’ll see that high school is like a rollercoaster ride: you’ll be terrified at first with all the new emotions and work, but before you know it, you might just enjoy your time. You’ll find yourself surrounded with new exciting aspects of your life (except for all that homework) and make the most of it!