Freshmen Guide to High School

1. Be involved in extracurricular activities.

Joining clubs can help you meet new people and get out of your comfort zone. When I was a freshman, I did not know where to start and what clubs interested me. I thought about what clubs matched my interests.

Explore Maui High clubs and activities!

I chose to join the Math Club, Science Club, and HOSA. Math and Science Club allowed me to gain more knowledge and test my abilities in competition, which were both individual and collaborative in team rounds. I went to practices for both clubs, and I learned new facts about science and how to solve math problems. HOSA helped me gain confidence by offering opportunities to show my knowledge and be active in the community through volunteering. From my experience, participating in extracurricular activities can benefit your resume as well as enhance your communication and social skills.

2. Think about what you aspire to achieve.

High school is a time to navigate interests and choose a desired pathway for the future. Knowing what you want to do will help you decide the appropriate classes for your future career. If you aim to attend college, try to take some challenging courses to better prepare yourself for college. When I started to take APs and dual credit classes, I was hesitant at first because I thought I would not have enough time for homework, extracurriculars, and personal errands. At the end of it all, I learned time management and how to balance school and life.

3. Study for standardized tests, such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

It’s never too early to start practicing for standardized tests. To help you know where you are, take a practice test as a diagnostic. You can buy practice books, such as from the ACT or Collegeboard for the SAT and PSAT, online. If you do not want to purchase a practice book, some websites where you can access practice tests for free could be on Chalk Talk for ACT and Khan Academy or CollegeBoard for PSAT and SAT. It’s okay if you don’t have a high score initially. You still have time to improve it. In order to be successful in getting the score you want to achieve, you should be consistent in your studying.

Keep in mind, however, that colleges don’t just look at your academic performance and standardized test scores. They also look at what you do outside of school, which brings back to why being involved in extracurriculars is a good idea.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy high school.

Above all the stress of academics and extracurriculars, don’t forget to spend time for yourself and with family and friends. Get to know your teachers and develop a close bond with them. From my experience, freshman year flew by so fast. I can’t believe I am a junior now. Make your freshman year the foundation for your high school successes so that once you leave after four years in high school, you will have a legacy for others to remember and even follow.

After following these tips, you will feel accomplished and leave freshman year with a good standing.