1. Learn the School
Prior to the start of classes, many high schools offer an orientation to rising ninth graders. Take the time to explore the building – noting the location of your classrooms and locker, as well as the gym, lunchroom and school nurse and counselor offices, experts say. If you have your locker assignment, practice opening it.
Orientation also provides a chance to meet your peers and teachers.
2. Challenge Yourself
Experts advise students to pick classes that challenge them, but not to the point where it's overwhelming. To understand what type of load you can take on, consider the whole picture, including your home responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
3. Pick Classes of Interest
Freshmen usually have limited choices for their classes compared to upperclassmen. But to the extent possible, it's important to pick classes that interest you. Electives, for example, are a way for students to explore their passions or develop new skills.
4. Get Organized
Compared to middle school, high school comes with more assignments, tests, group projects and activities. It can be easy to lose track of deadlines, so find a way to stay organized, experts say.
Be sure to track important dates on an online or paper calendar or get a planner, for instance.
5. Connect With Upperclassmen
Some schools pair freshmen with seniors as part of a mentorship program. But ninth graders can also make the effort to connect with an upperclassman – like a friend's older sibling, a neighbor, fellow club member or teammate – on their own.
6. Stay True to Your Values
Students may face pressure to fit into a certain mold in high school. But don't let that dissuade you from sticking to your values and passions, experts say.
"Just being yourself is so incredibly important and powerful," says Stephanie Owens, executive director of Reach Higher and vice president of student advocacy and engagement at the Common App. "The middle school to high school transition is tough because you're figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Recognize that is totally OK."
7. Connect With Others Through Activities
High schools offer a number of activities throughout the year, including sporting events, concerts, plays and pep rallies. Attend these activities when you can – go with friends or use the opportunity to meet other students. You can also connect with peers by participating in a club, honor society or volunteering.
"Find a way to make the large school community a small one," Greer says.
But don't just join a number of clubs to boost your college application, as it can lead to burnout. Instead, find a select few that you're interested in. College admissions officers "are going to know that you just did them because you were checking off boxes," Owens says. "So be intentional about how you're using your time."
8. Build Relationships With Teachers and Staff
As soon as the bell rings, students are generally in a hurry to leave the classroom. But instead, take the time after classes to get to know your teachers and counselors. Developing those relationships can ease the transition and be helpful in the long run – especially as students start to apply to colleges.
9. Prioritize Your Mental Health
The coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the mental health of many teenagers and young adults. Thirty-seven percent of students at public and private high schools, for instance, experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 report. Female and LGBTQ high school students were more likely to report feelings of sadness or hopelessness within the last year than their peers.
10. Be Present
Some students enter high school with their eyes already on college. But stay in the moment and make the most of your four years in high school.
"If you have a bad day, remember a bad day only lasts 24 hours," Sherrill says. "It's a moment in time and then you go on. Enjoy your high school career. Figure out ways to make it fabulous."