Starting high school may seem overwhelming to you. It's hard to transition from middle school to high school. Here are some guidelines that may make this easier and help you succeed:

Academics

• Take courses in English, math, history, and science.
• Expose yourself to a foreign language course (if offered at your school)
• Learn your study habits and develop them.
• Think about taking summer school to get ahead; find out what classes are available for you to take.
• Start thinking about possible classes for your freshman year of high school
• Research the different academic programs offered by your high school (ex: honors program)

• Think about possible organizations/sports that you would like to participate in.
• You don't have to be in every organization, limit yourself to a couple that you will enjoy.
• Explore different opportunities that you high school has to offer.
• When trying out for a team, failure is not the end of the road. Just because you didn't make the team this year, doesn't mean that you can't make it next year. You can ask to practice/work out with team in order to develop your skills or you can always ask to be an assistant to help out the team in any way.
• If you're not interested in any activities that are available to you, speak with a teacher in regards to starting an interest club of your own.

• Set a budget. Decide what's most important to pay before you spend your money on personal items.
• Start saving money for college.
• Keep in mind that's school is more important than maintaining a job.

• Remember that your parents are always there for you to talk about the rapid changes in your life at this time. Although they might establish boundaries for you, they're only looking out for your welfare.
• Communicate with your parents more often. Neither of you will always be correct, but if you work together you can find a solution that's best for both of you.
• Choose your friends wisely!
• Be your own person; develop your own opinions. Don't fall into peer pressure! No one else can know who you truly are. Only you can define your true self.