Earn Good Grades

• Practicing diligence in schoolwork is one of the most important tasks for freshmen. Colleges and universities take a student's cumulative high school grade point average into consideration when deciding whether or not to accept the student. Because the cumulative grade point average includes freshman year grades, homework and classwork should be high priorities every day. Earning good grades during the freshman year of high school increases the possibility of being accepted into a post high-school education program.
  
  

Familiarize Yourself with Teachers and Administrators

• Getting to know the high school's teachers and administrators is helpful during freshman year. A guidance counselor guides students from year to year regarding the classes they need to take and the activities with which they should be involved; they also are available to offer counseling needed throughout high school. Building a good relationship with teachers shows them a desire to do well in school and opens opportunities to receive extra help in the classroom.
  
  

Get Involved with Extracurriular Activities

• Involvement in extracurricular activities on campus helps freshmen adjust socially in high school. Joining clubs on campus, involvement in school politics or trying out for a sports team helps them meet new people and make new friends. Involvement in high school sports helps young people develop self-confidence and self- esteem, eventually helping them perform well academically.
  
  

Practice Time Management

• New classes and involvement in extracurricular activities demand that freshmen learn to manage their time well. Learning time management and organizational skills during the freshman year sets a good foundation to remain organized and responsible regarding time throughout the academic career. Using a student planner to keep track of social events and homework can help freshmen stay organized. Maintaining a well-organized binder or notebook for each class helps to keep track of notes and foster good study habits.