hey. well, i'm getting ready to go into high school. and i'm sooo scared. i'm scared about all of the upperclassman, but the most thing i'm scared of is the work. i know it will be much harder. and i get soooo nervous on tests and stuff, and i'm really scared for finals. i HAVE to graduate. i can't fail. what grades do you have to get to pass classes? can it be an A,B, or C? cause i always thought that if it was D or lower, you couldn't pass your class. in middle school i always got A and B's, but i don't know how, cause i never really understood the work. and i don't remember stuff very well, so everything that i learned in school, i probably won't remember a lot of it. i really don't want to go to high school. on a scale of 1-10, how hard is the work?? i'm not smart, but i'm not dumb eathier.lol. and, i can't figure out my schedule at all. i've asked my cousin,and i'm going to ask my sister when i see her, but i've already asked a couple of my friends, and they don't know eaither. what do i do?!?! i'm freaking out right now! please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks!
Don't worry about the upperclassmen. The stuff you see in the movies, about the seniors torturing the younger kids... well, that's pretty much just in the movies. In reality, the upperclassmen are too worried about their own grades and social lives to concern themselves with the freshmen. And if they actually do notice a freshman, it will probably be to take them under their wing and help show them around. Of course, if a freshman comes in all cocky and acting like they own the place, the older kids may want to knock them back into place... but you don't sound like that kind of person, so you have nothing to worry about.
As for the work... yes, it does get harder, but no worse than when you went from 6th to 7th grade, and 7th to 8th grade. Your teachers know what you've been taught in middle school, and your freshman classes are designed to go just one step beyond that. It's not a huge jump.
A couple tips for doing well in class:
Any time you have a choice of where to sit, always try to get a seat in the front row, or as close as possible to where the teacher stands. That will force you to pay attention! When you're right there in front of the teacher, it's not as easy to chat with your friends, doodle or daydream... you have no choice but to pay attention. And paying attention in class makes a HUGE difference!
Ask lots of questions and participate in class discussions as much as you can. This not only helps you learn the stuff, but it also gets you brownie points with the teacher. Keep in mind that your history teacher, for example, really loves history! That's why he/she became a history teacher in the first place. And as you know, we all tend to like people who share our interests and seem interested in the things we like. Teachers are no different. If you show a real interest in their subject (even if you have to fake it), the teacher is going to like you. And that can work to your advantage when they're grading your papers!
Now, you didn't mention that you're worried about what to wear, but in case you are, here's a tip: see if you can get ahold of last year's yearbook, and take a look at what everyone was wearing. I did that when I moved to a new school and it was really helpful.
advicer answered Tuesday July 31 2007, 9:15 pm: Honestly, high school isn't that tough, work wise. If anything, I thought it was a bit easier, minus a class or two. But that's different for everyone. It will probably be a bit tougher than middle school, but nothing you can't handle.
I got A's and B's as well, and I pretty much maintained those grades my freshmen year.
At my school, getting a D is still passing. You need an F to fail. If you get A's and B's now, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. If you fail a class, you can still graduate though. You'd just have to take summer school for a while.
The upperclassmen honestly couldn't care less about you, in my school at least. I don't think many schools are different. They might try to make it sound like they're going to torture you and all that, but once you get there, nothing. It's also nothing like on TV. Just don't think you're all cool and try to be best friends with all the seniors. Like the other person said, they'll just hate you for that.
Hmm. On a scale of 1-10...I'd say..maybe a 4.
All the other freshmen will be running around trying to find their classes too. At my school, there were signs, so I never got lost. Your school may be different though. You might be able to go around the school a week or so before school starts and just walk around. That's what I did and it did help. Have your sister show you where your first class is, then you can ask that teacher how to go to the next class. Teachers will also be lenient if you're a little late. They give you about a week until they start giving detentions, some even don't, as long as you're not too late. It just depends on the teacher though.
Keep your grades up all year, so incase you don't do so well on the final, it won't totally kill your grade. Start studying a few weeks in advance. I didn't do too well on my finals, but I also didn't study as much as I should have. Study, and you'll be fine. Also, do your homework. I passed science and math in 8th grade [yes, I know this is high school, but it still applies] because I did my homework. I didn't understand a lot of the material. I still got B's in those classes.
Remember- ask questions when you don't understand something. Teachers are there to help you. Stay after or before class if you need too.
When your sister comes home, I'm sure she'll give you really good advice, since she's experienced it already at the same school you're going to. You'll be fine. It's not bad at all. It can be the best years of your life, or the worst. I'm sure it'll be your best though. Good luck! If you have any more questions, don't be afraid the ask me :) [ advicer's advice column | Ask advicer A Question ]
Cux answered Tuesday July 31 2007, 7:52 pm: R-E-L-A-X!
You'll be fine. The more you freak out- the worse you'll do. Every high school is different with requirements/work load. At my high school- failing is getting an E- which is the equivalent of an F- which is for Failure. So if you get a D, that isn't failing. To pass- you have to get a D or above. If you want to know for your school- you'll probably find out when you get the school policies and code of conduct with your planner/agenda/handbook.
I can probably help you figure out your schedule if you post in my inbox.
The work really depends on your classes. Are you taking honors/AP classes? If so- the work will probably be a little tougher than your other classes. If you pay attention and keep up with lessons and ask questions if you don't understand something- you will succeed. If you don't understand something- but don't want to feel embarrassed in front of your classmates- you can ask the teacher for help after class or after school. They will help you if you ask. They don't bite =D.
If you have trouble studying- maybe get a group of friends together for a study group. Studying with friends is actually very helpful. If you all know parts of a topic in your class- then you probably know all the information as a group- so if you don't understand something- maybe your friend can help.
If you have a test on Friday- don't wait for Thursday to study for it. Cramming for tests and quizzes is NOT smart. Start studying on Monday. If its for Math, for example, study one concept on Monday for 30 minutes, another on Tuesday for 30 minutes, another on Wednesday for 30 minutes, and review it all for 40-45 minutes on Thursday night. When you're doing homework or studying, make sure to take frequent breaks. If you try to sit down and do homework for 5 hours straight, you'll be stressed and overworked. Take a break every 30 or 40 minutes. Get up- do some jumping jacks, get a drink of water, do something just to get off of your feet for about 2-3 minutes. This way- you keep alert and you'll feel less stressed.
All in all- if you work hard, pay attention, and ask questions [remember- no question is a dumb question- except some on here- not yours!]- you will do absolutely fine.
I was a freshman last year- and I have to say.. it was one of the most scary things I've EVER experienced! I was thrown in the trash can on the first day and it was horrible. Some kid even had to go to the emergency room! It was the WORST first day of school of my entire life! I almost didn't go back!
Haha- so hopefully you didn't take that seriously- because it really wasn't like that at all. I always play that trick on people who ask this question. C'mon- I gotta have a little fun! High school is NOT scary. It actually is a lot more fun. You have more freedoms than middle school and you can take REALLY awesome classes. If you have to chance to take a Speech class- DO IT! You think it will be the dumbest class ever and you'll be really bored- but you get the chance to get really good at speeches- and you'll learn really awesome things! When you get to be a Junior/Senior- take AP and Honors classes- these will impress colleges and they will want you to go to their college if you do well enough on them.
People may tell you that Freshmen year doesn't count for anything- so slacking off won't matter until you're an upperclassmen. This is wrong. Colleges will look at your cumulative GPA- and that includes your freshmen year. Don't slack off; you'll regret it later.
Just to debunk the rumor- There is NOT a "Freshmen Friday". Sure, this used to exist back in the 60s and 70s, but it doesn't anymore. Any school that actually still does it will probably end up getting sued by a bunch of parents. So most don't do it. Chances are, your high school won't do it.
Here is my list of DOs and DON'Ts:
Do:
-Do all of your homework.
-Make new friends [some old ones will naturally just fade away] and do this by just starting up simple conversations with people- and it will eventually lead to a great friendship. Ask someone you may want to get to know for a pencil in class.. that's a classic. Sit with new people at lunch.
-Ask the teacher for help if you need it.
Don't:
-Don't talk to seniors.. they most likely DON'T like you. The won't give you any respect.
-Don't wear revealing clothing- seniors will automatically hate you.
All in all- if you just be yourself- you'll be fine. If you have upperclassmen in any classes- you'll get to know them over the course of the year- and you may end up meeting some really great people. I know that some of my best friends I met at school last year- and most of them were 10th grade or older. Not all seniors hate you- some will be welcoming- but just assume the worst in them, at first. After awhile- you'll know who to avoid and who to warm up to. You'll be fine. Don't worry.
partychick101 answered Tuesday July 31 2007, 7:33 pm: High school is really no big deal.
I know each school is different, but i'll give you the basics of where I'm from:
Upperclassmen: really no big deal. just don't be annoying & stupid. and seniors, yes they are usually allowed to jump the lunch line.
Passing Grades: it may be different there but you can pass the class with a D here.
Work: personally I don't think it got much harder. sure it's a bit more work but as long as you try your best you should be fine. a lot of teachers here grade for complete homework not correctness.
Taking notes: helpful. usually if the teacher takes the time to put it on the board- its bound to show up somewhere on a test or quiz.
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