26 replies to this topic

[EDA]

Hi everyone, I just had a few questions on High School, its a stupid topic, I know but I have been HS (home schooled) all of my life and I really don't know what to expect, today they gave me a battery of tests for placement. I will be let known on how I did tomorrow.
I am only 14 but I would be going into the 10th grade is there anything I should know?

Edited by EDA, 10 August 2004 - 07:48 PM.

[Alexthebeast]

14 in 10th grade? shit man you'll be 2 years younger than everyone else.

[Crankymonky]

Depends where he lives, some places only 1 year. High school, lots of people, fun, shit load of work over here, lots of pressure, straight edge, nerf, fun, work.

That work? And kids, be straight edge.

[ompa]

Hey, I was 15 in 10th grade... I'm still 15 and I'm going into 11th grade. Anyways, don't worry about it too much- As Okto said, lots of new people and such. Shouldn't be an enormous amount of pressure, if there's any, you should get used to it rather quickly. However, my view on high school is that it blows. I hate high school. Well, I think it's just because my school sucks. The people are all bastards and bitches, and well, it just overall sucks. However, good luck man. Hope you have a great time.

~ompa

[xedice]

My School: All your friends turn into pot heads and posers.

But if your homeschooled, you won't have that problem. Make friends and enjoy it while it lasts...

[reversedracula]

Don't be afraid to make friends. Don't feel you need to be in with the "cool crowd." Get en route to a good college if you can or start focusing on a trade if you don't care about academics too much. We had a kid at my college who came homeschooled all his life, I reiterate: just don't be afraid to meet new people... keep in touch via instant messenger... and don't worry about gossip generallly, unless it's a really small school. Get involved in any activities you like. If they only offer stupid ones, start your own. Good luck!

[CustomSnake202]

High school rcoks! Well, at least I like it. Sophomore year is a good time to enter high school. You have people who have been through freshman year and they can teach you the ropes. The reason I like HS so much is just because I got away from my grade-school, which sucked so much. But like everyone else has said, try to make friends right off the bat and get a good idea of what your in for. Good luck at high school!

[Mantis]

Go rent Dazed and Confused, then apply it to your situation.

[Alexthebeast]

I prefer Lost and Delirious

[neonerfer]

Try as hard as you see fit, you smell like a smart kid but just have fun. If the pressure of school's getting to you, go out and party, be sporadic. You're only going to be in highschool once and you can fuck up a lot before you get in any kind of serious trouble. Don't be intimidated because people are older or bigger than you, get out and meet as many people as you can, you'll be much happier. Get as many screen names and phone numbers as you can, the more people you meet the better the group you can find. I met my best friend through Live Journal, as well as dozens of interesting people at my highschool that I probably wouldn't have met. And since you're 14, make sure you find someone who can drive and befriend them, fast. Not having access to a vehicle during highschool is about as bad as it gets, you don't want your parents to have to drive you places. Just be yourself, be outgoing, and don't be afraid to just say "Fuck it all" and let loose when you need to.

Edited by neonerfer, 10 August 2004 - 10:40 PM.

[Black Wrath]

I find highschool to be the best days of my life.

Like neonerfer said, let loose, you only have one oppertunity to do this! Since you've been homeschooled, the whole classes thing is probably going to seem weird, and the days are shorter. You also can slack off, and catch up another time. I try my best to balance social and academic stuff, but social usually gets in the way. Make tons of friends, and get a few friends in 11th grade or higher. I'm secured with 4 people who can drive, so I'm good.

Highschool is a great time, try hard, but just have fun. Teachers don't care anymore, so it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to be a failure, or if you want to make something of your life. Just remember that most of the "cool crowd" ends up being the hamburger flippers that you see in the back of MacDonalds while you're the sales manager of a huge company. You really don't need to have a huge title to be popular... making tons of friends from different areas is a good way to go.

If you're well liked, you're good. Get on the good sides of your teachers so that you have an easier time with school, your workload get considerable smaller.

I love highschool, I hope you will too.

I can't believe you're 14 in grade 10 though. That's insanity. I'll be 15 in grade 10, turning 16.

Oh well, do what you can.

[wtrent10]

ugh, I'm freaking out about highscool too man, I havn't showed any of it.... but... really... I'm friggin nervous as f&#k! I mean... they throw pennies at the freshmans at our highscool... and I feel like its gonna suck.... but, I'm trying to keep an open mind about it. soooo... yeah.....

[Black Wrath]

ugh, I'm freaking out about highscool too man, I havn't showed any of it.... but... really... I'm friggin nervous as f&#k! I mean... they throw pennies at the freshmans at our highscool... and I feel like its gonna suck.... but, I'm trying to keep an open mind about it. soooo... yeah.....

Ha, freshman year wasn't that bad! My school isn't like that, people could care less. Then again, I look like I'm 16, so I didn't get messed with.

Oh well, schools are different, here in Canada it may be different from your system. I honestly don't know.

All I know is that highschool isn't a big deal unless you worry about it.

[VeggieBoy 3000]

Join a sports team... especially a fall sport because it'll give you a chance to meet people in the summer before school even starts. Even if you've never done it before just pick someting and go with it. I've met all of my best friends through sports, because I've been through tough games with them right next to me.

And get a few really good friends, maybe only 2 or 3, and stick by them, don't sell out because they'll stick with you too.

[ompa]

Yes, a sports team is essential. You meet alot of new friends and have a chance to garner some respect if you're semi-good or great at the sport.

~ompa

[ItalionStallion]

Im not the greatest at giving advice, but in your case I could help a little.

One thing, impressing people isn't the most important thing as people have said be yourself. If i was you i'd be quiet and let people approach you before you approach anyone else. You don't want to get blown off by some dude just because you said hi. Stay back and see how things work around there before doing something drastic.

Another thing thats kinda strange but can help. If you have hobbies (i hope) wear a t-shirt of your hobbies. That way if people have the same hobby as you they will approach you and go "ohh i like that too" that'll start a conversation up and im sure you should get a friend easily. Heck i know it worked for me. At my school people know me as that guy who likes wrestling. There are absolutley no kids that go to my school who like wrestling. Then one day a kid a knew wore a wrestling T-shirt and i approached him, we started talking and before we knew it we were friends.

[taita cakes]

Another thing thats kinda strange but can help. If you have hobbies (i hope) wear a t-shirt of your hobbies. That way if people have the same hobby as you they will approach you and go "ohh i like that too" that'll start a conversation up and im sure you should get a friend easily.

BA HA HA HA HA, i mean, wearing a "real men use plastic guns" top might be allright, but i know enough about the guys on these forums to know, that you must leave the LARP and Dungeons and Dragons tops in the closet guys. Simple as that.

By the way, i'm 15 and have about a year and a half 'till im finished, but i can take an extra year if i want. I'm in year 11, should be in year 10, skipped because of "nerd program".

Anyway, i actually approached a few people on my first day, and well, it was a lot better than those people huddled, shaking under a tree.

Edited by taita_cakes, 12 August 2004 - 04:44 AM.

[ItalionStallion]

What the fuck are you talking about? Things must be different in Australia, or the midwest atleast..

Edited by ItalionStallion, 12 August 2004 - 10:12 AM.

[Spaztic 75]

God, you people sound like those leaflets they give out durring health. Next thing you know you'll be telling him not to give into peer presure.

[reversedracula]

Peer pressure is stupid. You just end up buying crap you don't need or really care about, getting in trouble with drinking or paying through your nose for cancer sticks. Don't follow a trend unless you actually like it. Don't give in to peer pressure. Apart from doing enough to fit in to society enough to not be bothered by it, giving in to peer pressure is a great sign of insecurity and wimping out. Be a proud social deviant... just like everybody else.

[taita cakes]

ItalianStallion, what exactly are you questioning about 'our culture'?

Is it really surprising that people who wear, for example: star trek; D&D; LARP and other such quotes, logos, or one liners; are perceived as nerds. In fact, please, follow IS's steps to segregate yourself from any form of popularity.

Things are different in Australia, i'll admit that, but, its a universal rule, you've got to classes, jocks/the "popular but plastic" crowd, and the nerd/"who needs friends anyway" crowd. I'm sure im touching a nerve here, and i dont care, if i see another intelligent, decent human being settle for anything less than a couple of mates, i'm going to personally, fly over to America, and nerf your ass.

Make an effort. Theres nothing better than being able to organise a movie or outting with friends, and, *gasp*, women ....

I don't care who i've offended with this, just seriously, make an effort.

[avatarofanu]

Alright, here was my take on highschool.
Don't join a sports team. Trust me. You always get asses there that like to establish a pecking order. And as a homeschooled kid, you'll probably be lower on that level. Unless you're a big guy/really good at what you do. Then by all means, have fun.
Get a friend with a car if you can't drive. Pays off much.
Don't feel pressured like you *have* to get a girlfriend. I've had many, and they eat up money, end up treating you like crap (no offense to any females here by the way), and very very few high school relationships work. Along that same line, if you are going to be dating, don't go after a cheerleader or one of those 'traditional' hot girls. In my experience, they had too many emotional problems and too much baggage that you end up being either a nice guy who is nothing more than a tissue and a shoulder, or an asshole who she eventually breaks up with/you eventually break up with. And if you're going to go hitting on girls, there is a 'formula' that actually works on about 95 percent of highschool girls (took me about 3 years to get right). PM me if you want it. (In my defense, before I come off sounding like a complete jerk, I did do things in hs I was not too proud of).
Talk to people. Try to make friends where you can. And if you're having trouble, go to the drama department or choir or band (if you can act or sing or play). The drama club is normally full of freaks (that is not a derogatory term), but they are pretty nice and will accept most anyone. If you want more female friends, go join the choir - there is always a bonus to a 4 to 1 ratio of girls to guys. And band... well, I never got involved with band, but I always heard good things from my friends.
Find about 2 or 3 teachers whose class you do well in, and stay on good terms with them. You'll eventually need someone for good recommendations come college admissions time. Plus, it never hurts to have someone that might be willing to help you out with a 'get out of class free' card.
Keep up with your work. And this was my big problem, but don't get too cocky if you know more than everyone else. If that case arises (which possibly will because public schools do move much slower than homeschooling/private schools) offer to help people when they need it - another way to make new friends.
Sophomore year, take your PSAT's and Junior/Senior year, take your SAT's and ACT's. Take those at least 2 or 3 times to get the best scores you can.
Don't feel obligated to go to all of the dances the school holds. Most are seriously just a waste of money. Same goes for like sporting events and such.
Make sure to take all of those classes that the colleges you'll want to go to require as prerequisites. And along that same line, always challenge yourself, because that is the only way you'll actually get your mind to grow.
Be aware of the fact that you will have to deal with assholes and bitches. They exist in huge flocks in high school. Don't let them get to you and you'll be much better off.
And lastly, be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not, don't try to be what someone wants you to be. Adjust to your peers habits/lifestyles, but don't ever lose who you are.

One last point (and I apologize if this has been too long): even if high school sucks to no end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You graduate, get a pretty piece of paper to hang on a wall, and a couple of good friends that may stick with you for a while. And then you go to college where it is the same thing, only much much better. Most of the time.

Anyway, I hope I've helped, and I'm sorry if anywhere I came off sounding like an ass or cynical jerk.

-Anthony

[taita cakes]

As long as it was, i actually read that, and, agreed with almost everything there.

On the topic of the lay-dees, i used to have the same opinion [i was not cynic, but a realist] that high school relationships were worthless, and couldn't amount to anything. This girl pretty much through herself in front of me, declaring her love for me. I hardly knew her, and denied her once, twice, and thrice. I quoted the classic "teen love don't mean shiite" doctrine.

Basically, over the next few weeks we got to know each other more, and yesterday was our one month anniversary. It may not seem like much, but we both feel we could go on for eternity. We know what typical relationships are like, trust me,i've actually shot down tonnes of chicks, who were asking me, which is quite the reverse of tradition.

I dont know, the moral of this story could be to simply enjoy yourself. The other one could be to enjoy the best. Maybe possibly that you "only get out what you put in", i really don't know.

I pretty much agree with avatar there, his points are valid, and if in doubt, consult the multiple "women" threads on NHQ and here in off-topic. And, if it comes to it, ask C, or your local parent, *duh*, they are married you know.

Take a risk.
Tait.

[Black Wrath]

[snip]

Basically, over the next few weeks we got to know each other more, and yesterday was our one month anniversary. It may not seem like much, but we both feel we could go on for eternity. We know what typical relationships are like, trust me,i've actually shot down tonnes of chicks, who were asking me, which is quite the reverse of tradition.

[snip]

Take a risk.
Tait.

After 5 months with my girlfriend, I could say we feel the exact same way. I've been in only 3 major relationships, this being the 3rd, and the others were obvious failures. I kept one going for a month, and I realized that grade 8 really wasn't a time for me to get involved, and that I'd rather "flirt" with other chicks. Then the other one kinda hasn't died yet, it's very strange and will not be explained. The lesson here is that as Taita said, take a bloody risk. The greatest risk is not taking one. I took a risk when I first told my girlfriend that I liked her, and that I wanted to spend some more time with her, and now we're celebrating 5 months in 11 days.

I couldn't be happier. Now, I saw the point saying that you shouldn't be pressured to get into relationships, and that is very true. Emotional relationships aren't for everyone this early on, but I feel like my girlfriend has helped me through things that I wouldn't have made it through had it not been for her being there. I still suggest that you sit in the cafeteria and look around for people playing cards or something, and go ask if you can join in. Try to stay within your own grade when you do that though, you're already young.

I just realized that homeschooling has made you some local friends, but going to school is a huge fresh start, unlike most of us. I've kept friends from kindergarten (3-4 years old) all the way till now (14-15 years old) and we are still great friends. I just realized you don't have that. I will tell you that I met tons of my better, more noticable friends in class, by sitting with them and striking conversation; even if it's about how crappy the current work is. It seems to help by just letting go and being yourself, for yourself, and no one else.

Only one person touched on the academic side of things, and most of the information here is guidance on a social life. I won't get into academics, because I honestly don't know how I finish the year with and 84% average (A to anyone who uses the old system), and still manage to skip 12 classes and show up late for 30 classes every morning thorughout the year. I wouldn't use me as a role model trust me, but I guess my "gift" as tested by the Government of Ontario, makes my school life possible.

I'm told that if I actually try, I could be scoring 90%+ (A+ buds).

Just take risks, and make a good effort to have fun.

Edited by Xx_Black-Wrath_xX, 13 August 2004 - 01:00 PM.

[VeggieBoy 3000]

Taita, I'd have to disagree with the "universal two class system" of high school. I'm Captain of 2 sports teams (football and wrestling), but I am by no means a dumb jock... Actually I like computer stuff and I have a 4.0 and I play with plastic toy guns, which would make me more of a nerd, right? Oops, i guess your class system just died. I was even in the marching band one year!

Anyways, I hag out with a bunch of different types of kids, people I play sports with, and people who couldnt throw a baseball and hit the ground. MOST (not all) of my good friends happen to be on my sports teams because I spend so much time outside of school with them.

My freshman year I joined the wrestling team just for kicks, I had never tried anything like it before, and I sucked. I kinda started picking it up and worked at it though, and now I'm pretty darn good. I met my 2 best friends that I have because I took a chance at that team. Nobody put me in a "pecking order" because I sucked, because at least I worked at it.

Probably the most important thing to have in highschool though, which I haven't seen mentioned yet, is a good sense of humor. If you have a good sense of humor, people will like to hang around with you, and they'll like you. If you're depressed and bitter all the time, you'll just end up pouting by yourself in a corner. So, basically, be nice to people and try to be a person that people want to hang around with. Don't be a jerk or a whiner.