Everyone wants to be the coolest kid in school. Some believe that the cooler people are the ones who don't do well in school, are jocks, the prettiest, the most social, has the most friends, etc. But you can do well in school and be the coolest guy in school.
I myself have many friends. I hang out with everyone, which makes me very popular. I hang out with all the pretty girls, I've made some really good friendships with them. So much that a lot of guys joke around that I go out with the prettiest girls, which are really just my friends. But the most important thing is that I make great grades. Which of these grades looks like they would be mine, based on what I have told you about me so far:
Set 1 Set 2
89 99
94 97
91 100
87 99
You may be thinking that both of these sets are pretty good. Well which one did you pick? If you said set 1, well then you are absolutely wrong! Set 2 is actually my grades for my first semester of high school (I am currently a freshman). You are probably thinking that I am either lying about my grades or about my friends, but I am telling the complete truth about both.
So now that you know about me, let me try to help you. Let's start by talking about how you will make friends. Simply just talk to them. Yep that's it. You have probably heard that you should always be yourself. Well, I believe that. When I say be yourself, I don't mean to be your hyperactive, bouncing of the wall self. Or you shy self. I mean don't pretend to be something that you are not. Walk up to the person and introduce yourself (not in an annoying way). Ask them what they like, and when you find out something that you both enjoy, then talk about that. People like other people that like the same things they do. Keep doing this.
Now that you have, hopefully, a lot of friends now, you have to learn how to keep those friends. This is very easy, simply continue to talk to them, not be annoying, or give them a reason to hate you. If you see them in the hall, stop and chat, even if for a few seconds. Remember if it's in the hall in school, then you don't want to be late, so don't chat for too long. Also try to hang out with them on the weekends. Go to the movies, hang out at the mall, go out to eat, whatever you can think of.
Remember to always try new things. Is there a school club you are interested in? Is there a sport you like, but don't want to try out? Well triumph your fears (if any). Clubs and sports are great ways to meet new people and make new friends. I found that the school band is a great way to make friends. After all, most school bands make up about 10% of the school's students. Band also offer great and fun opportunities, such as going on trips to local, state, and even national competitions. You go on these trips with your friends, so you are guaranteed to have a great time.
Of coarse you can't forget about your studies. I myself tend to not need to study often. I believe this is because I always exercise my mind. I am always asking a question to myself, and trying to find an answer. I also like to do things such as crossword puzzles and riddles. I find that these will keep your mind sharp, making it a lot easier to learn.
Always pay full attention in class. This really helps in math and English, which have rules that if you learn, you can do it without any trouble. Other subjects may require some studying, depending on the class and whether or not the teacher goes over all the material. It is ok to talk in class, just not in the middle of a lecture where all the important information is usually taught.
However, if you still have trouble with a class, try studying a little harder. If that doesn't work ask someone that knows the information well if they can help you. The teacher is a good example. However, sometimes the teacher may be too busy, so that's when you go to a tutor. They should straighten things out.
Follow these guidelines, and you should have many good friends, and be successful in school. But most importantly, you will feel good about yourself.
