It goes without saying that it is incredibly important to stay on top of academics. The grades that you receive your freshman year set the stage for your entire high school career. They, in large part, will dictate where you will go to college. Getting good grades during the first year of high school will determine what kinds of classes you can take in later years. Higher level classes such as interesting electives and Advanced Placement courses require superior academic performance from day one, so make sure to hit the ground running. Even if you do not think that college is the path for you, employers and especially the military still place a particular importance on grades.

One more point on academics, while paying attention in class and developing good study skills are key, do not dismiss the importance of time management. No amount of class participation will make up for evenings spent ignoring assignments or homework hastily finished on the bus ride to school. That sort of behavior will only lead to missed work, and playing catch-up in high school is no easy task, in fact it should be avoided. Just stay on top on assignments as they come.

Success in high school is not just based on academic however; it requires a balance. Therefore it is critical to get involved in a sport, club or other school activity and to have a positive group of friends who will be there to help and support you when you face some kind of adversity.

So as you begin high school in the coming months, remember to strike a balance between academics and everything else. You will be glad you did and, in four years, will surely be pleased with the results.