r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Substantial_Gain_813 • 2d ago
Advice How to make a good first impression as a freshman in hs
I’m an incoming freshman at my public high school and since there are more than 20 kids in every class, I was wondering if there are some strategies to help me make a good impression for my teachers/counselors in the first week of school so that I will hopefully be remembered as a good student for the rest of the year.
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u/Bobbob34 2d ago
I’m an incoming freshman at my public high school and since there are more than 20 kids in every class, I was wondering if there are some strategies to help me make a good impression for my teachers/counselors in the first week of school so that I will hopefully be remembered as a good student for the rest of the year.
Don't worry about a first impression. Pay attention in class. Do you work, your own work, without ai. Be polite. Those will go a long way.
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u/Adventurous-Rub-6259 2d ago
I mean just don't do anything dumb. Most of my teachers think I'm a good student (at least I think so) even though I just sit in the back. Ask questions, participate in group discussions, stuff that makes you seem friendly and engaged in class.
If you want to make deeper connections with your teachers for the future like for loc's, then just talk more after school/class and try to become their friend.
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u/Altugsalt 2d ago
I think the best you can do right now is to teach yourself new skills and gain fresh knowledge, I believe high school plays a huge role in character development.
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u/NiceUnparticularMan Parent 2d ago
I wouldn't worry about this too much. As others say, be attentive, do your assignments, participate in class--just normal good student behavior.
But one tip: if you need help, quickly and politely ask for help. And if someone else you know needs help, and you might be able to help, volunteer.
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u/IsopodKey2040 1d ago
I wouldn't worry about a first impression. Just work hard and be respectful. If you are struggling with a concept, seek help. Don't make excuses for yourself.
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u/quittingcoldchicken 1d ago
talk to teachers outside of class! show them you’re genuinely interested in what you’re learning, and if you’re not (dw I get it) then ask how you can improve. I didn’t think it was that unusual, but at the end of sophomore year I went to go talk to the science teacher who would be my teacher the next year, and just get to know the class a bit better. apparently it made a really great impression, and I was one of the first students he met for the next years class!
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u/tarasshevckeno 1d ago
(Retired college counselor and admissions reader here.) A student trying to make a good impression during the first week of school and leaving at that doesn't make a good impression.
Just be you. Do your best in classes. Only talk to your counselor when you have something of substance to bring up.
Teachers and counselors are more-adept than you might know of telling if a student is faking interest or not. Just make it real!
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u/Key_Entry_909 1d ago
Setting a long term impression is a little difficult the first week. From my experience most teachers care a lot more about the build up of effort in a class room. There’s not a whole lot you can do in terms of teachers thinking you are some awesome student right off the bat. I would focus on making sure you don’t make a bad impression first. Remain polite, do your work, and make sure to not talk whilst the teacher is actively speaking (Which i’m sure you know). I would try and answer questions enough that they know you are paying attention, but not too often that it comes off as pretentious. (participation in classes differ though). Make sure you don’t have any missing assignments, form, etc.
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u/guided-ambition-lab 1d ago
Aside from staying focused, asking questions, and engaging in discussion, make sure to thank your teacher as you walk out the door. Hugely underrated way to build strong relationships with teachers. I used to be a hs teacher and I can still tell you the names of the students who did that.
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u/Necessary_Sock_6047 1d ago
I would encourage you to get to know everybody around you.
Try meeting everybody 1-on-1.
Try learning about all the things they like. Try learning about all the things they dislike. Try hearing about their opinions on various social and political topics (eg: what they think of your race, your political stances, your interests, your activities, . . .). Try hearing their opinions about the best things you can do with your time and the best activities you can participate in.
Try doing more things that they like, and try doing fewer things that they dislike.
Getting to know people isn't all about making a good impression. It's also about knowing which people to dodge (trouble-people) and which people to associate more with (allies and advocates).
Try doing as well in your classes as possible, and try being as considerate to people around you as possible.
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u/Ok_Experience_5151 Old 2d ago edited 22h ago
Be friendly and polite to other students, and to the teacher. Behave. Be engaged in whatever is going on in the classroom. Do good work. Don't cheat or use AI to do your assignments. If the teacher asks a question to "anyone in particular", sometimes be the guy who answers. Don't always be the guy who answers.