Starting High School Strong: 5 Habits That Will Set You Up for Success

You only get one first year of high school.

The grades you earn, the routines you build, and the relationships you form this year will follow you to graduation—and onto your college applications. That might sound like a lot of pressure, but here’s the good news: small, consistent habits now can make the next four years smoother, less stressful, and even more fun.

Here’s how to make the best start to your high school journey.

1. Your Transcript Starts Now

Freshman year is when your official academic record begins. Every grade you earn from here on out will appear on your transcript—and colleges will look at all of it.

That’s why it’s important to take every class seriously, even the ones that seem easy. Think of this year as the foundation of a house: the stronger it is, the more secure the next three years will feel. Also, most high schools have minimum grades students need to earn to be eligible for Honors and/or AP courses, and it can be hard to move up without doing well early.

2. Create a Routine That Works for You

High school means more moving parts—different teachers, after-school activities, homework, and tests. Without a plan, things can pile up quickly.

Find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it. Set aside consistent times for homework, activities, and downtime. A strong routine now will help you avoid last-minute scrambles later—and it will make junior year (when the workload gets heavier) so much easier. Most students I work with tend to give themselves at least a 30-minute break when they get home from school before diving into homework. 

3. Review Your Notes Every Day

Even if you don’t have homework, spend five minutes looking over your notes from the day.

This tiny habit pays off in a big way: it helps you remember new material, spot questions before a test, and makes studying far less overwhelming.  Even if it doesn’t feel like much, future you will thank you during finals week.

4. Ask for Help Early and Often

If something doesn’t make sense, speak up—sooner rather than later. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a skill.

When you reach out to a teacher, you’re not just improving your grade—you’re building a relationship. Those relationships can lead to better feedback, more support in class, and even strong recommendation letters when it’s time to apply to college.

5. Try Something New

High school is the perfect time to explore. Whether it’s joining a club, trying a sport, or picking up a new hobby, every experience counts.

Colleges love to see students who take initiative and explore their interests. It’s also okay to pivot from something that you are no longer enjoying, so don’t feel like you have to stick with the new activity forever. However, you might discover a passion—or even a future career path—you didn’t expect.

The Bottom Line

Starting high school strong isn’t about perfection. It’s about setting habits today that your future self will thank you for—habits that make school less stressful, help you feel confident, and open more doors when it’s time to think about college.

So take it one step at a time, stay curious, and remember: this is just the beginning of your story.