What is High School Actually Like? What Senior Girls Wish They Knew Before Freshman Year

By: Rhea Roy

TLDR: High school is exactly like High School Musical, coming from someone who graduated last year. I truly mean it when I say that the actual transition from middle school to high school is nowhere near as bad or scary as you think it is!

It is easy to let the internet or TV shows convince you that freshman year is going to be a total nightmare... But as someone who just walked across that graduation stage last year, I am here to tell you that the jump from middle school is actually a massive upgrade. To prove it to you, I’m breaking down the exact questions I wished I had the answers to before my own first day.

Is High School Harder Than Middle School?

The biggest change you will notice right away is the academic freedom. In middle school, teachers constantly remind you when assignments are due. In high school, your teachers expect you to keep track of your own schedule and homework.

While the classes do get more advanced, seniors say the real challenge isn't the difficulty of the work, it’s how you manage your time. You will have more long-term projects and cumulative tests that require studying a few days in advance rather than cramming the night before.

Tip: Make a to-do list on your notes app! Writing down your assignment due dates the day you get them is the ultimate hack to keep your stress levels low.

How Hard Is It to Make Friends in High School?

Making friends in high school is easier than it seems, the only real trick is being willing to make the first move. Everyone's hoping to find their people, and the person who says hello first is usually the one who ends up setting the whole friend group in motion. 

Remember that in high school you're surrounded by kids from schools and neighborhoods you've never crossed paths with before. Since everyone is starting this new chapter together, most people are just as eager to meet someone new as you are. So don't be afraid to branch out! 

Does High School Actually Go By Fast?

Yes, it absolutely does. So enjoy it as much as you can! The individual days might feel a little long when you're sitting in a tough class, but the weeks and months absolutely fly by. You get to experience so many incredible "firsts" from high school dances to late-night study sessions with your favourite people.

But as fast as it goes, remember that high school doesn't define your life at all! If you don't find your absolute best friends in the first month, or if you change your mind about what clubs you like, that is completely okay. These four years are just a small, exciting chapter of your story, not the final destination.

High school is a fresh start. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the new routine, ask for help when you need it, and remember that every single freshman is just as nervous as you are!