Whether you’ve just moved to a different state or changed schools for another reason, starting a new high school can stir up several emotions, and understandably so. You’ve left old friends behind and now have to navigate an unfamiliar environment with fresh faces. A change like this takes time to adapt to. On the bright side, adjusting to a new high school is absolutely possible. 

The thought of making friends and discovering new activities can offer something to look forward to. Explore some tips and tricks to help you settle in and adjust to your new high school in this guide.

What to Expect at a New School

Before we get into the tips for adjusting to a new high school, it’s essential to understand some of the challenges you may encounter as you navigate this change. Instead of seeing them as challenges, you can start approaching them as growth opportunities from which you can learn and become better. Let’s walk through some changes you may need to adapt to:

• A sense of unfamiliarity: Where you’re coming from, everything was familiar — from teachers and peers to the playgrounds and classrooms. It’s normal to have mixed emotions about starting over in an unfamiliar environment. But what if it’s only the start of something beautiful? Thinking of this transition as a fresh start can help ease some of those nerves you may be feeling. Take comfort in the fact that your old school was once new, and you adapted just fine. In the same way, this new school can also become a place you love with familiar people and places. 
• Difference in curriculum and teaching methods: Your previous school may have had a different curriculum and teaching methods compared to the current one. This change requires adapting to new and possibly better learning experiences than the ones you are accustomed to. Intentionally leverage all the support your current school has to offer to help you get settled.
• Mixed feelings: It’s absolutely normal if one minute you feel excitement about the first day, and the next, you feel the nerves hit — you may find yourself thinking about how to find your way around, introduce yourself in front of the class, or even speak to classmates. Talk to your parents or trusted friends about how you’re feeling. Above all, you should take one step at a time, reminding yourself that these mixed feelings usually subside with each passing day. 
• Difference in routines: You should expect routines different from the ones you’re used to. Thankfully, they will only be new for the first few days, weeks, or months. Soon, these routines will become part of your everyday life.

6 Tips for Transitioning to a New High School

Start seeing your new school as an opportunity to experience a different chapter of life with new friends and exciting adventures. Below are some tips to adjust to a new high school. 

1. Stay Present 

It’s normal to want to pick up the phone at every chance you get — it may be a way to hold on to the familiar and stay in touch with old friends at your former school. However, attempting to escape your current reality will not ultimately benefit you. 

Being on your phone all day long may send the wrong message to people who want to have conversations and help you integrate into your new school. The last thing you want is for people to assume that you’re not approachable because you’re constantly scrolling on your phone. Remember, the goal is to make the unfamiliar familiar. Now is the time to be present in your real world. 

2. Take Time to Familiarize Yourself 

Regardless of the size of the school, it’s essential to become familiar with the environment, preferably before the first day. If your school has a map, use it to your advantage. Make a note of the locations of all the places you’ll be required to be — from classrooms and restrooms to the cafeteria and gymnasium. Use the maps until you’re familiar with the different locations. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your class schedules and general school policies before getting started.

3. Be Open to New Friendships

Making friends takes time and intentionality. It may not happen immediately, and that is OK!  Whether you meet them on your first day or weeks in, the right friends can enhance your high school experience. 

Here are some quick tips you can explore for making friends: 

• Be proactive: Don’t shy away from starting conversations with people you meet. You never know what great friendships can form just because you said hello. Ask questions to get to know the people you meet, and always be yourself.
• Join a club or team: One of the many benefits of joining clubs or teams that interest you at your new school is that it gives you a chance to meet new people with similar interests. 
  
• Use lunch to meet new people: Look for welcoming groups or individuals when it’s time for lunch. Use this time to get to know new people better. 

4. Take Advantage of Counselors and Other Support Systems 

If you’re having trouble adjusting to a new high school or need support in any areas, don’t be afraid to seek help from your teachers and school counselors. They have the resources to help you with difficulties you may encounter as you settle into new routines. 

5. Ask for Help When Needed

No one expects you to understand everything, like the curriculum and teaching methods, on the first day of school. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Adapting to these new changes may require you to step out of your comfort zone and ask for help from teachers and peers. You’ll be amazed at how willing people are to help you adjust.

6. Stay in Touch With Old Friends

While the goal is to make the unfamiliar familiar, you can still keep in touch with your friends from your former high school. Let them know how your new school is and how the transition is going. Sharing a good laugh with them can brighten your day and theirs, helping you stay positive throughout the day.

Begin School With Confidence With Insight Education

Moving to a new school can be an emotional experience. By taking the proper steps, you can adjust to your new high school and make friends. Remember, good things take time. Always maintain a positive outlook and approach each day with an open mind. 

If you need help adapting to a new curriculum, our expert instructors at Insight Education can provide you with one-on-one tutoring and support tailored to your unique needs. We have flexible tutoring lessons available online or in person at our office in Cupertino, California. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and discover how we can assist you in building a strong academic foundation.

As you near the end of high school, a lot of pressure surrounds you to choose a college major as soon as possible. At Insight Education, we understand that the college major selection process takes time. Follow the strategies below for practical tips, insights, and resources to help you make an informed choice.

The Pressure Is Real (and It’s Okay to Feel It)

Having an undecided college major can come with lots of anxiety and stress. You may be thinking that everyone around you has it all figured out, but the truth is, you are not alone in your uncertainties. Finding the college major for you is a journey, not a destination — it’s okay to take the time you need to decide what aligns with your interests, strengths, and career aspirations.

Going Beyond “What Do You Like?”

While many major quizzes and tests will focus on passions, we recommend identifying your skills. The major you should choose will highlight your natural talents and abilities, so explore majors that leverage those skills.

Create a skills inventory listing everything you’re good at on a blank paper or an online document. Include everything — big or small — to gauge what categories you can excel in. For example, people with more creative mindsets may prefer the arts, while analytical individuals may be more interested in STEM fields.

What Do You Not Want to Do?

Sometimes it’s easier to identify what you don’t want to do. Instead of scouring an overwhelming list of options, flip the script and focus on eliminating options. Consider your career values and lifestyle preferences to discover some non-negotiables about yourself.

Do you prioritize a work-life balance? Are you a fan of traveling, or would you rather stay in one place? What are your thoughts on desk jobs? List five things you absolutely don’t want in a potential job to start narrowing your career path options.

Get Your Feet Wet

Try jumping into a field you are interested in through internships, job shadowing, volunteering, and informational interviews. Real-world experience will guide your decision to better visualize yourself in this field in the future. As a bonus, these opportunities create great resume builders, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Find and make the most of these opportunities in your area as soon as possible to start exploring fields you’re curious about. We recommend contacting three professionals in these fields for an informational interview. They may also be able to point you in a helpful direction for real-world experience.

Receive College Admissions Guidance With Insight Education

You can trust Insight Education when choosing a college major. Our college admissions counseling programs will help you narrow your college major choice and apply for summer internships that match your academic interests. Your counselor will walk alongside you throughout the process and is here to answer any questions you have.

Over the years, we have helped thousands of students overcome college major anxieties. Schedule an initial consultation with us today to get started on your future.

A strong letter of recommendation can serve as the push institutions need to accept your application. With the number of highly qualified applicants, this letter can provide more insight into your edge, who you are, and what you can offer. However, not everyone can recommend you wholeheartedly, which is why you need to select the right people. This article can serve as your ultimate guide on how to get strong recommendations.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation

A strong letter of recommendation showcases your strongest qualities and helps institutions know you better outside of your transcripts and resume. The more detailed the information, the better. Generic letters are generally considered weak.

Here are some achievements to highlight when seeking a recommendation letter:

• Best courses, highest grades, and overall grade point average
• Top attributes and how you’ve demonstrated them 
• Extracurricular activities you’ve participated in
• Volunteer work or relevant work experience
• Notable hobbies or special interest projects
• Improvements you’ve made along the way

When to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

You should give people two to four weeks to write your letter of recommendation. It takes time to write a strong letter, and a good recommender will likely need time to think about what makes you a great candidate. Give them a deadline so they can manage their schedule. If you need a letter of recommendation on short notice, you can still ask for one in the time that you have. However, the more time your recommenders have, the more thoughtful your letter will be.

Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Your recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows you well academically or professionally. They can easily identify the qualities that make you a strong candidate. They can also write specific accomplishments, such as a brilliant paper you wrote, and why it stood out from the rest of the class. 

Recommenders can be your: 

• Teachers or professors with whom you’ve built a relationship
• Guidance counselor whom you’ve conversed with about your goals
• A supervisor who has seen your growth at work
• A coach or club advisor who has witnessed your great performance
• A leader in your volunteer group who has worked with you firsthand

If you believe that there isn’t anyone who knows you enough to write the letter in detail, consider scheduling a meetup with your prospects. Talk to them about your goals and prepare a “brag sheet” that lists your key accomplishments. 

Note that the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) highlights counselor and teacher recommendations as important factors in admission decisions.

How to Get a Letter of Recommendation

To ask for a letter of recommendation, follow these steps:

1. Ask for References in Person

It’s common courtesy to ask people for recommendation letters in person if possible. This also helps you get a good idea of whether they are confident about doing so and can craft a strong recommendation. Avoid asking people who seem hesitant or unsure. Some people may not be comfortable writing recommendation letters, and the reasons may not be personal to you.

An institution may require two to three letters of recommendation. Having backup options can be a good idea, but you need to ensure that supplemental letters are acceptable to the institution.

2. Prepare Your “Brag Sheet” or Resume

Your brag sheet contains your relevant experiences that can help your recommender write your letter. Even if you’re asking someone who already knows you, the brag sheet can still serve as a good reference and reminder of your accomplishments. If you’re applying for an internship, your resume should highlight your achievements and might be a suitable replacement for a brag sheet.

3. Send a Formal Letter of Request

Send a formal letter of request through email and include your brag sheet or resume. Customize this email for each recommender. You should also provide more details about your goals and the purpose of the recommendation letter. 

Here are some examples of information to share with your recommender:

• Information about the school, scholarship, position, or opportunity you’re applying for
• Your relevant skills and accomplishments
• Why they’re the right person to write the letter
• Any requirements they should know about
• The letter’s deadline
• How to submit the letter of recommendation
• Instructions for reaching you with any questions

4. Follow-up on Your Request

If your recommender has not submitted the recommendation a week before the deadline, you can politely follow up and ask if you can offer more information to help them complete the letter. In some cases, they could have forgotten the deadline or lost your information in their inbox. That said, you should only follow up once. If you still don’t receive confirmation from them, it’s time to move on to your backups.

5. Thank Your References for Writing the Letter

After your references have submitted their recommendation letters, thank them for their time and effort through a personalized email. You can also inform them later if your application has been successful and tell them how they played a role in that success.

Why a Letter of Recommendation Is Essential

You may be asked for a letter of recommendation for:

• College applications
• Scholarship applications
• Internship or job applications
• Volunteer opportunities
• Special programs or honors
• Transfer applications
• Personal statements or portfolios

These recommendation letters are essential because they help institutions get a glimpse of your strengths, personality, and whether you’re a great fit for their community. Assuming all applicants have high grades, recommendation letters will include the information that can make you stand out.

Common Mistakes in Letters of Recommendation

Although you can’t control what your reference will write, there are common mistakes with recommendation letters that you can avoid on your end.

Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting

When asking people to write your recommendation letter, avoid:

• Selecting someone who doesn’t know you well: You’ll need someone who can speak positively about your abilities and provide specific examples of how you showcase your strengths.
• Asking too many people at once: Remember that some institutions strictly limit the number of recommendation letters to accept. You should also be selective when choosing your references.
• Waiting until the last minute: Rushing the request can lead to generic or poorly written letters. If you don’t have two to three weeks, ensure you provide sufficient information for your reference to write a thoughtful letter despite the time constraint.
• Failing to provide context: Inform your recommenders about details of the program, job, or scholarship and why you’re interested. Indicate the qualities or achievements you want them to highlight to ensure your letters align with your goals.
• Disregarding formatting requirements: Ensure your reference understands the formatting and submission requirements of the institution you’re applying to.

Mistakes to Avoid During Follow-up

After you’ve made the request, there are a few follow-up mistakes to avoid:

• Neglecting to follow up: The first mistake is not following up at all. Even if you’ve informed your references of the deadline, a polite follow-up can be a helpful reminder. This also helps you avoid rushing a letter at the last minute.
• Ignoring the importance of gratitude: Failing to thank your recommender after they’ve submitted the letter can damage your relationship. Always express your appreciation, whether in person or through email.
• Forgetting to update recommenders: Inform your recommender about the outcome of your application to keep them informed. This shows that you value their support.

Prepare for the Future With Insight Education

Since 1999, Insight Education has been helping students and families with their college admissions journey. If you need help creating a standout request for your recommendation letters, we offer personalized and comprehensive guidance to craft a compelling application to your dream school. If you’re ready to get started, request an initial consultation today.

It’s that time of year- the countdown has officially begun! 

The first day of school is just here, and for those students entering their freshman year in high school, this is no ordinary first day of school. The first day of high school marks an important life transition in so many ways. How is it that so much can change in just a few months between eighth-grade graduation and the beginning of high school? Students who once felt that they could commit to memory every deadline and exam date often find that they drop the ball on small assignments, forget to study for an upcoming test, or encounter unforeseen conflicts between schoolwork and extracurricular commitments. These experiences speak to the accelerated pace, significantly heavier workload, and emphasis on inquiry-based learning that students encounter in high school.

In this month’s article, I will offer some key suggestions and words of advice to students and their families in navigating this exciting and challenging transition.

As students enter high school, my hope is that they approach the challenges they face with what I like to call a “growth mindset.” This approach to learning is based on the research findings of Dr. Carol Dweck at Stanford. Dr. Dweck’s research has shown that students who attribute their academic successes to hard work and persistence perform better in the long run than students who attribute their success to being “smart” or “talented.” Indeed, contemporary neuroscience tells us that the brain is more like a muscle that gets stronger when we exercise it. Students who have a growth mindset are not afraid to try hard problems and fail because they understand that, like lifting weights, exercising their brains is what builds intelligence.

The growth mindset approach underpins another important transition students will face in high school. My colleagues and I have observed that many of our students at the high school level struggle with critical reading, both on standardized exams and in the classroom. As students learn about literary devices, syntax, and essay structure, I find that many students mistake the elements of good writing for the meaning of the text itself. At the high school level, students are expected to use what they know about effective writing to support their own opinion regarding the meaning of the text. That means students need to have opinions about what they are reading. A great way to support this development at home is to choose an article or current event to discuss around the dinner table each week. Students need to be encouraged to take intellectual risks and express opinions that may be unpopular; this will support their success in the classroom setting and foster their capacity to read critically.

Last, but not least, an article about transitioning to high school would be incomplete without a note on time management and organizational skills. Each year, most students receive a planner directly from school. And most students will use this to write down homework—that is, if they use it at all. I cannot overstate that proactive planning is often what separates the top students from the rest of the crop. Don’t just write down your assignments; write down WHEN you are going to complete them.

Beyond time management skills and hard work, my hope is that Insight students learn to meet the inevitable challenges on their academic journey with greater patience and self-confidence, rather than with a “grit your teeth and bear it” kind of attitude. What the top universities in this country are looking for, as explicitly stated in their application questions, is intellectual vitality and curiosity. That means: work hard, but don’t forget to have fun while you’re learning. High school may just be starting for freshmen, but it will be over in a flash—enjoy it!

Start your high school journey with confidence! Schedule an initial consultation to learn how Insight Education can help you build a strong foundation for future college success.