learn things for the sak get a good grade. There have been so many tests that I've crammed for the night before, gotten an A, and now I don't remember anything. I've changed that this year, and I enjoy school so much more. Also relating to academics, don't take easy classes just to have a simple year. If you have a choice between AP Chemistry and "Racquet Sports," the first will prove to be a lot more useful! While drugs and drinking might be present in some middle schools, they're definitely around in high school. I have a lot of friends who swore they'd never drink or smoke, but are now partying every weekend. You hear this all the time, but that's because it's true: don't give into peer pressure. If you have "fun" and spend your nights wasted instead of studying or hanging out with friends, you will regret it when you're applying for college and realize that you've thrown away the last few years. The "friends" who say you're a loser for not partying are really not your friends at all. It's hard to see your closest friends grow apart and go in different directions, but don't follow their footsteps. Create your own path in life and make your own decisions.