What to Know Before High School: 3 More Nuggets from 2025 Seniors

The School Year’s Over… But the Questions Are Just Beginning

We made it. The missing water bottles, the mysteriously disappearing hoodies, the late-night project panics, they’re all behind us (for now).

But now that summer’s here and the dust has settled, a different kind of question starts to bubble up:

Are they really ready for what’s next?

Whether your teen is heading into high school or just inching toward independence, the transition brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and a thousand unspoken worries (on both sides).

You're not alone, and thankfully, you don’t have to guess.

In our Innovation for Leadership module at Frolific, students interviewed graduating seniors to answer a big question:

“What do you wish someone had told you before high school started?”

The answers? Real, reflective, and full of insight. In Part 1, we talked about time management, going deep in activities, and launching a passion project just for the joy of it.

👉 Read Part 1 here if you missed it.

Today, I’m sharing 3 more golden nuggets that came up again and again, about overcommitment, authenticity, and the quiet power of saying “no.”

Golden Nugget #4: You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do something well.

One senior put it this way:

“I joined every club because I thought that’s what colleges wanted. But I didn’t love any of them, and I was exhausted all the time.”

That one hit home.

The myth of the “well-rounded” student has led so many teens to spread themselves thin like under-salted butter on too many crackers. But colleges aren’t looking for maxed-out resumes, they’re looking for impact, depth, and authenticity.

Tip for Teens (and Parents Helping Them): Choose one activity you actually enjoy and commit to it fully. Show up. Lead something. Solve a problem. Make a difference. That’s what shines.

Why This Matters: What to Know Before High School Isn’t in the Handbook

These aren’t the kinds of things you’ll find in a school orientation packet or a student planner.But for teens, knowing how to focus, reflect, and prioritize before the chaos begins makes all the difference. And for parents, it gives you a clearer lens into what your child actually needs (and what they can let go of).

The truth is, what to know before high school has less to do with rules and way more to do with self-leadership. That’s the kind of preparation that creates resilient, confident students, and thriving young adults.

Golden Nugget #5: Handle the Pressure to Fit In by Learning to Stand Tall

Here’s something seniors wish they had known earlier: judgment and comparison are part of the high school package. You’ll hear whispers about your clothes, your priorities, even your lunch order. But here’s the truth: You can’t control the opinions. You can control how much they define you.

“I spent so much energy trying to fit in,” one student shared,“and once I stopped, I found real friends who liked me for me.”

High school is full of moments where your teen will have to decide, fit in, or stand tall. And standing tall starts with being okay with yourself before anyone else gives you permission.

Tip: Help your teen reflect on what actually feels true to them: their style, their values, their priorities. Encourage them to pick their battles. Want to wear that bold jacket? Go for it. Want to say no to a plan that doesn’t feel right? Do it. Why blend in when they were born to stand out?

Golden Nugget #6: Saying 'No' Is a Form of Leadership

This might be the one most teens overlook, until they burn out.

Seniors shared that they often said yes to every opportunity, every ask, and every favor because they didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But that led to stress, poor sleep, and a sense of disconnection from the things that actually mattered.

“No one ever told me it was okay to protect my time,” one student said.“But once I did, I had space for the things that really mattered.”

Learning to say no isn’t about being rude, it’s about being real with your limits. And that’s a leadership skill most adults are still trying to master.

Tip: Help your teen practice saying “no” with confidence and kindness. Try phrases like:“That sounds great, but I’m already committed to something else right now.”Or: “I’d love to help in the future, but I need to focus on what’s on my plate today.”

Boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re strategic. And the earlier your teen learns that, the more energy they’ll have to say yes to what truly matters.

Still Wondering What to Know Before High School? Let’s Keep Going

Next time, we’ll dive into:

• How to actually build a standout college application without selling your soul

• The secret power of mentorship (from both sides)

• And why being “busy” isn’t the same as being fulfilled

Until then, keep soaking up the summer magic. Let your teen rest, laugh, and maybe even lead the way on your next family adventure. They have more wisdom in them than we sometimes realize.

And just maybe… that’s what high school prep really looks like.