Starting high school comes with a lot of anticipation and worries—especially if you’re stepping in as a freshman.

As a current ninth grader at Tenafly High School, I entered this year believing that I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. I’d heard stories from older students, seen the way high school is portrayed in movies, and picked up plenty of advice—some of which were helpful, while others not so much.

But after spending just a few months as a high schooler, I’ve learned that many of the things I once believed about high school are simply myths. Whether it’s about lockers, finals, or friend groups, the reality is often very different from the rumors.

Here are some of the biggest high school myths I’ve heard—and the truths that every incoming Tenafly freshman should know.

MYTH #1: Finals make or break your grade. 

If you’ve heard this myth, I totally get it—there’s a lot of pressure around finals, and it feels like one test could determine your entire semester. But in reality, most teachers take several factors into account when calculating your grade—homework, projects, participation, and yes, other quizzes and tests. 

Here’s the scoop: at Tenafly High School, finals count for just 10% of your overall grade. I know what you might be thinking: “10% out of 100% sounds like a big deal!” But trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Picture this: you’ve cruised through the school year with a solid 90 average, but then finals roll around and suddenly you can’t recall who Gandhi is … or anything else that your Asian and African History teacher ever taught you. You bomb your final with a 60, but guess what? Your final grade would still be an 87, or a solid B! So, while finals do matter, they’re not the “end of the world” kind of assessment that you might think. 

MYTH #2: Friend groups are always in drama.

If you’ve ever imagined high school as a constant battlefield of cliques and rivalries, prepare for a pleasant surprise—especially in Tenafly. Friend groups here tend to coexist pretty peacefully. Sure, you’ll have your “jocks,” “theater kids,” and “tech geeks,” but there’s no need for fierce competition or drama. In fact, the beauty of Tenafly is that students often mix and mingle across different groups, sharing interests and forming friendships that break traditional stereotypes. It’s totally normal to see athletes hanging out with artists, or gamers bonding with musicians. People are supportive, friendly, and there’s a sense of community where everyone feels welcome, no matter what group they belong to. 

MYTH #3: Everyone uses their lockers.

In middle school, I spent all my time between periods unlocking my locker to grab my materials for the next class, like it was some essential part of the school day. Entering high school, I expected the same. 

But here’s the truth: I hardly ever use my locker. Here, students are allowed to carry their backpacks into classrooms and in the hallways throughout the school day. Because of this, most of us just cram all our folders, binders, and papers into our bags and carry everything around. Lockers? They feel more like a thing of the past. Why bother stacking up a bunch of books when you can just throw them in your bag?

MYTH #4: You need to have your whole life mapped out.

One of the biggest misconceptions about high school is that you need a detailed plan for your future in order to succeed. This is just not true.

No, you do not need to have a roadmap of what you’ll achieve every day of each month for the next four years, a precise list of every competition you’ll enter, or a detailed calendar of the exact clubs that you should join by next Tuesday. High school is a time to explore, try different things, and figure out your interests. There are endless activities, clubs, and classes you can try that will not only help you figure out what you don’t enjoy, but also point you towards what you might actually be passionate about. 

You might discover your hidden talent for theater, basketball, or even news anchoring, but you won’t know until you try. So, forget about having everything perfectly planned out—it’s totally okay to not know exactly what’s next. Just show up, explore, and let the surprises unfold! 

MYTH #5: You have to take honors classes.

I’ll admit, there’s a lot of pressure in high school to take honors or Advanced Placement (AP) classes, as if they’re the key to being “successful” or proving you’re smart. But the truth is, taking honors classes isn’t always necessary. Everyone has their own pace, and just because you don’t take the hardest classes doesn’t mean that you’re not going to succeed. In fact, overloading yourself with honors or AP classes when you’re not ready can lead to burnout. You need to find the right balance between challenging yourself and taking care of your mental health. 

MYTH #6: High school is all work and no fun.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that high school is just a grind of assignments, tests, and stress. But the truth is, there’s a lot more to high school than just hitting the books. The whole school spirit thing? It’s real. Whether it’s pep rallies, sports games, spirit weeks, or just the excitement of seeing your friends between classes, high school has its fun side. 

And don’t forget about extracurriculars, such as clubs, sports, and music programs. These activities not only give you a chance to de-stress but also help you connect with people who share similar interests. 

In conclusion, while freshman year might come with a lot of myths and worries, the truth is that high school is what you make of it. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about learning, growing, and finding your place. So as you step into this new chapter, remember: you’re more prepared than you think.