No matter how long you have been out of high school, or even if you are still in it, there are many things you wish you knew your freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school. We make plenty of mistakes and experiences throughout high school and college. But being in college you realize so many things you wish you had done differently or could have changed. Since I can not go back and change, here is my advice for any nuggets still in high school.

1. You're GPA doesn't matter as much as you think it does.

Obviously, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't put effort into school, you should, but do not obsess over what your GPA is. That is not what colleges focus on as much. They care about the classes you took, your stupid SAT scores, and what else you did other than attend class and get good grades. How did you balance your time and still manage to try your best?

2. Don't date that cute guy that is 2-4 years older than you.

Yeah, sure people always say that age does not matter. But when you are in high school it totally does. What can you possibly have in common with someone who is 19 or 20 when you are 16 or 17? They are starting college and careers and you are stressing about SAT's and prom. You are in very different places and that makes it very difficult to have a good relationship.

3. Stop trying to grow up.

You don't need to be an adult. Stay a kid for as long as you can, because time flies and before you know it you have to pay bills and do adult things. Stop trying to do adult things when you're not an adult. It doesn't work and you're not ready. I know this probably sounds really silly, but being an adult is not as fun as you think.

4. Stop caring what other people think so much.

After high school, no one cares what outfit you wore on the first day, or how you did your hair for prom. It doesn't matter so stop obsessing over how you look and how people will perceive you. The best moment will be when you get to college and realize that you can wear sweatpants, leggings,and no makeup to class every day and no one will care. Like at all.

5. Get a job.

I had a job all through high school, and if you don't go get one! It teaches you so much for when you go to college or move out. Jobs teach you that you need to work for what you want and how to manage and spend your money wisely. Also if you get a really good job, they will let you work when you come home for college breaks.

6. Get close with some of your teachers.

Teachers in high school are super important! These are the people you can use as references on your resumes, and scholarships. They will write you letters of recommendation for college and will support you as much as possible. Don't just wait until first semester of senior year to love your teachers. Respect them and know how important they are!

7. You don't need as much stuff as you think for college.

This is for all the high school seniors. Do not buy crazy amounts of stuff and decorations for you freshman dorm. You probably won't ever use half of the stuff, and if you ever need something that you don't have someone in your building will have it.

8. Get involved early.

Find the club or thing you are most passionate about and do it! Don't just be a member of 6 different clubs. Instead be the president of a club and be consistent. DO it every year, not just your senior year.

9. Apply for scholarships.

Scholarships are the best, if you apply for them. They are literally free money. They help out so much and are definitely worth the time and effort you put into them. And scholarships are not just for your freshman year of college, they are for EVERY year of college!