How to Appear Like a Smart Girl at School

This guide will cover mainly physical appearance plus tips and advice on how to act in school. A smart girl can have the world at her feet if she works hard for her goals. This article assumes that you are already a smart girl and want the world to know it, but for more tips on increasing your actual intelligence, please see the related articles. So are you ready to distinguish yourself from the rest of the girls by turning into a smart girl even by your looks?

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Looks

Download Article

Observe other brainy girls carefully. What do you like about them? What do you dislike about them? Make a list of the pros and cons before you consider the change.
Studies have shown that medium-length hair is perceived as intelligent. If your hair is medium length, you can neatly braid it, wear it down and natural or put it in a neat-looking bun. If you would prefer to keep it long, that is okay, but, you should make sure it's clean and neat. Whatever your style, make sure it doesn't take too long to manage. You will want to spend more time learning and less time standing in front of the mirror. Keep it natural looking and avoid excessive hair products (including dye, except in a natural colour). A small leather headband is good too.
Advertisement
Cotton polo shirts, T-shirts with the names of museums or with university logos on them, plain and tailored-looking pants, knee-length and above-the-knee skirts, and clean, neat, clean-cut, and sensible leather shoes/sandals are all nice. Navy blue, plaids and brown also look nice, but don't do it every day. Avoid trends and flashy clothes. Dress modestly. Don't show too much skin.
No glitter or shine. Imitate the makeup of women of stature. Look for inspiration from fashion websites that address makeup for working women, and only use makeup in that section. You don't have to wear any makeup if you don't want to. Avoid excessive piercings.
Sometimes it makes people seem more intelligent, especially rectangle and rounded frames. Keep them clean. Thick frames are especially good. However, if you don't need them, don't be pretentious.
a practical backpack of reasonable size, a good book to read, an address book to put your friends' phone numbers in, notebooks for your various needs, school paper, some pencils with good erasers, some ballpoint pens, a hand-held manual pencil sharpener that doesn't need to be used over a trash bag, some good art erasers, some good eraser caps, and a study/day planner.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Acting Like a Smart Girl in School

Download Article

Impress your teachers. Start to study very hard and keep trying to raise your grades. Ask your teachers what you can do for extra credit. Your teachers in high school will write recommendations for you for college. Keep that in mind! Become a "do-er" at school which means winning the science fair, running for office, or organizing the school dance. Write good articles for the school newspaper.
Show enthusiasm about school. Many teens show or pretend to have, a very negative or bored attitude about high school and working hard. They think it is "cool" to be indifferent. Be the opposite. If you don't take delight in school, why waste your time? You are there to learn.
Keep all your work/books/supplies in one place, along with a desk and a strong desk light. Insist on peace and quiet from other family members. If it is too loud at home, study at the public library. Organizing your schoolwork and making lists helps you, not just in school, but in life.
Try to raise money and awareness for worthy causes such as "Stop Hunger in Africa" or "Cure Childhood Cancer". You will also feel like a better person for it.
. Ask if she will "mentor" you during school.
Set Goals. It's much easier to get things done if you clearly outline to yourself exactly what it is that you need to do.
Have your planner out, then put your pencil case on top in front of you. Get your ruler and pen/pencil out, ready to learn.
Teachers will think you are really trying and it could be the few marks you will need to move from a B to A.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Habits

Download Article

Work hard to get into university. University admissions look at the High School you went to, your transcripts (grades and SAT scores), your teacher/counselor recommendations, and what you tell them in your essays about yourself. Finish college applications early when you are a Senior.
Discover interesting things to do with your close friends and when you are by yourself. Try to pick a music, a sport, a craft, and anything else you love.
Practice time management. It will leave you more room for fun. Figure out where you are losing too much time in your day and fix it.
Develop poise. Work at becoming steady and confident. Try to some have composure at all times. Giggling, gossiping and insecurity make you look silly. Practice staying calm under pressure and being comfortable in a variety of settings.
It will give you much-needed focus and make you more relaxed. Eat protein sources: egg white, tuna fish, chicken, power bars, etc. Try out for a good team sport like soccer or something you enjoy. Get good at it and enjoy it. Attend sports camps in the summer for at least 2 weeks. Try to jog, slowly building up to 5 kilometres (3 miles) a day to help your endurance. Also run stairs if you can to build up your leg muscles. A great side benefit is how thin you will stay or become and you will feel great about yourself. Also working out at a gym can build strength and confidence.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How can I participate more in class if I am shy and/or introverted?
Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Expert Answer
Start slow and start with what you are comfortable with. The more comfortable you are with the teacher and the class material, the easier it will be to participate!
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question
What should I consider if I want to graduate early from high school?
Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Expert Answer
Make sure you have a plan and have talked with your school counselor about graduating early. Many schools have policies and procedures for students who want to graduate early, mainly to ensure all graduation requirements are met, etc.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Reader Videos

Submit a Video Tip!

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

Submit a Video

Tips

Be more competitive. Try to see what scores other people have, and try getting yours even just a bit higher than theirs.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Always try your best to be noticed but not too attention getting. Take lots of notes in class and listen to your teachers. Sometimes you have to go out of your way to get special recognition at school. Be the first to finish your class projects. Don't just look smart but be smart. Win some awards and praise from the school teachers. Set goals to improve your grades but don't stress out too much!
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Start writing all the time. Anything you want to write is fine. Most high schools and colleges reward very good essays. They might even read your story aloud to the class!
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

Gradually adopt changes to avoid standing out awkwardly. Fix one thing at a time so people don't notice a sudden, drastic switch in your look and habits. And keep improving yourself even after reaching your smart girl goal.
When teachers call on you, answer thoroughly and stay focused. Ask pertinent questions to aid your learning. Read books when possible, but be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents.
Brush off teasing about being nerdy or stuck up. Remember, intelligence and poise are assets for many high-paying careers. Only you define yourself. Don't let others' judgments box you in.
Discreetly address gaps at school like adding a needed club or stopping bullying. Appear helpful, not attention-seeking. In time, your important contributions will be remembered.
Securely study for tests using trustworthy SAT prep materials found online. Proper preparation makes exams far less intimidating and sets you up for success.
Have self-confidence and enthusiasm despite hurtful teasing. Ignore envious name-calling. You define your worth — not jealous people.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

To do this you must be steady and consistent. Your behavior and your language should be softer and not aggressive.
Thanks
Helpful128 Not Helpful10
A big turn off of hanging around smart people is they risk becoming "know-it-alls" and bragging too much about themselves. Keep clear of that obnoxious behavior and fly low under the radar. Never brag about your high test scores or awards. Surprise people when they didn't know you had it in you! Wait until they hear about it from your mom, best friend or teachers.
Thanks
Helpful116 Not Helpful11
Don't let the day that the college admissions offices release their results make you too upset. The competition these days to get into certain universities is almost impossible ... almost. Don't take it personally!
Thanks
Helpful74 Not Helpful9
It's hard if you are shy but smart kids ask their teachers questions. It might be extra hard to ask a teacher a question about the subject that he or she is teaching — especially if, in your culture, a) girls are discouraged from asking questions, and / or b) asking questions implies that the teacher doesn't know what s/he's doing — but try it anyway. Then listen very carefully to the answer.
Thanks
Helpful104 Not Helpful15
There will be people and events that will seem, or actively try, to stop you in your goals and dreams. If you want it badly enough, you will be successful.
Thanks
Helpful76 Not Helpful11
When you go to a party do not drink. Alcohol destroys brain cells not to mention your liver. Many kids who are under pressure or stress from school drink to forget their problems. Don't be a crowd follower, as it makes you look and act stupid and you might do things you will regret. Don't get off your goal oriented track. Better yet, just drink soda instead, as alcohol is awful for you, not to mention illegal if you're a minor.
Thanks
Helpful98 Not Helpful16
A typical day of a smart girl is tough. You might have AP or honor classes to study for, then a sports practice or a club session. During the summer try swimming and biking to build your physical endurance. Exercise helps the brain function better.
Thanks
Helpful79 Not Helpful12
If you feel burned out and are seriously unhappy, ask your parents if you can take the entire summer off.
Thanks
Helpful66 Not Helpful13
If your parents start to pressure you about grades and the like, tell them you are working on yourself and show improvement. If they are obsessed about you and everything you do at school, you may have a problem, especially if they won't back off. Tell them very nicely and gently that they need to get a new hobby besides you. Smile at them and give them a hug. You are not only smart and lovely (inside and out) but a lady as well. Remember that.
Thanks
Helpful17 Not Helpful2
Always do your homework and turn everything in on time. It's pretty much a given that smart girls are responsible about deadlines and this is crucial to your image of intelligence.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0