Back to school survival guide: from putting the kabosh on first-day jitters to acing final exams, here's how to take your school year by storm.

You've hit the store for a fresh stack of binders. You snapped up a new stash of your favorite pens. You've even found a couple super-stylin' fab fall outfits (so what that it's still 94 degrees outside?). But, then, as you are lying in bed one night, it hits you: "I'm really going back to school!" The nerves take hold, and you're seriously stressing over mean teachers, hunchback-inducing homework, JV tryouts, and sharing a hallway with your ex-babysitter's catty friends.

Wake up, Little Snoozy. Your nightmare ends here! GL's School Survival Guide is here to serve ya. We've assembled hundreds of back-to-school tips, about classes and cliques and everything in between. You'll be rulin' the school without even breakin' a sweat. Promise.

What's the perfect thing to wear on the first day off school?

The biggest thing on your mind for the first day isn't where your homeroom is or who you're going to sit with at lunch--it's what to wear!

Resist the temptation to wear head-to-toe new duds. Zoe Joeright, a celeb stylist who has dressed trendsetters like Ashley Tisdale, Emma Roberts and Amanda Bynes, advises going with your comfy jeans (for-sure confidence) and adding one new item: "You can stand out in a good way by pairing old favorites with something new." Go with funky jewelry or trendy shoes to make your outfit pop. Be sure to give new shoes a test-drive first. Blisters = bad.

And dry-run that haircut, too. Get your new 'do about two weeks before school starts. That way, you'll have time to get used to it (constant mirror-checks in school aren't cool) and you won't waste time the morning of your first day figuring out what to do with it.

Finally, know your school's dress code. Who wants to get sent home on the first day because spaghetti straps are against school policy?

Still can't decide what to wear? Have your BFF come over to help pick out your fabulous B-to-S look. "It's always nice to have a second opinion, but stay true to your style," says Zoe.

I hear the teachers are tough at my new school. How will I deal?

"Don't be afraid of tough--be afraid of unfair," says Dr. Susan Lieberman, author of The Real High School Handbook: How to Survive, Thrive, and Prepare for What's Next. "Someone who is tough and interested in your learning is your friend."

How to make the grade with any teacher? Start by learning his or her style. Some teachers love students who participate a ton; others just want you to hang on their every word. Observe a couple of students your teacher seems to really like, then take those cues.

Next, don't be a wallflower. Grab a seat in the first few rows, participate in discussions, and volunteer to lead projects. No need to be a know-it-all or suck-up--just subtly show your smarts.

Although hangin' with your buds is a definite plus of going to school, you're there to get an education. So cut the whispering and note-passing (you can gab during lunch). Tough teachers love students who are respectful of class time.

Although most teachers are there because they love to teach, you're bound to come across some tricky ones. If you think one treats you unfairly, approach him after class to voice your concern. If the unjust treatment continues, ask your parents to help. Remember, says Dr. Lieberman, "School isn't meant to be punishment. If it is, something's wrong."

How do I get great grades without making myself crazy?

No need to spend your last summer nights having nightmares about failing Spanish. We're here to help ya become an academic diva.

"The summer is a great time to relax, but don't forget to keep learning," says Laurie Layton, director of curriculum development for Sylvan Learning Center. "Succeeding at something new over the summer gives you more confidence as you tackle new classes in the fall." So try a new sport, study a foreign language, or read a challenging book to sharpen your brain.

Next up? Get organized! "Organization is so important," says Layton. "How can you do your best if you forget you even had a test?" Instead of memorizing everything on your assignment sheet, get a planner for school and a calendar for home. Jot in your planner the due dates for all your assignments, and the days of big tests and quizzes. Glance at your calendar every day to remind yourself what's coming up.

Even if you're the most organized girl on the planet, you need to have enough time to study if you want to do well. Trying to learn everything the night before a big test will only stress you out. "Instead, set a time to sit down every day and review your notes, even if your big test is weeks away," Layton advises. "That way, you'll have enough time to learn everything and talk to your teacher if you have any questions."

Understanding what your teacher is talking about is a major part of getting good grades. "If you think for a moment you need some help--ask," says Layton. "Most students wait too long before asking their teacher to explain a confusing idea." Set a time to sit down and talk with your teacher. If you still need more help, talk to your guidance counselor.

Lots of schools have peer-tutoring programs. Stuck on your homework? Use an online tutoring site like gomath.com or educate.com. With a little extra work, you can bring home great grades.

Should I get in with a clique?

To clique or not to clique--that is the question. We talked to hundreds of girls about this, and there just isn't one right answer that applies to everyone. Certainly, clique horror stories abound ("I thought these girls were my friends until they turned on me," recalls Mel, 13) but keep in mind that the stereotype that all popular girls are mean is mainly for movies.

Says Shalini, 14, "I used to be scared of a certain group of girls." But, one day, she asked the "ringleader" where she got her flip-flops, and "everything became OK. I realized they weren't out to 'get' anyone, and I'm fine with them. Not exactly friends but close enough."

If cliques are thought of as being so shallow, why do so many girls want to be part of one? "Cliques are an easy way to gain access to a group of friends and a sense of belonging," says Dr. Harriet S. Mosatche, author of Where Should I Sit at Lunch? The Ultimate 24/7 Guide to Surviving the High School Years. "It's perfectly normal to want that."

What to do? Dr. Mosatche has this advice: "Sounds obvious, but act friendly and be yourself. If you're phony--pretending to be interested in things or not liking certain people just to impress your new 'friends'--they will eventually see through you. No one likes to be lied to, so you'll find yourself out of the clique."

Your new school year will most likely be crazy-busy (homework, sports, debate team, figuring out what to wear to the dance, chores at home, phew!), so surround yourself with people who make your life saner, not more drama-filled. Choose to be around people who make you a happier person, not just people who make you more popular.

How do I pick the right activities?

You're ready to rock this year. But what, exactly, will you be rocking at (besides looking good and getting good grades, that is)? Clubs and activities, of course! "It's about having fun and being involved," says GL reader Kim, 13.

How do you choose what's right for you? Start by checking out activities you liked in the past or things you know you have an interest in. Need ideas? Look at the student handbook, or talk with a guidance counselor who can give you a list of activities or tell you where to get one.

Once you decide on something, go to a meeting to gauge if it's truly for you. Attending one meeting doesn't mean you have to join. If you like it, sign up. If not, just bounce. Some schools even host activities fairs so you can scope out the whole scene in an afternoon.

Can't find the right club for you? Start one! Ask a teacher, counselor or school official to help you out. They can offer great advice on kick-starting your club and, that way, you'll be backed by the school so everything is legit.

A note for the smart girl: Don't get involved in anything for the sole reason that your BFFs are in it. Sure, it's great to know people and, sometimes, BFFs can hook you into something new--but the best reasons to join a new activity are to have fun and meet people.

I am worried about the older kids. I hear seniors are scary!

The good news? All upperclassmen were once freshmen. They have walked in your shoes and can sympathize ... mostly. The bad news? Yeah, every school has a couple of jerks-in-training who've waited three long years to glare at the frosh in the halls. How to deal? Says Michelle, 17, who graduated in May, "Seniors are not supreme beings who deserve wonder and worship. They are kids who, not so long ago, were in the same place you are now. My friends and I always were impressed by freshmen who approached us in a friendly, confident way. Sure, we made jokes, but we liked being helpful."

Courtney, now a sophomore, can back up Michelle: "I entered high school a scared little freshman. I was told to expect seniors pushing me and yelling if I went into the 'off-limits' hall. So the first day, I showed up fully ready to never make eye contact with anyone older. But it was a breeze. I held my head up and smiled, and no one bothered me. A couple of seniors even said 'hi.' Don't suck up to seniors, but don't be afraid either. Just remember to be cool to the freshman when you're a senior!"

I want to make new friends and keep my old ones. How can I do that?

Whether you're going to a brand new school or staying with the same old kids, every September gives you a chance to make new friends--while keeping the ones you already have.

"My school doubles in size in ninth grade," says Angela, 15. "Last year, I couldn't wait to meet the new kids, but I didn't want to lose my old friends. I was nervous, but it all worked out partly because I made a real effort to put myself out there. I signed up for activities, like newspaper and volleyball, and I made plans with people who weren't close friends. I tried to make myself available, and that made a difference."

What about staying close to girls you've known since second grade? Stephanie, 13, says, "We knew we'd make new friends, but my best friends and I did not want to miss out on the old traditions we already had. Like, we always trick-or-treat together, so we agreed ahead that we'd do that this year. We also have a lot of sleepovers, which gives us time to see each other."

Carol Weston, author of Girltalk: All the Stuff Your Sister Never Told You, says, "You know how to make friends--you've been honing those skills for years. But while you're introducing yourself, giving compliments and getting involved, find time for your first friends too." Dear Carol adds, "A quick text or call or smile speaks volumes. Remember that just as you are allowed to make new friends, they are too. So don't feel overly jealous when they get close to other girls. Your worlds are getting bigger and, if you stay positive, you can all look at this as a good thing'--not a reason to worry."

How on earth do I balance everything?!

Maybe you'll make volleyball, your folks want you to take violin, and your BFF is begging you to stay in dance class. You're tempted to say "yes" to everything. You don't want to disappoint anyone, and it's all fun. Yeah, fun. Until you get home at 8 p.m. after play practice, scarf down a nutrition bar and plow through three-plus hours of homework so you can do your French club poster.

Says Annaliese, 13, "There's always too much to do. You want to get good grades so your parents and teachers will be happy, and get involved in school and play sports and talk to your friends online. But there's never time for me."

"Girls feel good being connected," says Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler, author of Stressed-Out Girls: Helping Them Thrive in the Age of Pressure. "The problem is when they pressure themselves to do everything---and be great at everything."

Dr. Cohen-Sandier advises, "Be sure to balance schoolwork and extracurriculars with friends, play and rest. Daydream about your crush, listen to music, pet your dog and, especially, get to bed early enough." And be realistic. Figure out what you really love, and say, "Sorry, not this year," to things you don't. You can't have a truly great year unless you're strategic about your time, smarty.

Four No-Fail Ways to Remember your Locker Combination!

These tips worked for other GL readers!

* Buy your lock a week before school, and keep it by your bed. Practice it over and over for five minutes every morning and night.

* Write your combo down 15 times, twice a day for a week!

* Make up a rhyme. Say your comb is 42-6-33: "My favorite number is 42/My 6-year-old sister plays peek-a-boo/] have 33 cows that go moo-moo-moo." Hokey, but it works!

* If all else fails, write it in permanent marker inside your backpack.

HOW TO GET YOUR HOMEWORK DONE

Do you have to give up fun for studying? Nope! The GL girl can balance both!

* Allot homework time. This way, you'll always know when you're doing schoolwork, and when you get to squeeze in all the fun stuff you want to do.

* Don't procrastinate. It's tempting to throw down your backpack after school and chill with some tube. Don't do it! When you walk in the door, grab a quick snack, then get your study on.

* Take a mini-break. If you get distracted while book-cramming, give yourself a 5-minute rest. Take the dog out, get the mail, or grab some juice. Busting up the routine keeps you going strong until you finish.

* The big payoff. Once you're done with the HW, treat yourself to a DVD with your crush, hang-time with your BFF or Scrabble with the fam. You deserve it!

FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

School schedule? Check. Yummy lunch? Check. Fab outfit? Check. It's the first day of school, and you're good to go. Not so fast. What makes a good year a great one? Getting off on the right foot. Here are five things not to do when you hit the scene.

1 DON'T announce your freshman status. Confidence is a definite plus, but be sure not to walk in your first day with a major 'tude, say the sophomores at McIntosh High School in Atlanta, authors of High School 101: Freshman Survival Guide.

2 DON'T be someone you're not. Nothing says, "I have no self-esteem," louder than being a copycat or a "yes" girl. Just be you. That's good enough. Trust us on this.

3 DON'T worry about the little slip-ups. If you find yourself in an embarrassing moment, brush it off. You'll probably be the only one to remember it.

4 DON'T make any quick decisions. You need to get the lay of the land on everything.

5 DON'T freak out. As you get older, the work is meant to get harder. We're not gonna lie--more is expected of you. You're also going to be in new settings, maybe even a new part of campus. Stay calm, and give yourself the chance to adjust. You can do it!

HELP!

I AM SURE I WILL GET LOST IN MY HUGE NEW SCHOOL!

Many schools open about a week before classes start, so grab your schedule and visit your school one afternoon. Stop by the front office, and ask for a map of the school. Walk to each class in the order of your schedule. Next, find out which friends are in your classes so you can meet and head off together. And if you do get lost? Just ask a teacher or staff person for directions. You won't be the only person doing that--trust us!

Illustration by Suzette Barbier