New pal corral.

Whether you're the new girl in school or you just want to expand your social circle, scoring cool friends is easier than you think.

Even the most confident gal can freak a little at the thought of putting herself out there to meet new friends. What if you get dissed? Or end up with a crowd you have nothing in common with? Don't sweat it. Put the GL pal-making plan into action, pronto.

BE A BOLD BABE

Many girls think they have no control over whether people are going to like them or not. So they hold back, get shy and wait to be approached. The smarter strategy? Be gutsy by making the first move toward potential buds in your orbit. Smile and say "hi" to friendly kids you pass in the hall. Crank up a convo with the girl who sits behind you in homeroom by complimenting her vintage purse. Give your new lab partner props for figuring out that experiment. Study after study proves that people dig people who are genuine and positive. So just be your normal happy self. As for those random girls who don't respond to your outgoing ways? No loss. You want to hang with people who appreciate your cool, kind confidence.

ASK ADVICE TO BREAK THE ICE

An easy way to get to know someone? Ask for help. People love to be experts, and many like sharing what they know with someone who's interested. And, no, asking questions won't make you look weird, dumb or ditsy. Inquisitiveness is actually a sign of curiosity and smarts.

Say you're required to take a home ec class at your new school, but you have never sewed so much as a single stitch or baked a brownie in your life. You can't help but admire Amy's skills at hemming those jeans and mixing that batter. So seek out her help. Try, "You're really talented at this stuff and, to be honest, I have no clue what I'm doing. Would you mind giving me a few tips?" Amy will most likely be more than happy to lend you a helping hand, and you'll get the chance to know her better.

SHAKE UP YOUR SCENE

Stroll out of your comfort zone. You'll never meet anyone new if you're hangin' at the same places and doing the same stuff. Vary your routine. Sit in a different seat on the bus, walk a new way to school, take another hallway to your next class, sign up for an activity you've never tried. The plan is to put yourself in front of as many people as possible. Even if you don't say a word, they'll begin to recognize your face. Keep smiling, be sure your body language is friendly (no staring at the floor) and, soon, people will say "hey" to you. Take it from there.

SMART CHAT IS WHERE IT'S AT

When you're getting to know a lab new friend, listening is more important than talking. Sure, this can be hard for some girls. You could be gabbing your brains out about gym class, your icky little sis and what happened last night on The Hills. But pay attention to what she's saying. If she sees that her thoughts matter to you, she's going to feel really good about buddying up in a solid way.

IS THIS THE RIGHT NEW CREW FOR YOU?

Not to over-simplify things, but making new friends always comes down to basic respect--for the kids you're getting to know and for yourself. Only hang with a new gang if you feel they're putting forth the effort to totally appreciate your interests, ideas and opinions as much as you appreciate theirs.

Since you're going to be surrounded by so many new friends, you want to make sure they aren't the type to pull you down. The right buds won't treat you any less than terrific. Because you are!