How to Do Well at School Without Being Recognized As a Nerd

Last Updated: December 26, 2021

Most people believe that if they do well at school, people will recognize them as nerds. It is definitely possible to do well at school and not have people think you're a complete loser.

Steps

1
Be absolutely confident about yourself. Instead of thinking that you are a nerd, think positively of your grades. Remember, those who do well at school will do better later on in life.
2
Make lots of friends. Showing that you're social will definitely keep people from thinking you're a nerd.

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3
Don't look like a nerd for one. It's okay to spend a bit of money sometimes, but spend it on the right stuff. Showing you have a nice style will show people that you know how to dress and aren't a nerd. Huge glasses are a definite no. If you need glasses, get ones that have smaller lenses and a nice frame. Even better, switch to contacts. The black rimmed glasses are okay if they are small.
4
Just remember not to overdo it, or else it will make you look like a poser.
5
Don't just hang out with your classmates, make other friends too. If you're in a gifted program, you'll find yourself surrounded with a lot of nerds.
6
Try not to advertise your grades. If you tell everyone that you made an A when nobody else did, then people will see you as a nerd or a suck-up. If you have a high grade on a test, tell people you did, "okay". Never lie about your grades, or do poorly on a test in order to appear average. (This is difficult with some people as they might be annoyed with you for downplaying a higher grade than they got).
7
Try not to suck-up to your teachers. They really don't like it and other people hate it.
8
Do not use expressions such as OMG, totally, like, etc. These make it look like you are hiding something. There's nothing wrong with being able to use English.
9
NEVER ever ever ever try to change your core self. (Don't change your goals/ inner person) Be who you are, and be proud of it.
10
Don't try too hard to be cool. People will see you as desperate and ignore you, or worse, make fun.
11
If you don't talk like everyone else, try to sound a bit more like them. Use some of the same language patterns, but say it nonchalantly, as if you talk like that all the time.
12
DON'T try too hard. At anything. It's great to be passionate, but there is a fine line between the two. Trying too hard is being obsessive about doing good, being liked, etc. Being passionate is getting involved, helping out, and focusing.
13
Play a sport. You don't have to be great at it; do something easy like volleyball or biking. Horseback riding (*sigh* my true passion...) is awesome, fun, and anyone can be good at it. (Not everyone is great at it, but you can still be good. The key: Balance.)
14
Stay physically fit. Don't throw up, under eat, or smoke to be skinny(or cool). Jog, walk your dog(s) or other peoples', or simply walk.
15
Eat right. If you have a problem with impulse eating, talk to your doctor. Until then, keep your kitchen stocked with healthy, easy snacks. Instead of ice cream, try frozen yogurt. Hungry for hard candy? Eat some cashews or unsalted almonds.
16
Don't obsess about cleaning. And if someone accepts your invite to your house, make them a yummy snack (cookies, s'mores, etc.). DO NOT show them all your collections, if you have them. (Or your grades/ papers you may have saved.) Instead, introduce them to your pet (if you have any) or favorite art/ books. If you do invite someone over, make it a person who shares the same interests. Maybe a person from drama or book club.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of food should I eat?

Community Answer

You can eat healthy foods, such as fruit, veggies, nuts, etc. Always try to avoid unhealthy foods. If you crave some, just eat a small amount and then put it away. If you are eating popcorn, don't eat straight from the bag, pour a small amount into a bowl. Same with ice cream.

Warnings

If they still call you a nerd, don't be discouraged. Just remember who you are and how the people that actually matter in the long run are really proud of you.

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Helpful 36 Not Helpful 1
If someone keeps calling you a nerd, remember that in the senior years, everyone will be trying to catch up to you and you won't be considered a nerd anymore.

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Do not ever sound overenthusiastic or obsessed with a subject in class. Make contributions, but say them in indifferent tones. Remember, you have to stay away from the nerd type as much as possible, but get the teacher to put an A on your papers at the same time.

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Don't forget yourself: you don't have to sacrifice grades and doing well just to look like everyone else. Acceptance is one thing, popularity is another.

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If you do need to talk to the teachers to make sure you're on the right track, do so discreetly. Find them at lunch or after class, or better yet, email them.

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