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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?
Steps
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Envision yourself as the "smart girl". 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. -
Cut your hair to a medium length. 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 -
Dress intelligently. 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. -
Keep your make-up clean and not excessive or elaborate. 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. -
Wear glasses if you need them. 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. -
Carry these items: 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.
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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. -
Build a "homework cave" for yourself at home. 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. -
With your principal's permission, start a project in your school. 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. -
Find a smart woman for a role model . 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. -
Always have your stationery out in lessons. 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. -
Volunteer to answer questions in class. Teachers will think you are really trying and it could be the few marks you will need to move from a B to A.
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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. -
Broaden your hobbies. 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. -
Exercise as much as you can. 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.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I participate more in class if I am shy and/or introverted?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.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!
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QuestionWhat should I consider if I want to graduate early from high school?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.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.
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Tips
- 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
- 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
- Be more competitive. Try to see what scores other people have, and try getting yours even just a bit higher than theirs.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, 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.
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Warnings
- To do this you must be steady and consistent. Your behavior and your language should be softer and not aggressive.Thanks
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- If you feel burned out and are seriously unhappy, ask your parents if you can take the entire summer off.Thanks
- 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
- 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
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Things You'll Need
- Various pens and pencils
- Backpack
- Book
- Planner
- Address book
- Erasers
- Hand held pencil sharpener
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "I've decided to increase my intelligence and become a "smart girl". I figured if I looked the part, I'd be inspired and become one. This article was informative and straightforward. So I appreciate the time the author spent writing this. Thank you!" ..." more
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