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   Observe. Try to identify who's where on the "social ladder." It's not that big of a deal (being cool is about being liked, which is different than being popular), but it will help you know how to identify with people. What are the cool kids like? Are they jocks, are they smart, are they rebels? How about the mid-crowd? Do they follow along or sort of do their own thing? And the lowest tier, what about them? Who in which groups do you want to be friends with? It's a good idea to be friends with people on all rungs of the ladder – you never know where you'll end up.
   • If you do want to be popular, it's a good idea to befriend one of the nicer popular people; they'll be your ticket into "the group." Just make sure you don't abuse people on your way up. Sometimes friends don't work out, and then the rejects won't even want you later when you need a friend.^[1]

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   Join a handful of organizations. Being cool isn't just about being popular, it's about being known. And what's the easiest way to get your name and your face recognized? By joining groups at school, of course. Try to join a few that don't overlap – that way you'll meet the most people and have a wide variety of interests.
   • Try to join one of every kind of activity: one athletic, one academic, and one artistic. You could be on the basketball team, on the school newspaper, and in choir. It'll look good on your college resume, too.

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   Let your personality shine through your look. When it comes to your clothes and your accessories, don't be afraid to have your own sense of style. Discover the clothes you like to wear, the brands you like, the accessories you like, and create your style. Wear those clothes to school and be unique. Who knows? You could start a trend.
   • Being cool is also about being a leader and doing your own thing – not about being a follower. Don't worry about the people who judge you about your clothing and those that are trying so hard to blend in (these are often the same people). Your own sense of style will attract those who also have their own sense of style.

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   Get clean. One of the easiest things you can do for your popularity status is stay fresh and smelling good. Kids in school tend to judge a book by its cover, and being smelly is a one-way ticket to the reject table. Take showers regularly, brush your teeth, floss, and use deodorant. You'll look more attractive, whether you're a guy or a girl, too.
   • It's also a good idea to wash your face regularly. Pre-adolescence and adolescence is a breeding ground for acne, and washing your face can combat that.
   • If you're worried about sweating during the day thanks to the weather or gym class, keep a stick of deodorant or a good-smelling spray in your locker or bag.
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   Style your hair. In addition to not being clean, you also won't attract a lot of friends if you looked like you just rolled out of bed, regardless of what age you are. Take a few minutes in the morning to style your hair however you think it looks best. A little bit of effort goes a long way, even if it's just a bit of gel or a couple rounds with a flat iron or blow dryer.
   • If you don't like your hair currently, get it cut. No idea what kind of cut? Odds are your hairstylist will be able to tell you what kind of cut will look good with the shape of your face. You could get highlights or a different color, too.
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   Pay attention to your clothes. Every school is different, and there is not one individual look that ensures you'll be cool. At some schools its the rebels who are "cool," at others it's the "jocks." The only thing you can really do is pay attention to your clothes and make sure you walk out the door with a look you know you like. Are your clothes clean? Do they match? Do you feel confident in them? That's most of the battle right there.
   • If you feel like you look good, you'll walk around acting like you look good, and others will follow suit. So much of personality is confidence. You don't have to especially beautiful or especially smart or especially funny; you just have to be confident and the rest of the world may just be fooled.