DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and will be entering a public school for the first time this fall. I will be excited but very nervous. I want very much to make new friends and be popular with my classmates. My mother has suggested that I write to you for any tips you can share about succeeding socially, since you are a former high school administrator. —Jill, St. Paul, Minn.

JILL: An article in Teen Magazine offered some excellent tips on student popularity. According to the article, any student can become more popular. It takes confidence, common sense and a willingness to try new things:

1. Be friendly. This is the No. 1 ingredient in popularity. It's important to have a ready smile for everyone and to know how to start conversations.

2. Be a good friend. Be supportive when a pal has a problem. Never be judgmental. Always keep a friend's secrets to yourself and avoid gossip.

3. Develop a good sense of humor. Laughter is a people magnet. According to Dr. Alan Entin, a clinical psychologist in Richmond, Va., "People love to be around other people who have a good sense of humor because they're fun to be with. They're able to look at things objectively and laugh at themselves, and, in general, they're more upbeat."

4. Build your self-esteem. Confidence and popularity go hand in hand. If you're short of self-confidence, one easy way to give yourself an instant boost is to make a list of your good qualities. The next time you're stuck in an "I don't have anything to offer anyone" mood, whip out the list, and you're bound to feel better.

5. Don't be a copycat. Be a leader, not a follower. The next time you feel pressure to do something because "everyone else is doing it," think twice. Doing what you want, even if it sets you apart, is the way to win respect, which is the foundation of long-term popularity.

6. Don't belong to a clique. Being a part of many crowds gives you exposure to more people. It also can save you from gaining the reputation of being a snob.

7. Strive for good grades. Being a good student does two important things for your social status: It causes people to admire you and it makes you more interesting — because the more you learn, the more interesting you are.

8. Keep up on current trends. Part of being popular means keeping up with new trends. It will give you plenty of ammunition with which to start a conversation or join one in progress.

9. Take advantage of extra-curricular events sponsored by your school. Join clubs that you might enjoy.

Follow most of these tips, and I'm positive you will have a very exciting and enjoyable high school career.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators syndicate website at www.creators.com.