how can i become more social?

Question

next year, i'm going to be in classes with older kids. i will hardly already know anyone in any of my classes because i'm taking APs. i think that by the time i'm introduced to these people, they'll already have their groups and clicks, and it'll be hard to pick a random person and just start talking. it's almost like moving to a new school, not knowing where to start.
normally, i'm not a nerd or a loser or anything. i have a group of friends and i'm fine talking to people. i'm not an outcast.
how can i be social and open up to these people when they've already formed bonds with eachother? i'm shy, but i know i have to step out of my comfort zone, and i'm ready.
thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Find something good in someone else and compliment them on it. Everyone has some good in them. Be a good listener. Have a sense of humor. Be truthful, but don't tell everything you know. Be kind and generous. Be helpful. Be a good Scout. Smile. Laugh and world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. Learn to laugh at yourself. "What fools we mortals be." Shakespeare.

Answer 2

Remember that time will do the trick, and anyone who won't bend the rules of their clique aren't worth your time.

1. Join clubs and activities within school - how well can you get to know classmates when you have 3-4 minutes to rush between classes and when you aren't supposed to speak in class?

2. Join clubs and activities outside of school - when you have an identity outside of school, the rejections/acceptances from within school aren't such a big deal. I was in Girl Scouts, martial arts and softball - I already had a great sense of camaraderie and friends, so the BS at school didn't get under my skin as much.

3. Remember that cliques aren't as cut and dry as they seem. There are long-time students who haven't found their niche, either.