Graduating with style does not just mean not making an ass out of yourself. Put your best foot forward as you head into your future.

Step 1: Stand and sit up straight

Stand and sit up straight. Your parents are no doubt taping the entire event, so refrain from doing the slouch and shuffle—unless you want your sulky, pre-evolutionary amble to be captured for posterity.

Step 2: Wear something nice

Wear something under your robe that’s tasteful and not too hot—something that won’t embarrass you or others when your robe inevitably comes off.

Step 3: Look your best

Look your best. Get a haircut, if you need one, and, girls, consider a mani-pedi. You want to look sophisticated and confident as you enter the world.

Step 4: Don’t be disrespectful

If you’re planning on being hilarious by disrupting the valedictorian’s speech with “woos” and “booyahs”… don’t.

Step 5: Smile

When collecting your diploma, make eye contact with the person handing it to you. Give a good handshake—and remember to smile!

Step 6: Thank those who got you there

Thank the people responsible for you making it to graduation day. You know who they are.

Step 7: Send thank you cards

Send handwritten thank-you notes to everyone who remembered your graduation. Email doesn’t cut it when it comes to expressing gratitude.