When it comes to being smart, it isn’t really about IQ points or knowledge of quantum physics. In order to truly be smart, you must first look smart.

1.) “Read” the news –
and I don’t mean Perez Hilton. Download the New York Times App, and read the headlines of every story. That way, when your friends are talking about prom dresses, you can interject headlines you read earlier. Example: “I really like the red BCBG dress…” “OMG! Obama gave a speech about Afghanistan last night!”

2.) “Tweet”
Follow people like Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Syrian dissidents, and Somali journalists. Then, about twice a day, retweet these people. That way, you can look like you care with just a click of a button.

3.) Roll your eyes
Smart people don’t think anything is interesting. I don’t know why; maybe their minds are just so interesting that everything else seems dull and stupid. But, the more sarcastic and unenthusiastic you are, the smarter you will seem.

4.) Know random facts
We had a family friend who went on Jeopardy and everyone just assumes he’s a genius because he knows how many countries Britain had colonized in 1876. Knowing random facts that you can just rattle off, whether in class or in the bathroom while you’re washing your hands, will make you bound to impress.

5.) Photobomb the Moody’s Megamath Challenge
Just because you don’t know the difference between a function and a fraction, doesn’t mean you can’t stand in the background of their photos. That way, once it goes up on Facebook, everyone will just assume you’re on the team as well.

6.) Wear Ivy League apparel
Looking at BU and Northeastern over break? If so, be sure to stop by Cambridge and get some apparel from both Harvard and MIT. Wear it at least once a week to remind people that you are seriously considering these schools.

7.) Get a watch –
and no, not a super-chic D&G watch. The more it would fit in on a Star Wars set, the better. Make sure it looks technological and beeps, so it seems as if you have better things to do.