Making friends at a new school: Tips & Advice?

[Cicero]

So I'm going to a new school this school year and I'm nervous. 2 gets ago I had to leave my old to to go to public school due to bad grades, and when I went to this new school I became unliked. At my old school before coming to this new school, I was somewhat popular, or more very well liked. But when I came to this school I became unliked, it's getting a little better but not much. I'm going to a new school and I'm somewhat terrified, that I won't be liked. But I'm also scared because this school has students who are very well known, they have students who's parents were on Forbes 400 list, and their football team is known country wide to be prestigious and good. My dad might pull strings to get me in if my grades are good enough maybe a 2.2 gpa (you have to have a minimum gpa of 2.75 to get in). Do you have any tips and advice? What should I do my first day so I don't sit alone at lunch? How do I "be myself"? (I want advice other than be yourself)

I'm going to this school for college, but I also want to go for a fresh start. In hoping to play soccer there but idk.

And lastly...
If I don't get accepted in the school how do I make my current experience at my school better? How can I become more respected? More well liked?