Quick tips for those starting out. Play the intro your first time, or if you skipped it, check help on the main map and you get a chance to read it again. Lots of good information there. Use the detective. I usually investigate June first as the end result is a way to boost your rep on the weekends. Try a mouse for lockpicking until your level goes up some and the swings calm down. I go for hypnotism to corrupt the teachers until I can do their quests, which all start at the detectives. Susan Hooters starts with conversations with her. Sell the mind control device for cash, you need it early in game.
Don't have a PTA meeting after the first one for at least a month or more. You need to be squeaky clean for a bit while things are developing and you can get your rep up to around 80. That gives you time to work on the PTA members.
Save Scum!! Save early and often. If you think an action might carry a neg rep hit, save before it and don't do it the second time.
I've played both ways and I am still not sure which is better, taking all students to get more to corrupt early, or limiting the student body to give you a smaller pool to work on.