What does Ponyboy mean when he says that he does well in school but “doesn’t use his head”

Answer 1

When Ponyboy says that he does well in school but "doesn't use his head," he means that while he is able to do well academically and achieve good grades, he does not always apply critical thinking or make wise decisions in other areas of his life. This could refer to his impulsive behavior, tendency to act on emotions rather than logic, or his involvement in risky situations with his friends. Ponyboy recognizes that intelligence in schoolwork does not necessarily translate to using good judgment in real-life situations.