We hope your first semester of high school was a smashing success! Although college is a long way off, your freshman year of high school is a great time to begin laying the foundation that will help you with the college admissions process in the years to come.
9th grade is an exciting time as hopefully you have made a smooth transition to high school and found a comfortable balance between your academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As you gain more confidence and continue to explore classes and activities that excite you, here are areas to focus on that will help you down the road in the college admissions process entering your second semester of 9th grade.
Finish 9th grade strong in terms of GPA
9th grade is a big transition, and it may take at least a semester to adjust to the higher expectations of high school. Do not be overly concerned if your first semester freshman grades are a bit lower than expected. Most colleges weigh freshman year grades less than 10th and 11th grade GPA, and some colleges do not factor 9th grade GPA at all in their college admissions decisions. But, this doesn’t give you an excuse to relax as most selective colleges will at least peek at your freshman grades. In the spring semester, focus on improving your GPA by spending more time on those classes that proved more challenging in your first semester. If you’re struggling and falling behind, ask your teachers for additional help. If you need help figuring out how to study efficiently, check out this website called Study Hacks for tips and ideas from Cal Newport.
In addition to your overall high school GPA, admission officers analyze your GPA trend by semester and year so look to improve, if possible, your spring semester 9th grade GPA relative to your first semester. As grades are generally regarded as the top factor in gaining admission to college, continue to make studying your primary focus in 9th grade.
Aim for course rigor as you plan your 10th grade class schedule
As you strive to improve your GPA in the second semester of 9th grade, begin to think about your 10th grade courses. As you begin to strategize your sophomore year course schedule, keep in mind that your 10th and 11th grade GPA and course rigor will be the most scrutinized by college admissions officers. Plan to take as many rigorous classes as possible, including AP and honors courses, while striving to maintain that balance of a high GPA. Work with your high school counselor to make sure you’re not taking on too much but that you’re also challenging yourself.
Get involved in extracurricular activities
9th grade is the ideal time to explore all the different extracurricular activities your high school has to offer as well as beginning to look at opportunities outside school. Your freshman and sophomore years of high school are the time to try new activities, whether it be sports-related, speech and debate, mock trial, math club, robotics, or theater. You may be surprised what new pursuits grab your attention. As you move along in high school, continue with those extracurricular interests that engage you and give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s not what you do: it’s how well you do it. Commitment and achievement are more important than the volume of activities. If possible, spend time identifying ways to enhance the club or organization and bring these ideas to life. Being a participant is great, but learning to lead and make a difference outside the classroom is an accomplishment that colleges truly value.
Begin making summer plans
Summer is filled with endless opportunities for high school students, such as:
- Getting a job or internship;
- volunteering or participating in a community service program;
- attending an academic program on a college campus;
- playing organized sports or going to a sports camp;
- traveling abroad or participating in a travel or adventure program;
- participating in performing arts (i.e., community theater) or attending an arts or music camp;
If you’re planning to work and save money for college this summer – congratulations! Having a job demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity — all things that college admissions officers like to see. In terms of rounding out your summer outside of work, brainstorm ways to amplify your extracurricular activities from the list above. Make plans for the summer that will be both fun and productive. The summer may offer you a chance to pursue interests that you aren’t able to engage in during the school year or double down on those extracurriculars that you are passionate about.
Enjoy Yourself!
Your freshman year of high school is not a time to stress about college admissions. Find time for fun both inside and outside the classroom. Hopefully your extracurriculars bring you joy, where you get the opportunity to explore new activities while having fun with friends along the way. Also, carve out time to read outside the classroom as you get the benefit of reading being a stress reliever while you learn along the way. Put your nose in a book, whether it be science or teen fiction, non-fiction, or even comic books. Let your family know if you feel that your life is becoming too stressful. Focus on personal growth, intellectual exploration, and developing your interests.
Ready to start the college admissions process in 9th grade?
This to-do list contains recommendations to get you started on the right foot of the college admissions process during your freshman year of high school. Focus on getting good grades, enjoy your extracurricular involvements, and find the right balance across all your commitments.
If you need additional guidance with your academic, extracurricular, and summer planning, please contact us for a compliimentary consultation. The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.
