9th Grade Focus

Skills to Focus on and Things to Do:

• Time management

• Studying for all different subjects.

• Take the most challenging classes that you can manage, when you have the opportunity to pick them.

• Now is NOT the time to focus on SAT/ACT prep. If you want to learn a little bit about these tests and what to expect, please check out the standardized test prep section of our website

• Create an activity log to track all your extracurricular activities, summer experiences, academic honors, and other achievements. This includes any family responsibilities you may have at home, jobs you have worked, and anything else you have done with your time!

• Plan for a meaningful summer experience.

• Try new clubs; get involved in Lab's events.

• Self-advocacy skills (talking to teachers, etc.).

• Discovering the way you learn best and the supports you need along the way.

What parents/guardians can do at home:

• Help students identify strengths and challenges, and practice good habits, when it comes to organization and time management skills.

• Encourage students to attend office hours, and to take the lead when it comes to communicating with teachers.

Suggestions for 9th Graders in Embracing Lab's College Office philosophy:

• When you’re an underclassman, my most honest advice - even as a college counselor - is to keep your focus on high school. Lab is a WONDERFUL place with many opportunities - don’t miss out because you are so consumed with what’s next.  

  • If you are not in clubs at Lab yet, what are you waiting for??

• Whenever you ask a question phrased like “should I do this for college?”, my response to you will be “does this make sense for YOU?” There are college options for every kind of student, no matter what your academic ability, financial constraints, and other limiting factors. I’ll help you make a list, when the time comes, of schools that are good fits for you. 

  • I’d like to reframe the narrative that there’s particular things to “do” to get into college.

    • Misconception that some activities / academic interests are “better” than others in terms of admission. If you hear something like this, reminding students that each student is different and CAN find colleges that “match” WHATEVER it is they do and whatever their passions are. Some of our students will be limited in the scope of what they are able to do extracurricularly due to family needs, and this is okay. 

    • More important than what’s on your resume, colleges want to know, who are YOU. Sometimes, this translates to activities where you’re able to hone these values. Do things that matter to you. 

• If you are sitting here and envisioning a specific school to which you want to apply or want your child to apply, that’s fine. However, I will push you to consider “why” and “how” you know about the school - and how this translates into a good school for YOU, not according to rankings. 

• Yes, your GPA “matters” for college admissions. However, all you can do is your best. If you’re

doing your best, that will be enough for schools that are realistic fits for you. 

What to Expect Later on in High School from the College Office

• College Corners. I intentionally send the College Corners to the whole school community, so you can see what’s coming. :) It will be important to tune into these starting in the winter of your junior year.. Up until that point, feel free to keep your eye on these for any announcements geared toward underclassman. 

• September - December of Junior Year

  • You will receive monthly newsletters for how to engage in the college process during that month while I am primarily supporting the seniors in the height of their application season. 

  • You will receive standardized testing guidance so that you can make an appropriate plan for you during the rest of junior year. 

• January-June of Junior Year

  • Junior Family College Night to kick off our work together- admissions officers from different colleges/universities will advise you, in a panel format, about the college process and how to best engage. I will also go over the various components of the Spring curriculum for juniors - there is a lot that we can help support with. :) 

  • Junior Seminars : weekly meetings with me and small groups of students that meet to go over different topics in the college process. The curriculum is designed so that you are ready and prepared to apply to college at the beginning of your senior year - I’ll help pace you appropriately.

  • Individual Family Meetings with EVERY student/family. Translators available whenever needed. 

  • Junior Financial Aid Night and other Events TBA (stay tuned to the College Corner for all these important dates!)

  • Opportunities to meet with college representatives at Lab.

  • …and more!

• Senior Year

  • Weekly small group college workshops that will help you with the physical application process, applying for financial aid, writing essays, etc.

  • Individual meetings with each student to catch up on the summer and chat about your “game plan” for applications. 

  • Plenty of time available during consistent office hours - that will sometimes be offered later into the evening.

  • Senior Financial Aid Night and other important events TBA.

  • Newsletters / written guidance sent throughout the whole year - even after the application process - to help you matriculate to college or wherever you’re heading next.

  • Opportunities to meet with college representatives at Lab.

  • …and more!