Pros and Cons to Consider

When it comes to college planning, timing is everything—or is it? One question we often hear from families is: Should we start thinking about college as early as 9th grade?

The short answer? It depends.

Starting early can offer powerful advantages, but it’s also important to balance thoughtful preparation and enjoying high school. Let’s break down the pros and cons of starting the college planning process in 9th grade so you can decide what works best for your student.

Pros of Starting College Planning in 9th Grade

1. Smarter Course Planning
You can map out a more strategic academic path when you start early. That might mean aiming for honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes—whichever align with your strengths and long-term goals. Colleges like to see academic rigor, and a four-year plan helps ensure you’re on track.

2. Freshman Grades Matter
Yes, your GPA starts now. Freshman-year grades count toward your cumulative GPA, so understanding that early on helps students set strong academic habits from the beginning.

3. Time to Explore Interests
Trying out different extracurriculars, clubs, or sports early lets you discover what you genuinely enjoy. By the time you're applying to colleges, you’ll have deeper involvement—and likely more leadership—in the activities that matter most to you.

4. Less Stress Down the Road
Spreading out college prep—like researching schools, understanding financial aid, or exploring career interests—can make junior and senior years feel much more manageable.

5. Early Test Exposure Pays Off
The earlier you're exposed to SAT/ACT concepts—through strong coursework or light prep—the more confident you’ll feel later. Even if you’re not testing until junior year, foundational skills take time to build.

6. More Time for Opportunities
Scholarships, summer programs, and pre-college experiences often open as early as sophomore year. Starting your search in 9th grade gives you a head start on finding the right-fit experiences that build your resume and confidence.

Cons of Starting College Planning in 9th Grade

1. Pressure Can Build Too Early
Focusing too much on college too soon can create unnecessary stress. Some students feel overwhelmed by trying to "do it all" before they’ve even adjusted to high school life.

2. Interests Might Be Prematurely Narrowed
When college becomes the focus too early, students might feel boxed into one path—like only choosing activities or classes that “look good”—instead of exploring new passions or taking healthy risks.

3. Overcommitment Can Backfire
It’s tempting to load up on APs and join every club, but that’s a fast track to burnout. If your goals shift (and they likely will!), it’s harder to pivot when you’ve already over-committed.

4. High School Should Be Enjoyed, Too
If every choice starts to feel like a college strategy, it’s easy to miss out on the joy, spontaneity, and personal growth that should define high school.

5. Misinformation = Misguided Stress
Without reliable guidance, students and families can make assumptions based on outdated or inaccurate info—worrying about things that don’t actually move the needle in admissions.

So, What’s the Right Approach?

Start the conversation in 9th grade—but don’t make it the only conversation. College planning doesn’t have to be a pressure cooker. Instead, think of it as planting seeds: explore interests, build strong study habits, and keep curiosity alive. Work with your educational consultant to create a flexible plan that evolves as your student does. With the right balance, early planning can become a tool for growth rather than stress. 

Going to College Close to Home: What Are the Pros and Cons (Beyond Cost)?

When it comes to choosing a college, one major factor—beyond academics and cost—is location. Specifically, how close (or far) the campus is from home.

While some students are eager to fly across the country and dive into total independence, others find comfort in staying closer to familiar faces. But what are the real trade-offs of attending a college that’s within an hour or so of home?

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of going to college close to home—beyond just saving money.

Pros of Going to College Within an Hour of Home

1. Built-In Emotional Support
It's easier to recharge emotionally when you're close to family and longtime friends. A quick visit home or coffee with a familiar face can make a big difference, especially during high-stress times like midterms or finals.

2. Easier Transition to College Life
Starting college can be overwhelming—new routines, new people, new expectations. Being near home can ease that transition, making you feel more grounded as you adjust to campus life.

3. Quick Weekend Trips & Family Events
Living close makes it simple to participate in family moments without complicated travel, whether it’s a birthday dinner, a cousin’s wedding, or just a Sunday night meal.

4. Live at Home (If You Want To)
Some students choose to commute or live at home during college. This can significantly reduce costs for housing, meals, and other campus living expenses.

5. A Safety Net if Things Go Wrong
Having family nearby can offer peace of mind and practical support, whether it’s a forgotten laptop, a flat tire, or a personal crisis.

6. Stay Connected to Local Life
If you’re involved in community organizations, jobs, clubs, or hobbies you love, staying nearby allows you to maintain those commitments and relationships.

Cons of Going to College Close to Home

1. The Temptation to Go Home Too Often
It’s great to have home nearby—but if you go back every weekend, you might miss out on bonding with classmates, participating in dorm life, or becoming fully immersed in campus culture.

2. Less “Traditional” College Experience
Late-night study sessions in the dorm lounge, spontaneous adventures with new friends, or floor movie nights—all of these build a sense of community. Commuting or heading home often can limit these experiences.

3. Delayed Independence
Being close to home can mean slower growth in life skills like budgeting, meal planning, doing your own laundry, or navigating tough decisions on your own. These are key parts of college—and adulthood.

4. Over-reliance on Familiar Comforts
It’s natural to lean on what’s familiar when things get tough. But part of college is learning resilience. If you’re always within reach of home comforts, it may delay important personal growth.

So, Should You Stay Close to Home?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some students, staying close offers critical emotional support and a smart financial strategy. For others, it might hold them back from embracing independence.

The key is balance. If you're staying near home, make a plan to stay involved on campus, challenge yourself socially and academically, and gradually grow your independence. And if you’re going farther away, be sure to build support systems in your new environment.

College is a launchpad—and whether you launch from 15 miles or 1,500 miles away, what matters most is how you use the experience to grow.