9th Grade Planning

Starting the Post-Secondary Planning Process:

Five Steps for your First Year of High School

Some students and families want to start to explore their post-secondary goals early. While it is not expected that students begin this process in 9th grade, it is important the the first step is to engage in the post-secondary planning process. This process involves having honest conversations about future goals and educational aspirations. It is important to remember that each and every student and family are at a different place in this process. Do not feel pressured to "know" what colleges you will apply to or what your major will be if you are not yet sure. If you do have specific goals and interests already, that is great! And there are many ways to take advantage of opportunities at LHS to solidify these interests and work toward your goals. 

In terms of starting your post-secondary planning process, below is an outline of the most important and essential steps for you to take in 9th grade:

1. Allow yourself time to transition into high school. 

Become adjusted to a new schedule, new courses, new expectations and new challenges. 

2. Get involved. 

Either at LHS or within the community. If you have an interest in something, try it! If you are not sure if you are interested in something, try it! If you think you might have an interest in something, try it! Some examples include:

a. LHS Clubs

b. Livingston organizations

c. The Livingston Community Center

d. The Livingston Public Library

e. LHS athletics

f. LHS musical or theatre productions

3. Maintain balance. 

Research shows that students, and adults, need to prioritize balance in their lives in order to achieve optimal results in all areas: academic, personal, social, familial, spiritual, career, friendships, etc. Balance includes devoting time to academics, being involved in extracurricular or co-curricular activities, spending time with family and friends and getting enough rest and relaxation. 

4. Start to plan for what's coming next: Use your LPS Personalized Learning Plan! 

Starting in February, your School Counselor will meet with you for your individual scheduling meeting. Reflect on your current classes and what you find yourself being interested in, compelled to learn more as well as what you may not find intriguing. How do your current classes connect to your future goals? Begin to explore the courses, clubs and activities at LHS that you can explore for 10th grade that will better align with your interests and/or allow you to explore something new, which will hone your post-secondary planning process and benefit you in the future. Use your LPS Personalized Learning Plan throughout the year to continue to reflect and plan both courses as well as your interests and goals.

5. Think big picture: What is my "right fit"? 

Have you considered what types of post-secondary options are there? Have you asked yourself: what type of post-secondary program do I see for myself? In addition to utilizing the LHS College Counseling website, explore the LPS Post-Secondary Planning & Transition website for various information and resources. The most important recommendation from the LHS School Counseling department is to engage in this process with the mindset of finding your "right fit".