Freshmen

Create a four-year high school plan

• Think about what you’d like to accomplish in high school

• Meet with your school counselor to make sure you’re taking the right classes

Start thinking about what you’re interested in outside of the classroom

• Think about jobs and careers that interest you

  • Even though your interests may change, it’s good to start thinking about possibilities

• Talk to adults, such as school counselors, teachers, and recent college graduates, about your interests

Meet with your high school counselor

• Schedule an appointment with your school counselor to discuss post-high-school plans

Participate in extracurricular activities

• Participate in extracurricular activities such as sports teams, school clubs, drama clubs, or volunteering

• If you’re interested in playing college sports, make sure you research the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as early as your freshman year

  • The NCAA requires completion of certain core classes in high school for eligibility

  • Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center for more information

Save for college

• Start saving money for college. It’s never too late or too early—every little bit helps

• Learn about financial aid, student loans, and scholarship opportunities that will help you pay for college

Explore summer opportunities

• Apply for a job or internship, or volunteer in your community

  • These experiences will help you learn about yourself and even put you on a path to your future career

Get familiar with PSAT-related assessments and the SAT

• Students take the PSAT 9 in April.  

  • This test will help you build up skills, so you’ll be ready to take the SAT in 11th or 12th grade

Adapted from: https://blog.collegeboard.org/how-to-start-planning-for-college-in-9th-grade