I’m in 9th grade. What should I be doing now to prepare for college?

College seems very far away at the moment, but in a year, you’ll be taking the PSAT for the first time. Two years from now, you’ll be visiting campuses and building your list, and not long after that, you’ll be working on applications! So what can you do now to make the process easier?

• Develop healthy habits. Right now, you are establishing the habits that follow you through high school and college. If you have any habits that need to change, NOW is the time to work on them. Maintain an exercise routine. Stay hydrated. Practice the art of delayed gratification–get that paper done first, then reward yourself with Netflix or video games. 
• Do your best in your classes. Your goal is to keep all your options open, and the best way to do that is to keep your grades as high as you can. Ready for a challenge? Take optional honors in your favorite subject.
• Read. Read. Read. There’s an obvious link between reading and success in school. Broaden your vocabulary and your knowledge base; become an interesting conversationalist; know what’s going on in the world.

• Get involved. Start thinking about your interests and what sets you apart. Be willing to try new things. It can be anything: Join a club, audition for choir or a play, join a sports team (or manage one), volunteer, get involved in church activities, start a garage band. Think of ways to show leadership and initiative within your interests.
• Get to know your teachers—and let your teachers get to know the real you. Show them the best side of yourself. Don’t forget: in a few years, your teachers will be writing your recommendation letters.
• Pay attention when people start talking about colleges. The more you know, the easier your decision-making process will be. If you know someone in a job that interests you, ask them where they went to college. Ask juniors and seniors about their college visits. Visit one or two if you have a chance.
• Create an account in Scoir and update your profile and activities list. You’ll thank yourself later.
• And don’t forget you have a college counselor available to you! I’m available to answer questions at any time. Email me or stop by my office.
  • Athletes: let me know if you’re thinking about DI or DII schools.
  • Ambitious folk: Let me know if you’re thinking about a highly selective school.
  • Anyone: Come talk to me whenever you have a question.