7 answers
Elena Isabel
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
7
Questions
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What can I do to better use my time in 9th grade and make sure I get into the college of my choice.?
What can I do to better use my time in 9th grade and make sure I get into the college of my choice.
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7 answers
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
289
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Do well academically. If you have a specific college in mind, go ahead and find out what the entry requirements are and work on exceeding those expectations.
Thank youu
Elena Isabel
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
28
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
To confirm the answer above, DO go ahead and find out what the entry requirements in a specific college are.
What the college areas of strength are, what they are known for. For example, if it's athletics, then get more athletic experience. If it's in science, get more science classes or volunteer at lab. Get your references letters from teachers and professors from those areas.
If you know your major, it will also help to contact any college professors or faculty of that major and ask them how to maximize your school time.
What the college areas of strength are, what they are known for. For example, if it's athletics, then get more athletic experience. If it's in science, get more science classes or volunteer at lab. Get your references letters from teachers and professors from those areas.
If you know your major, it will also help to contact any college professors or faculty of that major and ask them how to maximize your school time.
Thank youu!!!
Elena Isabel
Kalpita Ainapure
Management Consulting
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kalpita’s Answer
One of the best ways to use your time in 9th grade is to start exploring different careers and interests rather than feeling like you need to have everything figured out right away. Colleges want to see that you're engaged, curious, and willing to challenge yourself. Looking back, some of the most valuable experiences I had in high school came from trying different things and learning what I liked—and just as importantly, what I didn't like.
For example, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, so I volunteered at a hospital during my summer breaks. While it was a great experience, it helped me realize that a career in medicine wasn't the right fit for me. The following summer, I worked as a legal assistant at a law office because I was curious about becoming a lawyer. Again, I learned a lot, but I realized that path wasn't for me either. Without those experiences, I wouldn't have discovered what truly interested me or been able to make informed decisions about college majors and future careers.
My advice is to use high school as a time to explore. Join clubs, volunteer, pursue hobbies, take classes that interest you, and seek out opportunities to learn about different professions. The goal isn't just to get into a particular college—it's to better understand yourself so that when you do choose a college and a career path, you're choosing something that genuinely excites you. The more experiences you have now, the more confident you'll be in the decisions you make later.
For example, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, so I volunteered at a hospital during my summer breaks. While it was a great experience, it helped me realize that a career in medicine wasn't the right fit for me. The following summer, I worked as a legal assistant at a law office because I was curious about becoming a lawyer. Again, I learned a lot, but I realized that path wasn't for me either. Without those experiences, I wouldn't have discovered what truly interested me or been able to make informed decisions about college majors and future careers.
My advice is to use high school as a time to explore. Join clubs, volunteer, pursue hobbies, take classes that interest you, and seek out opportunities to learn about different professions. The goal isn't just to get into a particular college—it's to better understand yourself so that when you do choose a college and a career path, you're choosing something that genuinely excites you. The more experiences you have now, the more confident you'll be in the decisions you make later.
Taylor Meadows
Marketing
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Elena! It's good that you're thinking ahead, I wish I did more of this when I was in high school, but you're already 10 steps ahead in thinking about this in 9th grade.
As everyone stated above, I agree that figuring out the basic requirements for specific universities you are interested in is helpful. Sometimes taking AP classes is helpful because if you pass the AP test, you can get actual college credits before you even enroll.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay involved at your school. A lot of universities of course want good grades and test scores, but ultimately they are looking for well rounded individuals. Do they have interests outside of school? Do they volunteer? Are they involved with activities in their school: sports, leadership, etc?
It can be really intimidating when applying for colleges, but just know if you're working hard in high school, and remember to have fun with it, you'll get into the college that is best suited for you.
Hope this is helpful!!
As everyone stated above, I agree that figuring out the basic requirements for specific universities you are interested in is helpful. Sometimes taking AP classes is helpful because if you pass the AP test, you can get actual college credits before you even enroll.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay involved at your school. A lot of universities of course want good grades and test scores, but ultimately they are looking for well rounded individuals. Do they have interests outside of school? Do they volunteer? Are they involved with activities in their school: sports, leadership, etc?
It can be really intimidating when applying for colleges, but just know if you're working hard in high school, and remember to have fun with it, you'll get into the college that is best suited for you.
Hope this is helpful!!
katy denby
28
Answers
Updated
katy’s Answer
I am going to be applying to colleges soon and depending on the type of college and what you are planning to do it can vary. I had planned on going to nursing school at a community college but changed my mind, but I started to prepare for that by taking AP classes and focusing on my GPA which also wouldn't be bad to do in general no matter where you apply. That is probably the biggest and easiest thing, but you could also try looking up what school specifically you are looking into or what career field and find things that can speed up the process.
Thank youu!!
Elena Isabel
Aparna Sarnu
40
Answers
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Finding your dream college while in high school is a great idea. Colleges often check your grades, so it's smart to focus on doing well in your classes and exams. Playing a sport or trying a new one can also be helpful since colleges like to see your athletic involvement, which looks good on applications. It's a great idea to get more involved in school activities, such as joining clubs like the student council. Also, think about what career field interests you, like medicine or technology, so you can choose classes that help you prepare for that future.
Shelby Shugarts
9
Answers
Bixby, Oklahoma
Updated
Shelby’s Answer
It depends on your college of choice, but it is well worth noting that duel-concurrent enrollment would greatly benefit you in early years! There are programs (depending on your state and district) that allow you to earn college credits in high-school. I heavily suggest looking into these classes as not only would they boost your GPA, but these are favorable to colleges as it shows your dedication to academic prowess. There are also career quizzes that allow you to view your preferences, and this will be most helpful in choosing a major. Although it will take a while, you must find a major that you are concrete about. Keep working toward those things, and make sure to engage as many extracurriculars on that topic! In summary, ask your district about duel enrollment and volunteer for things in your desired field!
Thank youu!
Elena Isabel