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I’m currently in 9th grade what are some things I can do to prepare my self for future high school years and college ?
I’m worried I may not be doing enough
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8 answers
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Tanya’s Answer
High school is a great time to explore your interests and set yourself up for college!
Spend 9th and 10th grade taking electives which seem interesting and engaging to you, and consider taking AP, IB, and/or Dual Enrollment classes to have a feel for the college environment while also knocking out some gen-ed credits.
Start studying for the PSAT and SAT/ACT to improve your chances of getting top scholarships and entering a top school.
Join student organizations and work your way up into leadership positions for the orgs which interest you the most!
Cherish high school and be sure to spend time with friends and family.
Spend 9th and 10th grade taking electives which seem interesting and engaging to you, and consider taking AP, IB, and/or Dual Enrollment classes to have a feel for the college environment while also knocking out some gen-ed credits.
Start studying for the PSAT and SAT/ACT to improve your chances of getting top scholarships and entering a top school.
Join student organizations and work your way up into leadership positions for the orgs which interest you the most!
Cherish high school and be sure to spend time with friends and family.
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Anyone asking this question while being in the 9th grade is ahead of the game! Well done!! Additionally, continue to ask yourself what you want to do for a career and strive to do what you LIKE to do....meaning what brings you enjoyment. You can take assessment tests to understand strengths and weaknesses and begin to line up college tours.
I agree with Bruce, you are ahead of the game!
Look into organizations and clubs that correlate with your interests and join those. Being in clubs always looks good on a resume for college or work, especially if you sign up to be one of the officers. Also, don't be afraid to do an internship and/or job shadow in careers that you are interested in.
morgan whitson
All of this is great advice! I would also try to challenge yourself by taking higher level courses, such as AP classes, when you can. Additionally, if you have any interest in a particular college, you can review what their requirements for admission are and start thinking about how you can meet those. But like everyone said, don't worry too much now - you have all of high school to prepare!
Renee Fleet
Updated
Mohit’s Answer
There's no need to worry! By asking this question, you're already showing that you care about your life.
Each grade offers valuable lessons, so concentrate on learning and developing your social skills. As life gets busier, make sure to also focus on your interests.
Remember, don't stress too much! There's no need to over-prepare. You'll learn things as you go along.
Each grade offers valuable lessons, so concentrate on learning and developing your social skills. As life gets busier, make sure to also focus on your interests.
Remember, don't stress too much! There's no need to over-prepare. You'll learn things as you go along.
Updated
Stavros’s Answer
This is an excellent question! Start by asking yourself, "What do I envision myself doing?" and "Is it possible to build a career around this?" Next, research the necessary degrees for your chosen field. You might attend a community college for two years before transferring to a university, or complete all four years at a university – just ensure they offer the degree you desire. It's important to consider your future and ask these questions as you enter higher grades. Additionally, consult your guidance counselor for valuable advice on topics like these.
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Richard’s Answer
I believe the most important thing one can do to prepare is to do a lot of research in the career area(s) you're interested in. What kind of degree (if any!) is necessary for a particular job? What's the future look like for job opportunities in that field(s)? Is it expanding? Or will there be fewer jobs available when you graduate? Check out the Department of Labor for those details, and take some vocational aptitude assessments. Most schools will have them, or point you in the right direction to take them.
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Madisyn’s Answer
Hi Ishant!
It's absolutely fantastic to see you're already thinking about college! I believe that your primary goal at this moment should be to strive for the best grades you can achieve and participate in a few clubs. Excelling academically and being active in extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your chances of getting into your dream colleges when the time comes to submit applications in a few years.
Wishing you the best of luck and a truly enjoyable first year of high school!
It's absolutely fantastic to see you're already thinking about college! I believe that your primary goal at this moment should be to strive for the best grades you can achieve and participate in a few clubs. Excelling academically and being active in extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your chances of getting into your dream colleges when the time comes to submit applications in a few years.
Wishing you the best of luck and a truly enjoyable first year of high school!
Updated
Aashna’s Answer
Absolutely! Spend quality time delving into various fields to discover your true passions! Enroll in a variety of courses, become a part of diverse club activities, and above all, cherish the moments spent with your loved ones!
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Hey Ishant,
You have no reason to be worried in my opinion, but given that I went through the college admissions process recently, here are my best bits of advice.
My first bit of advice to you is to work hard. Each year in high school matters as much as the other (meaning your first semester in freshman year is every bit as important as second semester of junior year), so make sure that you're developing a good work ethic and putting in the work necessary to do well in school. If you want to get into a good school, getting good grades is going to an important foundation of getting in. Getting good grades is the best way to give yourself plenty of options for schools to go to and to earn scholarship opportunities.
Next, keep your eye on standardized tests. Although many universities are becoming test optional, the best way to back up good grades are strong test scores. It shows universities that you are able to operate under the pressure of the SAT and ACT as they're timed tests. Also, if you're test scores aren't strong, no worries! As I stated earlier, many universities are becoming test optional (including state schools), so they will look at your application as if the test never existed. When the time is right (summer before junior year) start prepping for the test. Take both of them and see which one you prefer. After that, practice as much as you can. Do practice problems and plenty of practice tests, also make sure that these are timed. Do some research on strategies on how to be more efficient with your time during the test. Also have a target score in your mind. You can do research on the schools that you want to go to and determine what their SAT score is. If you fall short of the requirement, I would say that you should not report it. If not, all the better!
My next bit of advice is to start getting involved in school. If you're involved (meaning your resume is strong) and have good grades, it shows colleges that you can balance work and extracurriculars, which is an integral part of being a college student. Find some organizations at school that you like or maybe join a sports team, find things at school and outside of school that interest you and get involved!
My last bit of advice is to not worry and have fun! You only do high school once, so make sure to have a ton of fun. There won't be another period in your life where you're surrounded with your friends as much as high school. Make good memories, have fun, and don't stress yourself out about this stuff. You're going to end up exactly where you should, as long as you make sure to work hard and manage your time you should be in great shape!
You have no reason to be worried in my opinion, but given that I went through the college admissions process recently, here are my best bits of advice.
My first bit of advice to you is to work hard. Each year in high school matters as much as the other (meaning your first semester in freshman year is every bit as important as second semester of junior year), so make sure that you're developing a good work ethic and putting in the work necessary to do well in school. If you want to get into a good school, getting good grades is going to an important foundation of getting in. Getting good grades is the best way to give yourself plenty of options for schools to go to and to earn scholarship opportunities.
Next, keep your eye on standardized tests. Although many universities are becoming test optional, the best way to back up good grades are strong test scores. It shows universities that you are able to operate under the pressure of the SAT and ACT as they're timed tests. Also, if you're test scores aren't strong, no worries! As I stated earlier, many universities are becoming test optional (including state schools), so they will look at your application as if the test never existed. When the time is right (summer before junior year) start prepping for the test. Take both of them and see which one you prefer. After that, practice as much as you can. Do practice problems and plenty of practice tests, also make sure that these are timed. Do some research on strategies on how to be more efficient with your time during the test. Also have a target score in your mind. You can do research on the schools that you want to go to and determine what their SAT score is. If you fall short of the requirement, I would say that you should not report it. If not, all the better!
My next bit of advice is to start getting involved in school. If you're involved (meaning your resume is strong) and have good grades, it shows colleges that you can balance work and extracurriculars, which is an integral part of being a college student. Find some organizations at school that you like or maybe join a sports team, find things at school and outside of school that interest you and get involved!
My last bit of advice is to not worry and have fun! You only do high school once, so make sure to have a ton of fun. There won't be another period in your life where you're surrounded with your friends as much as high school. Make good memories, have fun, and don't stress yourself out about this stuff. You're going to end up exactly where you should, as long as you make sure to work hard and manage your time you should be in great shape!