College Preparation and High School Freshmen

Future Planning Activities for Ninth Graders

Dec 7, 2008

Freshmen year of high school is the foundation for college preparation. Many tasks and activities need to be considered during this crucial year.

Freshmen year is a rite of passage for most students. High school brings a time of new experiences and growth. This year is especially important for preparing for college. Specific tasks need to be considered and finished during this school year college admission.

Proper Course Completion for College Admission

Many middle schools use social promotion, which allows all eighth graders to pass to ninth grade despite failing grades. Not only will failing classes at the high school level prohibit a student from graduation, but it will also decrease the opportunity to attend four year colleges once graduation occurs. Colleges want students who can demonstrate their ability to successfully complete high school curriculum. Students who have difficulty completing high school courses will be less likely to perform academically at the college level.

Colleges want to see students complete classes in the core areas. Additionally, colleges want to see students complete classes at the student’s ability level. This includes completing classes at honors and Advance Placement levels if appropriate.

Extracurricular Activities Participation for College Admission

Colleges consider participation in extracurricular activities for admission selection. Participation demonstrates several positive character traits that make applicants attractive to admission counselors. Freshmen should review their high school’s list of sports, clubs, and fine art activities and attend an informational meeting on the activities of interest. An appropriate goal is to participate in three activities during the school year.

Participation in activities allows students to work closely with coaches and advisors. Colleges often request a recommendation from a teacher, coach, or advisor for application purposes. Developing a positive relationship with a coach or advisor may lead to a positive recommendation for colleges.

Literacy Exposure

College entrance examinations usually take place during a student’s junior year. Preparing for these tests begins in the ninth grade. Freshmen need to be reading two to three books a month to increase their reading fluency and exposure to great authors. Additionally, many colleges require admission essays and some specifically ask about the student’s exposure to literature.

School Counselor Relationship

One of the most crucial relationships that need to be developed is with the school counselor. Colleges require counselors to fill out secondary school reports on applicants. The forms request information such as grade point average, class rank, evaluation compared to peers, and recommendation. In order to accurately assess the student, the counselor needs specific information from the student. This information can only be provided from the student.

Freshmen should make an appointment to see their assigned school counselor sometime during the year. Here are some suggestions for the meeting:

Overall, preparation is the key to college admission. Stumbling during your ninth grade year may jeopardize college options after high school. With careful planning and consideration freshmen can adequately prepare for the college admission game. The suggestions in this article can assist in becoming better prepared.

The copyright of the article College Preparation and High School Freshmen in Colleges is owned by Kerrie Troseth. Permission to republish College Preparation and High School Freshmen in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.