Freshman Year in High School

Fall

If there is a summer reading requirement, make sure all is completed. The schools that require them make it a major assignment for the first quarter/trimester of school. Not doing well can dramatically affect the final grade.
Make an appointment with your counselor.
Discuss your academic/career plans and personal and academic strengths.
Visit the your Guidance Counselor and/or College Career Center.
Learn about the various school extracurricular activities in school and join one.
Maintain strong grades this year. Colleges begin looking at grades in 9th grade!
Seek help if you are having trouble with a class. Discuss with your teacher so they can give you recommendations.
Make a decision if you want to go to college, attend a technical school, the armed services or plan to work after you graduate.

Spring

Meet with your counselor to talk about your grades, courses for next year that are based on your graduation goals and career interests.
If you are considering attending a vocational or technical school, understand that you are preparing for a career in that area after high school.
Considering college? Two years of the same world language is required at most four-year colleges/universities.
Attend college fairs at your school or in your area.
Identify subjects that you enjoy and have a strength in to explore careers associated with that subject.
Talk to your counselor about summer Enrichment programs in February.
Attendance is important to success in school. Go to school every day.

Summer Plans

Take time to read, find ways to write, review math worksheets to maintain these skills.
Log onto College Board and practice questions for the PSAT that you will take in the fall.

NRE College & Career Network