GRADE 9
Although this outline has many elements that all students can consider, it has been created with North American and UK admission timelines in mind. So if students are considering applying to universities in other continents they will need to do their research, plan for, and adjust their timeline accordingly. This timeline is intended for use by those students who are self-starters and who may want to take responsibility for the admissions process by themselves but should not take the place of the school-tailored timelines and schedules presented to them by their school and independent counselors.
Throughout the year Grade 9 students (Freshmen) should:
- Be actively involved in key areas of engagement: Academics, Writing, Supporting Others, Personal Development, In-depth Learning, and Connecting with Colleges
- Continue engaging in learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom throughout the year and continue to develop the skills needed to succeed in courses, especially writing, note taking, computer, and study skills.
- Explore and get involved with extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, sports, community service, fine and performing arts, work, and other in-or out-of-school activities) that align with their interests.
- Create an activity log to track all their extracurricular activities, summer experiences, academic honors, and other achievements.
- Determine what high school courses colleges require, and review their own four-year course plan with the school counselor to see if it fulfills general college requirements.
- Take the most rigorous course load that they can handle without compromising grades or destroying self-confidence.
- Understand college testing: PSAT, SAT, ACT, and IELTS: what they are and when to take them, and possibly take sample tests for practice using such websites as Khan Academy.
- Concentrate on the extracurricular activities of most interest, and have the confidence to take up a leadership position if possible.
- Begin to explore college possibilities with the aim of defining what they want in a college using search platforms such as College Board’s Big Future.
- Investigate careers of interest, and determine which courses will help prepare for those careers.
- Re-evaluate the four-year academic plan at the end of the school year and if needed, arrange to take any courses through an online learning program.
- Consider undertaking a psychometric test or interest inventory to learn more about strengths, challenges, communication, and learning styles as well as possible college majors and careers.
- Meet with their school counselor to explore clubs, classes, and their high school plan and start building a relationship with these essential supports in their college admission journey.
- Plan a summer experience that helps them explore a passion or interest.
- Plan their summer reading list to continue expanding their vocabulary and perspectives on the world.
- Start exploring how to pay for higher education as there are many ways to reach their goals.
