12 College Prep Resources Every 9th Grader Needs to Read

Starting high school can be a source of anxiety for many students. You’re facing not only new classes and new people to meet, but also the dawning realization that college applications are looming on the horizon. While there’s no need to stress quite yet, it will be helpful to start laying the groundwork for your junior and senior years as a freshman so you are prepared when the time comes to apply to college. Check out the resources we’ve compiled to help you with your transition below.

A Guide to Freshmen and Sophomore Years

Nervous about the early years of high school and wondering how to begin on the right foot? A Guide to Freshmen and Sophomore Years is a great place to start.

Is Freshman Year Too Early to Start College Planning?

Check out Is Freshman Year Too Early to Start College Planning? for advice on beginning the college process in ninth grade.

A Guide to Extracurricular Activities for Grade 9

What you do outside of school matters! Here are some ideas for how to spend your time when you’re not in class.

How to Determine Which Clubs to Join: A Guide for Freshmen

Now that you have a plethora of in-school activities available to you, how do you decide which ones are the best fit? Read this handy guide to find out.

How to Pick Your High School Courses for Freshman and Sophomore Years

Freshman year may be the first time you are able to take courses at different levels, such as honors, AP, or advanced. Check out How to Pick Your High School Courses for Freshman and Sophomore Years to learn what the different designations mean and how to go about deciding where you fit.

A Guide to Choosing Electives in High School

While much of your curriculum is probably prescribed, you may have the chance to take on optional courses (electives) as well. Check out A Guide to Choosing Electives in High School for advice on picking wisely.

An Updated Guide to Introductory Course Selection

Learn more about the leeway you have to choose your courses as a freshman and what should take in An Updated Guide to Introductory Course Selection.

What Math Courses Should I Take?

Almost all four-year colleges will require you to have taken some kinds of math courses in high school. Learn about the different math tracks and classes generally available in What Math Courses Should I Take?.

A Guide to Taking a Foreign Language in High School

Find out the benefits of taking a foreign language and why you should start studying one early in A Guide to Taking a Foreign Language in High School.

What Is an Advanced Placement (AP) Class?

Whether or not your high school allows freshmen to take AP courses, you should start preparing now if you want to take them at any point in high school. Find out about the College Board AP program in What Is an Advanced Placement (AP) Class?.

What Is an Upward Grade Trend?

While it’s true that your early high school grades are not as important as the ones you earn later in high school, it is incorrect to say that they don’t matter at all. If you’re worried about your current grades, find out what you can do to improve your transcript and fix your mistakes in What Is an Upward Grade Trend?.

Is It Too Early to Be Making My College List?

It’s never too early to start thinking about where you want to spend the next four years after high school. Learn the dos and don’ts of getting a head start in Is It Too Early to Be Making My College List?.

Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Freshman year is a time to explore and think about what kinds of interests and activities you might want to pursue in the future. Check out our guides to start off high school on the right note.

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