Parents: Helping Your 9th Grader Prepare for College

This is also when your child should be developing good study habits. Freshman year is the least important year academically—at least according to most colleges—but the habits your student develops now can follow her throughout high school. For more information on why academics are important now, check out Parents: Why Freshman Year GPAs Matter.

Mid Freshman Year

Around the middle of freshman year, your child may be experiencing a more challenging workload than she’s had in the past. If she seems stressed or unable to take a break and relax, however occasionally, you may need to intervene, even if she doesn’t ask you to. Check in and insist that she take breaks and take care of herself—or let you take care of her.

This is also around the time you should start thinking about summer plans. Colleges will want to see that your child is doing something productive toward her future, even during the summer, so consider different options, such as summer programs, jobs, or other activities. Be a source of motivation for your child. Make sure you discuss goals for the rest of high school, college, and beyond.

End of the School Year

Around May and June, start thinking about the future. Sit down with your child to determine which classes to take for sophomore year. Discuss honors, AP, and other advanced courses, and develop goals for the summer and next year. Also, look at summer reading lists.

The Takeaway

Your most important role for this year is being a support system for your child. She should know she can count on you. Offer help preemptively, not just when your child asks, and if it seems like she’s struggling, step in.

Make sure you show up to parent/teacher conferences, and stay on top of your child’s accomplishments and challenges. Right now is when you’re setting the tone for the rest of high school, so you should make the roles clear, and demonstrate that you’re there to help.

Check out our other resources to help you and your freshman:

How Important Is Freshman Year of High School?

50 Clubs and Activities 9th Grades Can Join

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