Freshman Year - Check list
Get set for a great high school career. It's important to remember that what lies ahead is not just a four-year audition for college. Still, it will help later to think now about what admissions staffers will be looking for.
• Seek advice: Ask someone you trust to help you map out your classes. Grades are important in ninth grade. But rigor is really key, too, so don't just go for easy A's.
• Learn from teacher feedback: How many times have you groaned over a bad essay grade, then stuffed the paper into a binder without another thought? Instead, accept that C as constructive criticism, really read your teacher's comments and figure out how to do better.
• Read voraciously: Books, newspapers, magazines, blogs – choose what engages you and remember to look up unfamiliar words.
• Get involved: Not only are you developing talents and interests that will catch a college's eye, but also school is more fun when you have activities to look forward to.
Get set for a great high school career. It's important to remember that what lies ahead is not just a four-year audition for college. Still, it will help later to think now about what admissions staffers will be looking for.
• Seek advice: Ask someone you trust to help you map out your classes. Grades are important in ninth grade. But rigor is really key, too, so don't just go for easy A's.
• Learn from teacher feedback: How many times have you groaned over a bad essay grade, then stuffed the paper into a binder without another thought? Instead, accept that C as constructive criticism, really read your teacher's comments and figure out how to do better.
• Read voraciously: Books, newspapers, magazines, blogs – choose what engages you and remember to look up unfamiliar words.
• Get involved: Not only are you developing talents and interests that will catch a college's eye, but also school is more fun when you have activities to look forward to.