While it may seem early to start thinking about college as a 9th grader, the truth is that the college admissions process starts well before a student’s senior year of high school.
There are a few reasons why high school students should start working on college preparation as early as 9th grade.
First, it’s important to understand that colleges look at a student’s entire academic record, not just their senior year grades. This means that a student’s grades and coursework from 9th grade onwards are important and can have an impact on their chances of being accepted to a particular college. Thus, 9th grade should not be taken as an ‘easy’ year or a year that doesn’t matter. It is beneficial for the student to understand how 9th grade will impact their future path and dreams too.
Another reason to start thinking about college early is that it can help students better understand their interests and goals. By starting to explore colleges and majors as early as 9th grade, students can get a better sense of what they’re interested in and what they want to study in college. This can help them choose the right high school courses and extracurricular activities to prepare for their future academic and career goals.
Here are a few steps that 9th and 10th graders can take to start figuring out their desired majors and career paths:
- Explore your interests: One of the best ways to start figuring out your desired major and career path is to explore your interests. This can involve taking certain classes, joining extracurricular activities, or participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities. By doing things that you enjoy, you can get a better sense of what you’re passionate about and what you might want to study in college.
- Research colleges and majors: Another important step is to research colleges and majors that align with your interests. This can involve looking at the academic programs offered by different colleges and exploring the career outcomes of graduates in your desired field. This can help you narrow down your list of potential colleges and majors and give you a better understanding of what you might want to study in college.
- Talk to people in your desired field: Another helpful step is to talk to people who work in your desired field. This can include family members, friends, or professionals who have experience in the industry. These individuals can provide valuable insight and advice about what it takes to succeed in your desired field and what you should consider when choosing a major.
- Take challenging courses: Finally, it’s important to take challenging courses in high school, as this can help you build the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college. By taking advanced placement (AP) or honors courses, you can demonstrate to colleges that you are capable of handling academic challenges and are committed to personal growth.
Like this, there are several steps that 9th and 10th graders can take to start figuring out their desired majors and career paths. By exploring your interests, researching colleges and majors, talking to people in your desired field, and taking challenging courses, you can start to get a better understanding of what you might want to study in college and how to achieve your future goals.
If your child is a junior (11th) or senior (12th), it’s also important to start thinking about college applications early because the admissions process can be time-consuming and competitive. Applying to college involves completing numerous applications, writing essays, requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and taking standardized tests. By starting the process early, students can give themselves plenty of time to complete these tasks and ensure that their applications are as strong as possible.
Finally, starting to think about college early can also help students better understand the financial aspect of paying for college. By starting to research financial aid options and scholarships as early as 9th grade, students can get a better sense of what they’ll need to do to afford college and start planning for their future.
In conclusion, it’s important for high school students to start thinking about college as early as 9th grade. By starting the preparation process early, students can better understand their interests and goals, give themselves plenty of time to complete the admissions process, and start planning for the financial aspect of paying for college. These are all important steps in the journey towards a successful college career.
