Building your high school transcript starts now, and the better your grades are, the stronger that transcript will be.
The Freshman year is a time for exploration. It’s natural to have varied interests and be unsure about what to study in the long term. There are, however, some things that Freshmen should keep in mind as they get acclimated to high school.
First, ninth graders should make an effort to challenge themselves with their core academic classes. Building your high school transcript starts now, and the better your grades are, the stronger that transcript will be. Also, academic success early on will lay a solid foundation for more challenging courses and Advanced Placement exams down the road.
It is not advisable to take courses that are above your academic level; that will just lead to frustration and weaker grades. It is also premature at this stage to worry about tests such as the SAT or PSAT.
Extracurricular activities are also important. You may experiment some with different clubs and so forth as you find your way and discover your likes, dislikes, and strengths, but you should keep a record of what you participate in on an updated resume. As you get older, your focus should become narrower and be able to demonstrate leadership, humanitarianism, and taking initiative.
Finally, it’s never too soon to be thinking about money. It is recommended that students should begin budgeting for college as early as their Freshman year. Summer jobs can be a great way to help contribute to the college fund and build that resume at the same time.
Also, Freshmen can actually begin researching scholarships, as there are a number of them that allow Freshmen to apply.
And remember, high school should be some of the best days of your life. Remember to enjoy the experience while you’re getting all that hard work done.