Is freshman year of high school too early to think about college?
In my role as college counselor, I am often asked, usually by parents, whether or not it’s too early for high school freshmen to start thinking about where they want to go to college. Understandably, they want to be proactive and set their child up for success, as any parent would.
My answer often surprises them. The short answer is yes. Yes, it’s too soon. Your high school freshman was in middle school just a few months ago. It’s way too soon for them to start worrying about college applications. They’re only now starting to get settled into high school, for Pete’s sake. Let them get acclimated to being a high school student first, and focus on college preparedness later.
That said, there are things that high school freshmen can do to get themselves settled successfully into high school, and these same things have the benefit of helping them succeed when it comes time to start thinking about college. They can become involved in school activities, both academic and nonacademic, where they will make friends and take a deeper dive into things they enjoy. They can establish good study habits. And they can create routines that will help them stay healthy.
Here are my top 5 suggestions for high school freshman looking to get a leg up on getting ready for college:
Prioritize healthy routines. Establish a consistent bedtime and stick to it. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep every night. Put your phone away an hour before bed. Eat nutrient-rich food, mostly vegetables. Start with a protein-packed breakfast. Get regular exercise: at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week.
Get involved. Pick two activities to participate in. They could be activities you’ve done for years, or you may choose to do something entirely new. Ninth grade is an ideal time to explore. If you feel like joining the wrestling team, do it. If you want to try out the forensics club because you’re a true crime aficionado, give it a whirl. You’ll create new friendships, and you’ll learn new things. Make your selections based on what sounds good to you. Don’t try to guess at what colleges want.
Focus on developing good study habits. Rather than setting goals centering on grades (“I will get an A in math”), set goals focusing instead on your own habits of mind (“I will study math 30 minutes every school night,” “I will meet with my math teacher after school one week before every exam”).
Plan intentional family time. Sit down for a home-cooked meal with your family twice a week. Everyone should put their phones and digital devices away. If your parents are too busy to cook, consider volunteering. It might sound hokey, but consider planning an interesting conversation topic for your time together. You only have a few more years left before leaving “the nest.” Make your family memories something you’ll look back on fondly.
Visit a college or two. If your family travels, consider scheduling a visit to a college in the area. Or visit a college near where you live. Ask yourself: can I envision myself here? Why, or why not? A college counselor can help you identify schools that make sense for you to visit.
Give yourself time to settle in. Make friends. Be yourself. Don’t worry about what colleges think—just take the time to discover who you are.
If you’d like help with any of this, Confluence College Admissions Counseling offers a package for ninth-grade students that include making a plan for all of the above, and more!
