[ ] Review your high school’s Program of Studies and graduation requirements
Tip: High school graduation requirements differ from college admission requirements. We recommend taking 4 years of the core classes - math, science, English, social studies, and foreign language)
[ ] Create a list of classes you plan to take in 9th grade
Tip: Start out with the honors class if it was recommended and decide within your add/drop period if you want to switch out
[ ] Review list of activities available to join at your high school and identify 3-5 that you are most interested in exploring
[ ] Prepare for subjects you might find challenging in the Fall by using Khan Academy and study guides
[ ] Practice managing your time by using a planner. Check out ours.
[ ] Create a four-year plan based on the graduation requirements. Download our template. (Click File, Make a Copy to save to your own Google Drive. Sample filled out on second tab.)
[ ] Evaluate whether there are any other classes you need to change before the Add/Drop Deadline (date in which you need to change your classes by - otherwise they show up as a W on your transcript. You’ll want to explain any grades lower than a B and Withdrawals too)
[ ] Reflect on your classes and identify which ones you are doing well in and which ones you need help with
[ ] Participate in your classes - ask questions, speak up in discussions, go to extra-help sessions (you’ll eventually need good relationships with your teachers for letters of recommendation - so you might as well start now
[ ] Learn how to manage your time using a planner/Google Calendar/etc.
[ ] Join clubs and activities and attend meetings - to explore your interests and make friends
Tip: Try new activities - this is the perfect time for exploration
[ ] Identify community service activities you may want to get involved in outside of school
Note: If you are not old enough to participate in volunteer activities outside of school, join service clubs at your school