Congratulations, You’re officially a high school student!
College might seem like a distant concept right now, and that’s perfectly okay. You deserve to enjoy your first year, make new friends, and experience all that high school has to offer. But at the same time, this year presents an ideal opportunity to do your future self a favor by laying the groundwork for college and career preparation early on.
Below are five simple ways to get started during your freshman year — plus two extra tips for parents and guardians.
5 Things Freshmen Should Focus on During Their First Year of High School
There’s absolutely no need to rush or do everything at once. Try completing one task every couple of weeks during your first semester to keep things manageable.
Before diving in, touch base with your school counselor. They may have a slightly different timeline or personalized guidance that aligns better with your individual goals.
1. Commit to Learning
Whether or not you plan to go to college, one of the best things you can do as a freshman is to dedicate yourself to learning. It’s less about which subjects you take and more about developing consistent study habits and a curiosity for knowledge.
Even though you’re still far from choosing a college major or career path, self-reflection can help point you in the right direction. Ask yourself questions like:
- Which class excites me the most, and why?
- Which assignments feel easy to complete — and which ones do I dread?
- Which clubs or activities make me feel happiest and most fulfilled?
2. Get Involved in Activities
More work? Not exactly. The right extracurriculars should feel rewarding, not exhausting.
Participating in activities outside of class is a great way to boost your mood, discover your interests, and develop leadership skills. Colleges also love seeing that you’re actively involved and exploring new challenges.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Volunteer in your community
- Join a sports team
- Pick up a part-time gig or side hustle (babysitting, tutoring, lawn care, selling art)
- Participate in school clubs or organizations
- Attend summer programs or camps
- Learn to play an instrument
Aim for about 5–10 hours per week of extracurricular involvement — though this can vary depending on your schedule and energy level.
3. Take the PSAT 8/9
If your school offers it, the PSAT 8/9 (Preliminary SAT) is a great way to assess your academic readiness. Usually taken toward the end of freshman year, it’s an introductory version of the SAT — with zero pressure attached.
Your score isn’t sent to colleges. Instead, it’s designed to show your strengths and highlight areas where you can improve before taking the actual SAT later in high school.
According to the Co-founder and Managing Director of Achievable, a reputable exam prep courses platform, Justin Pincar, it also helps you prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT in junior year, which can qualify you for scholarships and indicate readiness for AP courses. While these scores aren’t sent to colleges either, they provide valuable feedback and help you plan ahead for standardized testing and financial aid opportunities.
4. Start Building a College Resume
Even if you haven’t had a job yet, now is the perfect time to begin crafting a college resume. It doesn’t have to be long — 30 minutes is enough to get started.
College admissions officers like to see how students spend their time, what they’re passionate about, and how they’re growing. Start by listing your extracurriculars, hobbies, awards, and volunteer experiences.
You’ll be thankful later when you already have a detailed record to reference. (If you’re using AI Secretariat, they have a resume builder to make this easier!)
5. Bonus Tip: Explore Who You Are — and Meet With Your Counselor
Want to go above and beyond? Start a personal journal. It might sound cheesy, but reflecting on your experiences helps you understand yourself better.
Write about anything — your classes, your new friends, how high school feels so far, or what excites you about the future. These reflections can help you discover your values, interests, and potential career paths.
Your counselor is also a great resource. Meeting regularly can help you clarify your goals, plan your courses, and get personalized guidance throughout the year.
For more in-depth guidance, check out The Student Guide to College Planning or use the Scoir Freshman Checklist to make the most of your first year.
What Parents and Guardians Can Do During Freshman Year
While college might still seem far away, it arrives faster than expected. Spending a few hours now to understand the basics of financial aid and supporting your student’s development can make the journey smoother later on. These views were provided by a counselor working with AI Secretariat, Jed Morley:
1. Get Familiar with Financial Aid Options
Financial aid comes in several forms: federal, state, institutional, and community-based.
The two main federal forms — the FAFSA and the CSS Profile — will be filled out with your student during junior year.
It’s also worth exploring whether your state or local organizations offer scholarships or grants, as many provide additional funding opportunities for college.
2. Encourage Self-Discovery
Help your student explore their interests by supporting their hobbies and extracurricular pursuits — without choosing for them. Allow them to experiment and find activities that genuinely inspire them.
Regularly check in by asking questions like:
- What’s been your favorite part of high school so far?
- What’s been challenging?
- How can I help support you?
Your encouragement and interest can make a big difference in how they view school and themselves.
3. Help Them Manage Test Anxiety
It’s common for students to experience test anxiety, but learning coping techniques early can build resilience that benefits them throughout high school, college, and beyond.
Try reviewing these helpful guides together:
- 7 Study Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety
- 9 Ways to Help Your Student or Child Combat ACT and SAT Test Anxiety
- The Test Anxiety Battle Guide for Students
9th Grade College and Career Prep FAQs
Is it too early to think about college or work during freshman year?
Not at all! Focus on building good study habits, exploring new interests, and keeping track of your achievements. Think of it as preparation — not pressure.
How many extracurriculars should a freshman join?
Quality over quantity! Two or three activities that you’re passionate about are better than many that don’t interest you. Plan for about 5–10 hours a week total, and check with your counselor for personalized advice.
Do freshman year grades matter for college?
Yes — your grades count toward your GPA. However, colleges also look for improvement and consistency over time.
Should freshmen take the hardest classes available?
Challenge yourself, but don’t overextend. It’s better to excel in classes that suit your current skill level than to struggle in overly difficult ones. Your counselor can help you strike the right balance.
When should I start thinking about a college major?
You have plenty of time! Freshman year is for exploring, reflecting, and discovering what excites you.
What if my school doesn’t offer many extracurricular options?
Look beyond school walls — volunteer locally, take up a sport, get a part-time job, or start your own club. Initiative and passion matter most.
How often should freshmen meet with their counselor?
At least once a semester. Your counselor can help with course selection, activity planning, and long-term goal setting — they’re one of your best resources.
Freshman year is the beginning of an exciting journey — full of self-discovery, exploration, and growth. Start small, stay curious, and keep moving forward. Each step you take now sets the foundation for a confident, successful future.
