Fall Checklist For Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Fall isn’t just about football games and pumpkin patches, it’s one of the best times of year for high school students to take steps that will make their college planning process smoother and less stressful. Whether your student is just starting their high school journey or inching closer to application season, the key is preparation, not panic.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are foundational steps each grade level can take to build toward a successful application season.

Freshmen (9th Grade): Start Strong

1. Focus on Academics—Grades Matter Early!
Many students (and parents!) don’t realize that colleges see freshman year grades, and they count. In fact, they make up a third of the academic record colleges initially review. Even colleges that exclude freshman grades from GPA calculations still see and consider them. So it’s critical to start strong and develop good habits early.

2. Explore Interests and Try New Things
Join clubs, audition for a play, try a new sport, or volunteer locally. It’s not about padding your resume. It’s about figuring out what makes you tick and committing to things you enjoy.

3. Begin a Simple Activity Tracker
Start recording what you do, when, and how often. Applications will ask for time commitments, so keeping a list now will be a lifesaver later.

4. Read Regularly
Whether it’s novels, news, or blogs, reading improves the critical thinking and comprehension skills needed for future success in school and on standardized tests.

Sophomores (10th Grade): Build & Refine

1. Step Up Your Rigor—If It Makes Sense
You don’t need to be in all honors or AP classes, but gradually increasing course difficulty each year is important. Colleges want to see that you’re challenging yourself appropriately.

2. Deepen Your Involvement
Stick with the activities you love and look for ways to contribute more meaningfully. Leadership doesn’t always mean a title—mentoring younger students or launching a project counts too.

3. Career & Major Exploration
Start thinking about your interests. Use free online tools or talk to adults in various professions. You don’t need to pick a major, but exploring now helps later.

4. Take the PSAT or PreACT and Consider a Mock ACT/SAT
This gives you a no-pressure look at standardized testing and helps inform whether the SAT or ACT might be a better fit for you.

Juniors (11th Grade): Step Into The Spotlight

Junior year is a big one. Grades, test scores, and choices made this year will feature prominently on college applications. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Take Academics Seriously
This is the most important year on your transcript. Plan your courses thoughtfully and strive for strong grades in appropriately rigorous classes.

2. Prepare for Testing
Plan to take the ACT or SAT this school year. If you haven’t already, start with a mock test to see which format suits you best. Once you choose, give yourself a few months to prepare based on your math level, schedule, and goals.

3. Start the College Search
Fall is a great time to start researching schools. Go on campus visits, attend info sessions (virtual or in person), and begin building your college list based on your criteria—location, size, programs, vibe, etc.

4. Demonstrate Interest
Colleges want to admit students who are likely to enroll. Sign up for mailing lists, attend sessions, follow schools on social media, and take detailed notes during your research. This also helps when writing essays later!

5. Lead, Contribute, or Create
Now’s the time to level up in your activities. Can you take on a leadership role? Start a club, create a blog, launch a fundraiser, publish a research paper, or enter a competition? Especially for highly selective schools, depth and uniqueness in extracurriculars matter.

6. Stay Organized
Balancing school, testing, activities, and a social life can get overwhelming. Use a planner or calendar system to stay on top of it all—and develop the time management skills you’ll need in college and beyond.

Bonus: Skills That Help at Any Age

Across all grade levels, these foundational habits support both academic success and personal development:

• Communicate with teachers & counselors: Building relationships is key, especially when recommendation letters come into play later.
  

• Read widely: Outside reading builds intellectual curiosity and academic stamina.
  

• Be mindful of digital footprints: What’s posted online can follow you. Keep social media mature and professional.
  

• Explore majors and careers casually: No pressure to decide yet, but exposure helps clarify interests.

Final Thoughts

College preparation is a journey, not a race. Whether your student is just starting high school or heading into junior year, small, consistent steps each season make the process more manageable and less stressful later.

Want personalized guidance along the way? The North Shore College Consulting team is here to help your family every step of the way.