How To Be Strategic Your First Two Years of High School

When students and families think about college, they often picture the application frenzy of junior and senior year. But truthfully, the most impactful college planning begins in the first two years of high school. Freshman and sophomore years offer a valuable window to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation while developing healthy habits that will carry students through high school and beyond.

Here are some smart, practical strategies for students in 9th and 10th grade to set themselves up for future college success:

1. Prioritize Strong Study Habits & Time Management

College admissions officers look closely at a student’s transcript, so the grades earned in 9th and 10th grade truly matter. These early years are the time to:

• Develop consistent study routines.

• Seek help from teachers or tutors when concepts are unclear.

• Use a planner or digital tool to manage homework, deadlines, and test dates.

• Limit distractions during study time (yes, that includes putting your phone away!).

Building these habits now will make junior and senior year much less stressful.

2. Challenge Yourself Academically

Rigor matters, but balance matters more. Take the most challenging classes you can handle without sacrificing your mental health or GPA. If honors or AP courses are available, talk to your teachers or counselor about which ones might be a good fit.

Remember: colleges value upward trends. If you start in regular courses and move into more advanced classes over time, that can reflect growth and determination.

3. Get Involved

Freshman and sophomore years are ideal for exploring clubs, sports, music, volunteer work, or other passions. Try different things to find what excites you. Colleges don’t expect students to be experts in everything. They look for curiosity, commitment, and growth.

By 10th grade, start narrowing down your interests and investing more time in the activities that are meaningful to you. Depth often matters more than breadth.

4. Build Relationships With Teachers & Counselors

It’s easy to fly under the radar in a high school, but building relationships with teachers and your school counselor will pay off later when you need letters of recommendation or advice on courses and colleges.

Engage in class, attend office hours, and introduce yourself to your counselor—yes, even in 9th grade. They’ll be better able to advocate for you if they know who you are.

5. Read Often

Reading regularly expands vocabulary, strengthens writing skills, and enhances critical thinking. These skills are essential for success in high school, on standardized tests, and in college. Whether it’s novels, news articles, or nonfiction books, reading for pleasure builds the intellectual curiosity that colleges love to see.

6. Start A Resume Or Activity Log

Keep a running list of all your activities, including clubs, jobs, sports, hobbies, volunteer work, awards, and leadership roles. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to write your applications and you don’t have to remember what you did in 9th grade!

7. Think About Summer

Use your summers wisely. That doesn’t mean enrolling in a pricey program (unless it’s a great fit)—you could volunteer, get a job, take a class, read widely, or pursue a personal project. Anything that stretches your skills and shows initiative is valuable.

8. Begin to Learn About Colleges

You don’t need a complete college list in 9th or even 10th grade. But it’s never too early to start visiting campuses (virtually or in person), talking to older students, or researching different types of colleges. These early explorations help students make informed decisions later.

9. Stay Open-Minded & Growth-Oriented

You don’t need to know your major or dream school right now. In fact, many students change direction more than once. The most important thing in these early years is to be open to new experiences and focus on learning about yourself—what you enjoy, what energizes you, and where you thrive.

10. Don’t Forget To Enjoy High School

This one’s important. College planning is just one part of your high school experience—don’t let it take over. Go to the football game. Join your friends at the school dance. Say yes to trying something new, even if it has nothing to do with your “college resume.”

Some of your best memories and friendships will be made during these four years. Give yourself permission to be present, have fun, and be a teenager. The best college applications come from students who are well-rounded and authentic, not stressed-out perfectionists.

At North Shore College Consulting, we help students strike that balance by staying on top of what matters without missing out on the moments that make high school memorable. With the proper support, you can enjoy the journey and stay on track. We'll ensure you don't miss a step.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that the first two years of high school are more than just a warm-up. They’re the foundation for your academic and personal growth. By building good habits, exploring interests, and staying curious, you’ll be in a much stronger position when it’s time to dive into college planning later on.

And remember: it’s not just about where you go to college, but who you become along the way.