You’ve probably heard that the college search process is an individual experience and that every student has a unique journey. That is entirely true, particularly for recruited athletes and students interested in studying fine arts or other specialized fields, such as nursing and architecture. However, there are some steps that all 9th and 10th graders can take to get their college application heading in the right direction.
Academic Record
No matter what path you take to college, nothing is more important than your academic record. The old saying, “you have to walk before you can run” applies here. It is crucial that students focus on academics before jumping into extracurricular activities. Start building a strong academic profile by getting the best grades possible in the most rigorous coursework you can reasonably handle. Then start thinking about your learning style – do you prefer a discussion-based class? A large lecture hall? Do you enjoy hands-on learning? How are your note-taking skills? These are important considerations in the college search process and, more importantly, will help you build a strong foundation for your entire high school experience. When you have the opportunity to do so, try to choose coursework that aligns with your potential career goals. If you’re interested in nursing, try adding an anatomy course if your school offers one. If you’re interested in architecture, make sure you take a drawing course early on in your high school career.
Meaningful Relationships
Although the college admission process focuses on the student, the reality is that nobody is admitted to college without the help of those around them, particularly teachers, coaches, and mentors. If you’re likely to be a recruited athlete or heading towards a specialized application path in a few years, you can start immediately by fostering important relationships. As an athlete, 9th and 10th grade are perfect for initiating open, honest conversations with your coaches, both school and club. What NCAA level do they think suits you best at this point? What can you do to help make that a reality, or even to bump up to the next level? Do they have any friends coaching at the college level who might be willing to speak with you? Nurture this relationship and know that coaches want the best for you, especially if you’re hardworking and coachable. The same goes for artists! Engage in conversations with your art teacher or voice coach right away. Make sure they know you’re considering a career in fine arts; it will change their approach to giving you support and critiques. Don’t be afraid to be a little vulnerable and accept the feedback they provide.
At school, work to foster meaningful working relationships with your teachers; some of them will eventually write your college recommendations! They also want to be your mentors and cheerleaders. When it’s time for college applications, the more support you have, the better, and teachers who have seen your growth throughout high school are particularly important in the college application process. Your 9th and 10th grade years are also a great time to learn your school’s policies for excused absences. If you’re a recruited athlete or a performing artist, you may need to miss more school than others due to club tournaments or auditions. Practice communicating with your teachers well in advance of these events – they’ll appreciate your mature communication and you’ll be able to recover from missed work more effectively by being proactive! 11th and 12th graders pursuing post-secondary fine arts programs or college athletics often find themselves missing school due to recruiting visits and auditions, so it’s important to learn your school’s policies before you’re in the thick of these events. Start learning whether or not missed class days due to competitions or auditions will result in any academic penalty and adjust your plans accordingly; remember, your academic record is the first thing admissions officers will examine.
Colleges Want Well-Rounded Applicants
Finally, don’t forget this: colleges want athletes, artists, and academicians. But they also want generous community members with authentic interests outside the classroom, studio, and gym. Your first two years of high school are the ideal time to find an activity you love that gives back to your school or local community. Start or join a club at your school and stick with it! Work to make sure it has an impact on your high school campus over your four years there. Volunteer to coach a Little League team on the field where you got your start. Commit to helping others fall in love with the game that means so much to you. Teach a sculpting class to retirees seeking a new hobby. Share your skills with those in a completely different stage of life and feel the joy that comes with that experience.
Conclusion
When you start 9th grade, staring down four years of high school can feel daunting, and the college application process might seem eons away. But the truth is that you’re finding your interests, creating your network, and building your résumé from the moment you begin high school. Good luck! We can’t wait to see what you do with these next few years.