A STRONG START: 6 AREAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO FOCUS ON EARLY
High school is about building strong habits, self-awareness, and an academic foundation that
gives students confidence and flexibility later on. The choices made in 9th and 10th grade
quietly shape options in the years ahead.
Build a Strong Academic Foundation
Students should be enrolled in the five core academic subjects for all four years of high school:
✓ English
✓ Math
✓ Science
✓ Social Studies
✓ World Language
If room allows, electives can absolutely enhance a schedule, but they should complement—not replace—core academics. Colleges value consistency and steady academic growth over time.
Whenever possible, students should challenge themselves appropriately while still maintaining strong grades. Rigor matters, but balance matters too. The goal is sustainable success, not burnout.
Because colleges review the full high school transcript, every year counts.
If a scheduling conflict ever limits access to a desired class, students can:
✓ Ask their school counselor to note the conflict in their recommendation
✓ Briefly explain the situation in the application’s Additional Information section
In rare cases, summer or online coursework can help fill a gap, but this is typically recommended only when truly necessary
Explore Interests & Get Involved
High school is a time to explore, experiment, and discover what genuinely interests you.
Students should participate in a few meaningful school or community activities during the school year. Summers are a great opportunity to:
✓ Work a job
✓ Volunteer
✓ Take a class
✓ Pursue a passion project
✓ Explore potential career interests
If an interest is not offered at school, students should be encouraged to advocate for themselves—by starting a club, finding a mentor, or creating an independent project.
There is no “perfect” extracurricular list. Activities should tell a story about who the student is, what they care about, and how they grow over time. Depth, consistency, leadership, and impact matter far more than quantity.
Keeping a simple running record of involvement helps students recognize growth and reflect more easily later when applications begin.
2. Build Relationships at School
Strong relationships with teachers and school counselors matter—not only for future letters of recommendation, but for mentorship, guidance, and confidence navigating adult relationships.
Students should practice:
✓ Engaging respectfully with teachers
✓ Asking thoughtful questions
✓ Seeking feedback
✓ Advocating for themselves appropriately
Students should also introduce themselves to their school counselor early, know where the counseling office is located, and feel comfortable checking in occasionally. Counselors are valuable partners in the college process and beyond.
The goal is not to ask for favors—it is to build genuine connection and trust over time.
3. Begin Exploring College Campuses
Visiting colleges early helps students clarify what environments feel like a good fit—academically, socially, and personally.
Students do not need to start with “dream schools.” Even visiting a local campus can help identify preferences related to:
✓ Campus size
✓ Location
✓ Campus culture
✓ Academic offerings
Virtual tours can be helpful when in-person visits are not possible.
As students gain more exposure, they can begin identifying what matters most to them and develop discernment about future options. Exploring a range of schools—not just the most competitive or well-known—can be especially helpful.
An open mind is the most important thing to bring on any campus visit.
4. Think Strategically About Testing
Many students take the PSAT in 10th or 11th grade. These scores are not used in college admissions, but they can provide helpful baseline information.
The summer after sophomore year is often a good time to take practice exams to determine whether the SAT or ACT may be the better fit and to begin outlining a testing plan.
Students should consider:
✓ Testing dates and availability
✓ Academic coursework timing (especially math progression)
✓ Extracurricular and family commitments
✓ Stress management and balance
Strong reading habits make a significant difference in standardized testing success. Regular reading—across different genres and formats—builds vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking over time.
College readiness is not just academic—it is personal and practical.
Students benefit from learning how to:
✓ Manage email and communication responsibly
✓ Hold a part-time job and balance commitments
✓ Take responsibility for daily routines and organization
✓ Handle basic life skills such as laundry, cooking, budgeting, and time management
✓ Make wise decisions with social media and technology
✓ Advocate for themselves respectfully with adults
✓ Identify trusted mentors and supports
These skills build confidence, maturity, and resilience long before move-in day arrives.
Bonus Tip: Capture Your Thoughts Along the Way
Encourage students to keep notes, on their phone or in a journal, about ideas, reflections, campus impressions, goals, values, and moments of growth. These small observations often become incredibly helpful later during the essay-writing and decision-making process.
Recommended Reading for Reflection & Essay Preparation
Reading thoughtful personal writing helps students understand voice, reflection, and meaning—key elements of a strong college essay. The following options are widely appropriate for values-driven families.
✓ The Opposite of Loneliness
Short, beautifully written personal essays that model authentic voice, reflection, and insight into everyday moments.
✓ Man’s Search for Meaning
A timeless exploration of purpose, resilience, and meaning that encourages deep reflection without explicit content.
✓ A Walk in the Woods
A humorous and reflective memoir that shows how ordinary experiences and observations can become meaningful stories—especially helpful for students who don’t feel defined by hardship.
✓ The Art of the Personal Essay
A curated collection of classic personal essays that demonstrate clarity, depth, and timeless reflection across many styles and voices.
Students do not need to read every book cover to cover. Even a few essays or chapters can help them begin thinking more deeply about their own experiences, values, and growth.