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Applying to college can feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. It may seem like there are a million things to remember and a never-ending list of requirements that must be met. And while it may be tempting to put off thinking about college until senior year, starting early can make all of the difference. To help you navigate this complex journey, I’ve put together a guide on how to get ahead in 9th and 10th grade to give you the best chance at getting accepted into your dream school.

Understanding Your Competition

While applications to top schools are reaching record highs, acceptance rates are plummeting to record lows, often falling below 10%. To give you an idea of what you're up against, here are some stats from last year's admissions rates: 

When going against such competitive admissions rates, it's imperative that you meticulously construct every aspect of your application to leave a lasting impression on admissions officers. By starting early as early as 9th grade, you have the valuable time needed to carefully craft your application and showcase your unique qualities and accomplishments to their fullest potential.

How to Get Ahead and Prepare Early for College Applications

Now that we’ve established what you’re up against, let’s discuss some ways that you can set yourself up for success by preparing early for college applications!

Strategically Map Out Your High School Classes 

The biggest mistake students make is that they realize at the last minute that they are missing important classes for their desired college major. To avoid this, keep track of your major's core classes and recommended electives. Don’t forget to also select classes based on your academic interests and challenge yourself by taking the most rigorous courses. Admissions officers recognize the value of taking challenging classes and view it as a strong indicator of your potential to succeed in a college environment.  

Here are some things to consider when deciding what classes to take in 9th and 10th grade:

• College requirements: Most colleges have set course requirements that they expect students to meet. Look at these ahead of time so you don’t fall behind.
• Outline your goals: Think about the target classes you want to reach, such as calculus. What do you need to do now to get there? 
• AP classes: If your school offers AP classes in 10th grade, consider opting for a course such as AP US History and getting it out of the way. 
• Desired college major: As you gain a better understanding of what you want to study, be more deliberate in building your course selection around topics you want to pursue in the future. For example, if you are interested in majoring in computer science, plan on taking advanced calculus, statistics, and physics classes. 

PRO TIP: Foster crucial relationships with your high school teachers!
When teachers see that you are genuinely invested in their classes and actively engaged in the learning process, they are more likely to develop a deeper interest in your success. As a result, your teachers will be more willing to connect you with opportunities and resources to internships, research opportunities, and summer programs that you may not have access to otherwise. Not only that, but this relationship will be crucial when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation!

Identify Your Interests Early & Plan Extracurricular Activities Accordingly

When colleges review applications, they are not only looking for students with impressive grades and test scores but also students who have demonstrated a genuine passion for their pursuits. Start in 9th grade to give yourself ample time to explore your different interests and make a meaningful impact within your extracurricular activities.

You might not know your niche right off the bat, and that's okay! Reflect on the following to narrow down your interests:

• How do you usually spend your free time outside school?
• What topics genuinely excite you?
• What have been your favorite activities so far?
• Which field would you feel most happy dedicating your time towards?

Once you have identified your interests, join a few clubs during the 9th grade and identify which ones you can commit to and take charge of in the years to come. By the time you are in the 10th grade, you're going to want to think about leadership! After exploring for a year, commit to your favorite activity and consider what you need to do to hold meaningful leadership positions for the next few years.

PRO TIP: Create a Master Resumé!
Keep track of everything you do in high school by adding your activities, accomplishments, and leadership positions to a Master Resumé. You'll thank yourself later when you start applying to colleges!

Start Developing Your Signature Project

Signature projects are activities outside of the classroom that highlight your commitment to your academic interest and growth as a leader. Students often overlook the importance of signature projects in college applications, which is a grave mistake.

These projects are essential if you would like to stand out in college applications, so give yourself plenty of time to nurture and develop your signature project by starting early. To help you start thinking about your signature project, I've brainstormed a few ideas and categorized them by area of interest.

STEM:

• Build an app, based on the need you want to solve
• Organize math and science Olympiads
• Conduct research

Business/Finance:

• Start a business journal or newsletter
• Create a blog or podcast on fostering financial literacy as early as high school
• Start your own nonprofit or LLC

Journalism & Writing:

• Write and publish a novel or poetry collection
• Start your own literary magazine or online blog
• Conduct an interview/oral history project

Art:

• Start an art therapy club in your community
• Find a group of artists with similar interests and philosophies and work on a project together
• Start a gallery to exhibit student artists' work

Plan Out Your Summers

You only have a few summers before you start applying to colleges, so make each one count! Below are some ideas to help you make the most out of your summer breaks.

• Jobs: Look for part-time or seasonal jobs that align with your interests or career goals. For example, if you're interested in journalism, consider working at a local newspaper or magazine. Not only will you gain valuable work experience, but you'll also have the opportunity to network with professionals in your desired field.
• Internships: Explore internship opportunities in industries that interest you. Many companies offer internships specifically for high school students, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and learn more about a particular career path. Reach out to local businesses or organizations to inquire about available internships.
• Volunteering opportunities: Dedicate your summer to giving back to your community through volunteer work. Whether it's helping at a local food bank, assisting with a youth program, or participating in a neighborhood clean-up, volunteering allows you to make a positive impact while developing important skills and values.
• College summer programs: Research and apply for summer programs offered by colleges and universities. These programs often provide a unique opportunity to explore a specific academic area or experience college life firsthand. Check with universities near you to see what programs are available for high school students.

Start Early to Build Your Best Application Profile

In today's competitive college admissions landscape, students need to go above and beyond in order to stand out. By staying proactive and dedicated, you can build a strong application profile and position yourself as a competitive applicant in the college admissions process.

If you are still struggling with where to start, you can sign up today for a free strategy call with one of our expert Enrollment Counselors. Students who work with us are 7x more likely to get into a top-ranked school and we can help you build the perfect college application to maximize your chances of acceptance into your dream school.